Cleveland High School

Instructor: Kenney Polson
Phone: (503) 380-9861 (cell)
Email: kpolson@pps.k12.us.or  

Course Description

A performance-based course in the techniques used in jazz big band music as well as pop music. Topics include jazz history, listening skills, chord scales, modes, chords, melodic concepts, basic harmony, and rhythmic exercises. This groups main will focus on jazz music but will also be the group that will perform at Football games at Cleveland High School.

Required Texts

Students will be required to keep track of all their music during the course. This means the student must have their music with them in class at all times. There are no sharing of music in this class. Each individual has his/her own music and is responsible for it at all times. Those who come to class without their music are coming to class unprepared and this will be reflected in their grade

Required Recordings

Students will be required to purchase 3 compact discs from the list that will be circulated in class during the first week. Students must have these CDs by October 15th. Students will be able to choose their CDs from the list. However, it is recommended the students' purchase at least 2 of these from the section according to the instrument the student will be playing in the group. Only CDs from this list will be accepted for credit. No credit will be given for CDs that have been pirated (burned/copied). Please see me if you have any issues.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes for the individual jazz ensemble student:

1. Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the interpretation of jazz music.
2. Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the theory and history of jazz music.
3. Utilize fundamental skills and concepts of music in order to produce jazz music.
4. Demonstrate basic improvisational skills.
5. Perform basic jazz repertoire on a primary instrument to an intermediate level.
6. Constructively participate in the music community.
7. Engage in critical discussion of jazz music and the music of others.

Course Outcomes

A student with a fundamental knowledge of jazz should be able to read a lead sheet,play the chord changes, and be able to engage in discussion about jazz by the end of this course. Students are also training to be professional musicians and will leave this course trained with the proper protocol of being a dependable musician

Methodology

I believe in the self-fulfilling prophecy: believing something is going to happen a certain way and work towards it, success will happen. I do believe you will perform well and you will…

Classroom Rules

Students are not allowed to bring the following items into the classroom: sports equipment (including but not limited to hacky sacks, frisbees, smurf balls, etc.). Even though this is a music room students are not allowed to bring sound equipment (example: iPods, MP3 players, headphones, CD players, etc.). Gameboys, PSPs, and other personal game equipment are not allowed. If a student is caught with any of these items the item will be taken to the Vice-Principal.

Field Trips

All performances off campus are considered field trips. Field trips are considered learning situations, this includes the time before and after the performance. With this in mind, all Field trips are considered part of the classroom and all classroom rules apply. During field trips we do allow students to use sound equipment on the bus only. Under no circumstances are sound equipment allowed in or outside of the building in which we will perform. Students will take this sound equipment at their own risk. We will not be held responsible for any items.

Performances

See Band Calendar

Performance Attire

All students will wear black. Specifically, boys will wear black pants, black socks, black shoes, and a white shirt and black dress jackets. Under no circumstances are students allowed to wear sandals, flip-flops, or tennis shoes. Girls have two options; if you are wearing pants the attire is the same as the boys (black blouse obviously). If girls are wearing a skirt make sure the length of your skirt is below your knees, no excuses. We will perform at venues where most time the stage sits up very high and we don’t want any distractions from the music – you know what I mean…

Performance Details

It is not uncommon for us to meet 2 or 3 hours before a particular performance. Each situation will be individually assessed and announced. Details will be available before each performance. Students and parents/chaperones are encouraged to check their email very frequently for the 72 hours preceding every performance for last minute changes and announcements. Make sure you especially check your email the very day of every performance.

Jazz Festivals

Students and parents should be aware that the director does not make the schedules for our performance time at Festivals. Most often we only find out our actual performance a week (sometimes two) before Festival date. Parents are notified of the performance time as a courtesy so they may come out and support the band. Many of the Festivals have "Finals" at the end of the day for the top 3 bands in order to determine the winners. As a result, we are involved in the festival for many hours. With this in mind, students are asked to not schedule anything on Festival days. This is the prime reason students and parents are given Festival dates during the first week of school. If you feel this is too much then maybe Jazz 1 is NOT the class for you.

Assessment and Evaluation 

This is a performance class and it requires commitment. You cannot pass this class if you miss sessions. The key to success in this class is: practice diligently at home, come to class on time (instrument together and in your seat before the bell rings), and be prepared with your music at all times. Grading will be as follows:

Exams/Jury = 100%
Home Work (practice) = 100% (students are expected to practice no less than 1 hour per day)
Performance = 100% 

Sheet music of all selections is a requirement at ALL rehearsals and performances. Those who do not have their music fail to have the material needed for success. To receive an "A" in this course the student must have their music at ALL rehearsals and performances.

1 absence from a performance = your performance grade will be lowered 50%
4 absences = final grade lowered by 30%
9 absences = a no grade may result

Once again, this is a performance based course. No extra credit will be given to those who miss performances. Please do not ask…Students are required to get a substitute musician if they can’t make a football performance. The substitute must be a student who is currently enrolled in an instrumental music class (Jazz Band 1, Concert Band, or Symphonic Band) at Cleveland High. No other substitutes will be accepted. Those who miss a performance without getting a substitute will have their performance grade lowered by 30%.Students who miss a performance because of situations out of your control (extenuating circumstances) should make sure to see me ASAP.

Exams/Juries

Besides performance material, students are required to play from memory the following:

• 12 Chromatic Scales (2 octaves up and down)
• 12 Dorian Minor Scales (1 octave up)
• 12 Dominant Scales (1 octave up)
• 12 major Scales (1 octave up and down)

Exams/Juries will be given during the week of finals (both semesters).

Writing Standards

Writing is one of the central activities through which students learn, communicate, and demonstrate learning. Academic writing differs from other forms of writing in that it usually:

• Is appropriately narrow in focus.
• Presents an argument based on sound critical thinking.
• Draws upon and properly acknowledges the work of others.
• Presents new understanding in a organized fashion.

All writing in this music class, from personal essays, to formal research papers, will be evaluated on the basis of Standard American English, quality, creativity, effectiveness of argumentation and reasoning, and accuracy of information. In addition, academic writing will be evaluated on the selection and use of appropriate supporting material. Any information not original to the student must be cited in a recognized format. Use of information or material from outside sources without proper citation is plagiarism and grounds for disciplinary action.

Student Responsibilities

Every student enrolled in this course will be expected to uphold to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. And, given the small size of the class, it will be essential that every student participate in class discussions and keep up with recording and listening assignments.

ADA Compliance

Individuals with a disability: If you have a specific disability that qualifies you for reasonable accommodations, please contact the coordinator of special education programs.