HomeMy WebLinkAboutMUS-246Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 8/1/2022
Bergen Community College
Division of Business, Arts, and Social Sciences
Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Course Syllabus
MUS-246 Jazz Ensemble II
Basic Information about Course and Instructor
Semester and year:
Course and Section Number:
Meeting Times and Locations:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: [optional]
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Course Description:
MUS-246 Jazz Ensemble II
This course requires students to study and to perform in a variety of jazz styles. Special attention
will be given to the development of improvisational skills and reading jazz charts. Students are
expected to participate in concerts for college ceremonies and functions.
Lecture [1.00], Laboratory [1.00].
1 credit
Prerequisite: MUS-140 Jazz Ensemble I
Student Learning Objectives and Assessment:
At the completion of the semester, students will be able to:
1. Perform different jazz styles (swing, blues, bebop,
Latin, and jazz rock) in an ensemble setting at an
intermediate level;
Performance
evaluations
2. Read/perform rhythms and demonstrate proper
articulation and phrasing for the various jazz styles at an
intermediate level;
Performance
evaluations
3. Demonstrate a solid sense of time displacement and
rhythm at an intermediate level;
Performance
evaluations
4. Demonstrate competency in basic jazz improvisational
skills (scales and harmony) at an intermediate level;
Performance
evaluations
5. Exhibit introductory knowledge of jazz history and key
jazz musicians;
Performance
evaluations
6. Exhibit the professionalism and attitude required to foster
a creative and productive learning environment
Performance
evaluations
7. demonstrate the ability to create and perform music
together with other musicians in rehearsals and concerts.
Performance
evaluations
Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 8/1/2022
Required Texts:
Ensemble charts will be distributed by the instructor or purchased by the student at a later date.
Recommended Texts:
Aebersold, Jamey. A New approach to Jazz improvisation. Jamey Aebersold Jazz, 1967.
Coker, Jerry. Improvising Jazz. Prentiss Hall, 1964.
Materials:
1. Music supplied by director. Students are financially responsible for any damaged or lost music
that the director provides.
2. Students must bring their instrument and music
3. Students are also responsible for instruments, reeds, picks, cords, spare strings, etc.
4. In addition, it is recommended that to bring a tape recorder to class to tape portions of the class
for home review.
Additional Resources:
1. It is strongly recommended that students either purchase or gain access to a metronome.
2. A transcriber computer program such as “The Amazing Slow Downer” (www.ronimusic.com)
is a recommended, helpful tool.
3. A play-along program such as “Band-In-A-Box” (www.band-in-a-box.com) is highly
recommended for this class.
Improvisation Policy:
Because improvisation is one of the most important elements of jazz, soloists will be held
accountable for their improvisation, preparation and performance. The director decides on
improvisation assignments. Considerations for improvisation assignments decisions include: the
specific needs of the performance, the intent of the composer/arranger, the ability levels and
needs of the ensemble, seniority, and the past history of dependability and positive contributions
towards the ensemble. The improviser must be able to demonstrate the capacity to play all of the
scales within the specific chord changes at performance and be able to improvise with satisfactory
proficiency.
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to practice the material during the week. The course will include midterm
and final musical evaluations based on rehearsals, concert performances, and recordings. Each
student is expected to improve his or her musicianship and improvisational skills each semester.
In addition, students will be evaluated by the following:
▪ Attendance / Class Participation: To get full credit for Attendance / Participation you
should come to all classes, complete all listening and writing assignments and pay special
attention to the “ensemble etiquette guidelines.” Since absence or tardiness disrupts the
entire ensemble, unexcused absences or tardiness will not be tolerated and will result in a
lower grade as well as being barred from performing in the concert. All students are
expected to assist with equipment setup and testing. Students will be assigned these tasks
on a rotation basis.
▪ Campus Performances: The course will include one or more on campus performances.
Students are expected to participate in each of these events.
▪ Off-Campus Performances: The ensemble (or selected members of the ensemble) may
have the opportunity to perform at off-campus venues.
Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 8/1/2022
Ensemble Behavior:
This is an ensemble. As such we are interdependent, not independent. There is no room for unprofessional
behavior. Students need to approach rehearsals with professionalism, generosity and an eye toward problem
solving and improving the group. You must request the instructor’s permission to leave the room and work
on material in another practice room or class. IT IS MANDATO RY THAT THE INSTRUCTOR KNOWS
WHERE YOU ARE AT ALL TIMES! Failure to comply with this policy may result in a failing grade.
While most artistic decisions are open to group input and often decided by the group, the instructor reserves
the right to override such decisions in the interest of the ensemble or the program. Remember, all you do
will reflect on you, your instructor and our program. Therefore, we will strive for professionalism in all of
our endeavors.
Evaluation:
Attendance/Participation: 40%
Musical Evaluations: 40%
Professional Attitude and Rehearsal Conduct: 20%
Assignment details and grading rubrics will be posted on the Moodle site.
90-100 = A 86-89 = B+ 80-85 = B 76-79 = C+ 70 - 75 = C 65-69 = D
E =Unofficial Withdrawal W =Official Withdrawal INC=Incomplete 0–64 = F
Any work turned in late from the original due date shall be deducted by one letter grade. Two letter grades
shall be deducted after the second week from the due date, and three letter grades after the third week from
the original due date. There are no make-up examinations unless approved in advance by the instructor.
Bergen Community College Academic Policies:
Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity – the honest, fair and continuing pursuit of
knowledge, free from fraud or deception. Please review the college catalogue or student handbook for
further information on this topic. Bergen Community College has adopted an internal grievance procedure
to provide for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by federal
regulation implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990. (ADA). Please review the college catalogue for further information on this
topic.
Bergen Community College is committed to providing its students and employees with an academic and
work environment free from sexual harassment or discrimination. Please review the policy prohibiting
sexual harassment in the college catalog. Please review the statement on acceptable use of BCC technology
in the college catalog. Faculty hold 3 office hours per week, and as requested by students, by appointment.
Students are encouraged to seek out their faculty member for academic needs.
BCC Attendance Policy
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are
registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor for each
section of each course. These will be established in writing on the individual course outline. Attendance will
be kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling purposes.
Attendance Policy in this Course
[To be designated by the instructor]
Other College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy Statements [optional but recommended]
Examples:
Statement on plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty.
ADA statement.
Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 8/1/2022
Sexual Harassment statement.
Statement on acceptable use of BCC technology.
Statement on the purpose and value of faculty office hours.
Statement on Accommodations for Disabilities
Bergen Community College aims to create inclusive learning environments where all students have
maximum opportunities for success. Any student who feels he or she may need an accommodation based
on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Specialized Services at 201-612-5269 or via email
at ossinfo@bergen.edu for assistance.
Student and Faculty Support Services [optional but recommended]
List support services, e.g., the Writing Center, the Math Lab, the Tutorial Center, Online Writing Lab
(OWL), Office of Specialized Services, etc. Include information on the BCC Library.
Example:
Student and Faculty Support Services
The Distance Learning Office – for any
problems you may have accessing your
online courses
Room C-334 201-612-5581
psimms@bergen.edu
English Language Resource Center On Line at: http://www.bergen.edu/elrc
The Tutoring Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
http://www.bergen.edu/tutoring
The Writing Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
http://www.bergen.edu/owl
The Office of Specialized Services (for
Students with Disabilities)
Room L-116 201-612-5270
http://www.bergen.edu/oss
BCC Library – Reference Desk Room L-226 201-447-7436
Special Note on the Tutoring Center
The Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center encompasses the Tutoring Center, the English
Language Resource Center, and the Writing Center. The website of the Learning Assistance Center is located
at www.bergen.edu/elrc. Tutoring services are available for this course in the Tutoring Center. As listed
above, the Tutoring Center is located in Room L-125, and its phone number is 201-447-7908.
Include a Course Outline and Calendar [can be combined in a single syllabus section]
The Course Outline and Calendar must include all of the following elements:
• A daily or (at least) weekly schedule of topics to be covered.
• Dates for exams, quizzes, or other means of assessment. (This does not mean that all evaluation of
students must be in groups and at the same time. Exams and other means of assessment can be
listed as "to be scheduled individually.")
• Due dates for major assignments – e.g., when is a paper due; if the topic has to be approved,
when; if an outline or draft is an interim step, when it is due.
• Any required special events must be included in the outline/calendar, e.g., a lecture by a visiting
speaker, a dramatic or musical performance, a field trip.
• Designation of Student Learning Objectives – by number – for each topic (see sample below).
Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 8/1/2022
• A note to students stating that the course outline and calendar is tentative and sub ject to change,
depending upon the progress of the class.
Sample Course Outline:
The following outline may be revised at the discretion of the instructor. Specific readings and written
assignments will be shared during class meetings and posted on the course Moodle site.
Week Topic Student Learning Objectives
1 Introduction 1-7
2 Song Project I 1-7
3 Song Project I 1-7
4 Song Project I 1-7
5 Song Project I 1-7
6 Song Project II 1-7
7 Song Project II 1-7
8 Song Project II 1-7
9 Song Project II 1-7
10 Song Project III 1-7
11 Song Project III 1-7
12 Song Project III 1-7
13 Concert Rehearsals 1-7
14 Final Concert 1-7
15 Concert and Performance
Assessment
1-7