Jazz Ensemble
A Performance Course Emphasizing Aspects of Ensemble Techniques

DEPARTMENT: MUSIC
COURSE NUMBER: 103
COURSE TITLE: Jazz Ensemble
PROFESSOR: Paul Jeffrey

CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION:
PREREQUISITES: Ability to read music and play a musical instrument
PERMISSION REQUIRED: Yes

SYNOPSIS OF COURSE CONTENT: Performance of all styles of jazz music with leading jazz luminaries
ASSIGNMENTS: Performance music presented
GRADE TO BE BASED ON: Attendance to concerts and ability to perform music presented

Duke has an active and vibrant musical scene thanks in part to the contributions of ensembles, both those sponsored by the Department of Music and those run by students and others interested in the arts at this University. Departmental ensembles may be taken for credit (one-quarter credit per term) or students may participate on a non-credit basis. Membership is open to all who are qualified--majors and non-majors alike (indeed, the majority of the singers and players are non-majors). Auditions are generally held during orientation and the first week of classes. For further information about times and sign-up sheets, please contact the Music Department Office at 660-3300. There is no charge for participation.

Founded in 1930, the Duke University Jazz Ensemble has had a distinguished history. Les Brown and Creed Taylor are among its alumni, and the Ensemble has performed with Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton. Currently the Ensemble has the opportunity to perform in concerts with outstanding international recording artists such as Freddie Cole, Joanne Brackeen, Jon Faddis, Cyrus Chestnut, Woody Shaw, Roy Hargrove, Stanley Jordon, Terence Blanchard, Mulgrew Miller, Tom Harrell, and Frank Lacy in the International Jazz Festival series and in other concerts on and off campus. The repertoire is varied and includes music by famous 20th-century jazz composers.

During the audition students should demonstrate competence in performance on a musical instrument or in voice. Interest specifically in jazz will be assessed during a brief interview.


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