Jazz
Studies at MSUM
Large
Jazz Ensembles Jazz
Combos Jazz
Guitar Ensemble
Jazz Studies Courses
Links
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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:
MSUJazz@mnstate.edu |
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.
Recent/Upcoming
Performances
Jazz
Ensemble I :
Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Russell/Ellington
Jazz
Ensemble II :
On the Sunny Side of the Street - Fields/McHugh
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. |
JAZZ
COMBOS
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.
Recent/Upcoming
Performances
Jazz Combo
I :
Take Five - Dave Brubeck
Jazz Combo
II :
Easy to Love - Cole Porter
JAZZ
GUITAR ENSEMBLE
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The
Jazz Guitar Ensemble at MSUM, the "Flying V's,"
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.
Recent/Upcoming
Performances
To find
out more about the guitar studio at MSUM, please click
here.
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Jazz Ensemble I
& II
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 Voice
Class 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 Combo
Small group jazz ensemble. Perform music of the be-bop
period to the present.
Jazz History
Historical survey of American Jazz.
Jazz Pedagogy
This 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 Composition
These 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
Keyboards
Study 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 Ensemble
Jazz 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.
Other
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