AP 2326.

001 Jazz Band I

Syllabus

Spring, 2006

Instructor: Kelly P. Durbin Office Hours: TR, 10 – 10:45 am

Office: JO 4.630 also by appt.
Phone: 883-2723 E-mail:kpdurbin@utdallas.edu

UTD Jazz Band I

Welcome to the UTD Jazz Band I. This semester we will plan on playing at least two
concerts. This means hard work on everyone’s part (but hopefully it will be enjoyable
work). I will be available to anyone who needs my help during office hours or by
appointment.

Attendance:

Attendance is obviously required in this class. You are allowed 2 unexcused absences.
After that, your grade drops 1 letter/every 2 absences. 3 late arrivals = 1 unexcused
absence.
If you cannot make it to rehearsal, contact me ahead of time by phone or email. Each and
every member of the band is important. If you cannot be here or are going to be late, you
should send a qualified substitute. If none is available, at least let me know ahead of time
so that we can make any necessary adjustments to chart choices, etc.

Skills development:

As a member of Jazz Band I, you will be expected to practice and learn certain musical
skills in addition to preparing your music. These skills will be assigned by the instructor,
and will include scales and various patterns for jazz improvisation. The skills will help
you become a better player, as well as prepare you for participation in Jazz Band II and
improvising in a small combo setting.

Grading:

Everyone starts with an A. You will end the semester with an A if you adhere to the
above attendance policies, and put out what I feel is substantial effort to contribute to the
ensemble (learning your parts, mastering assigned skills, being attentive at rehearsals,
etc.). You will be expected to have your music learned before coming to rehearsal. You
will also need to schedule occasional rehearsals with your band section outside of class
time. Your final exam grade will be to play your best at the final concert.

In addition to rehearsal time, you will be required to attend one jazz performance this
semester (on campus), and type a one to two page report on it. The report should reflect
your observation of details regarding ensemble playing, improvisation, etc. You may
choose from one of the three concerts listed below. Failure to fulfill this requirement will
lower your grade by 1 letter.

Jazz concerts on and off campus this semester will be posted on my office door and
announced weekly in class.

Jazz concerts scheduled thus far on campus this semester include the following:

• Saturday, January 14 REQUIRED

David “Fathead” Newman 8 pm Conference Center

• Friday, January 20 REQUIRED

N’Awlins Gumbo Kings 8 pm Conference Center
•
• Friday, April 1 REQUIRED
The Bill Mays Trio 8 pm Conference Center

Some of the off campus venues that present jazz performers are:

Terilli’s (2 locations)
Sambuca (2 locations)
The Dallas Museum of Art (each Thursday in the atrium from 6 to 8 pm- free admission)
The University of North Texas College of Music (Denton - see their web page)

You must adjust your work schedules to play at our performances.

Required performances are Friday, Feb. 24 (Ellington concert w/ Chamber Singers), and
the end of semester concert (April 21 or 22 TBA).
Consider these two performances your midterm and final exams.
We will also perform once or twice on a Tuesday evening in the Pub (TBA).