Music Department
Jazz Studies at MSUM
MSUM features a full roster of Jazz courses catered to every style and talent level! To complement these academic courses, students may also perform in a large jazz ensemble, a small combo (5-7 players), the Afro-Caribbean steel drum/salsa ensemble Fuego Tropicál, and/or the vocal jazz ensemble, Snowfire. Each of these groups presents at least one formal concert each semester and is involved in tours and festival appearances. Internationally recognized guest artist appearances are also an integral part of the MSUM jazz experience, as is the myriad of professional playing opportunities many MSUM students pursue in the Fargo-Moorhead jazz scene. We encourage those wanting to know more about Jazz Studies at MSU Moorhead email us at:
LARGE JAZZ ENSEMBLES
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The Large Jazz Ensembles are open to all university students. Auditions for the Jazz Ensembles are held during the first three days of the fall and spring semesters. The instrumentation includes saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass guitar, drum set and percussion. Since 1990, Jazz Ensemble I has performed in concerts and master classes with a number of internationally acclaimed jazz artists, including drummers Peter Erskine, Steve Smith, Ruben Alvarez, and Ed Soph, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, xylophonist Ian Finkel, trombonist Slide Hampton, and trumpeter Jimmy Owens. Jazz Ensemble I has experienced a considerable amount of success, including being named "Best College Big Band" at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival in 1993. Jazz Ensemble I : Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Russell/Ellington
Guest latin percussion artist Ruben Alvarez makes a point in rehearsal with members of the MSUM Jazz Ensemble I in preparation for the "Evening of Latin Jazz" concert while director Tom Strait looks on. |
The Jazz Combos are small group jazz ensembles, consisting of 3-5 players. The Jazz Combos are open to all university students. Auditions for the Jazz Combos are usually held during the first three days of the fall and spring semesters. The instrumentation of the Jazz Combos include horns, guitar, bass guitar, piano, and percussion. The groups perform music of the be-bop period to the present.
Jazz Combo I : Take Five - Dave Brubeck
Jazz Combo II : Easy to Love - Cole Porter
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The Jazz Guitar Ensemble at MSUM consists of 5-6 guitar players, a bass player, and a percussionist. The Jazz Guitar Ensemble is open to all university students. Auditions for the Jazz Guitar Ensemble are usually held during the first three days of the fall and spring semesters. To find out more about the guitar studio at MSUM, please click here. |
Jazz Studies Courses
Jazz Ensemble
Large group Jazz ensemble. Open to all university students. Selection by audition. Performance of a variety of Jazz styles. May be repeated for credit.
Jazz Improvisation
An introduction to Jazz improvisation with an emphasis on small group performance techniques. Related materials include modal harmony, 12 bar blues, form, standard popular song form, and an introduction to Jazz theory and related chord scales.
Commercial Applied VoiceClass instruction and recording studio experience in commercial singing styles, techniques, etiquette and vocal health.
Advanced Jazz Improvisation
This course will continue the concepts presented in MUS 250 as well as introduce the student to advanced chord/scale relationships. The course will also explore the classic small group repertoire of the late 1940's, 50's and early 60's.
Jazz Theory
A study of the fundamental elements of Jazz harmony, melody, and rhythm. Written assignments and ear training.
Jazz ComboSmall group jazz ensemble. Perform music of the be-bop period to the present.
Jazz HistoryHistorical survey of American Jazz.
Jazz PedagogyThis course will focus on techniques for directing instrumental and vocal Jazz ensembles and techniques for teaching the various Jazz disciplines. The course will review major Jazz texts, periodicals, historical recordings, and resources.
Jazz Arranging and CompositionThese courses are to be taken sequentially and will introduce the student to the elements of Jazz composing and arranging using the small and large ensembles of the be bop era to the present as models. Score analysis, transcriptions and modern voicing will comprise the basis of study.
Commercial KeyboardsStudy and practice of keyboard usage of the last 100 years. Styles will range from early blues and ragtime to various Latin styles and rock.
Vocal Jazz EnsembleJazz style repertory with both a cappella singing styles and works accompanies by rhythm section. Representative styles include New York Voices; Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross; and Manhattan Transfer.