Course Syllabus

Course Information

AP 2326.001 Jazz Band I

Fall, 2010

Professor Contact Information

Instructor: Kelly P. Durbin Office Hours: TR, 12:45 – 1:45 pm

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

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

Must be able to play an instrument and have experience reading music.

Course Description

Jazz Band I is a large playing ensemble, whose repertoire draws from a wide range of jazz big
band styles. Players have an opportunity to play swing, rock, funk, latin, and other styles. The
band has several performances each semester at various campus venues.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

• Students will develop their music reading skills by sight reading jazz arrangements.
• Students will improve their instrumental technique through practice and demonstration of
scales and other skills as assigned by the instructor.
• Students will develop their ensemble skills through preparing pieces for performance.
• Students will gain performance experience by performing several concerts throughout the
semester.
• Students will observe and evaluate professional jazz performances.

Required Textbooks and Materials

Students must provide their own instruments. The university does provide drum set, amplifiers
for bass and guitar, keyboards, and bari sax. Instructor may request each student to obtain certain
materials specific to his or her needs.

Brass players must provide their own mutes (trumpet – Harmon and straight or cup; trombone –
straight or cup).

Course Syllabus Page 1

Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble by Mike Steinel, published by the Hal Leonard Corp. (text
and included practice CD). Buy the edition for your instrument.

Suggested Course Materials

Staff notation paper

Assignments & Academic Calendar

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

Required performance thus far is the end of semester Fall Festival concert (TBA). Consider this
performance your final exam.
We will also perform once or twice in the student union (TBA).

Written concert reviews (see below) are due within 10 days following the attended concert.

Grading Policy

Everyone starts with an A. You will end the semester with an A if you adhere to the attendance
policies, and put forth a 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. If you do not learn your music accurately and in a
timely manner, your grade will be lowered. 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 two jazz performances this semester
(on campus), and type a one to two page report on one of the concerts. The report should reflect
your observation of details regarding ensemble playing, improvisation, etc. The three concerts
are listed below. For each of the required concerts you are unable to attend, you must substitute
two other jazz performances (on or off-campus). See instructor for concert and venue
recommendations. Failure to fulfill this concert requirement will lower your grade.

No out of town concerts permitted without prior instructor approval.

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

Required jazz concerts scheduled on campus this semester include the following:

UNT One O’Clock Lab Band September 24 Conference Center

Jack Petersen October 15 Jonsson Perf. Hall

Course Syllabus Page 2

Course & Instructor Policies
(make-up exams, extra credit, late work, special assignments, class attendance, classroom
citizenship, etc.)

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.

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.

UT Dallas Syllabus Policies and Procedures

may be reviewed at:
 http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus‐policies 
 
 
Policies and procedures regarding the following topics are addressed:

Field Trip Policies, Off-campus Instruction and Course Activities

Student Conduct & Discipline
Academic Integrity
Copyright Notice
Email Use
Withdrawal from Class
Student Grievance Procedures
Incomplete Grade Policy
Disability Services
Religious Holy Days
Avoiding Plagiarism
Resources to Help You Succeed

Course Syllabus Page 3