8 O’Clock Jazz Ensemble

Letter from Mr. Hartman – 18 Nov 2010  [PDF Version]

Jazz Ensemble 2nd Quarter Exam Requirements
(East periods 2&3, West period 6)

Each student will be graded individually on his/her ability to perform a transcribed melody of a jazz standard as played by a well-known professional jazz artist along with a CD/tape/iPod recording, as well as an accurate written transcription of the melody on staff paper. Each student will bring his/her recording to school in order to play along with the recording. The melody must be of (at least) a 32-bar tune and the measures must be consecutive. For example, a student may not skip a section of music and begin again later in the melody. Students are not responsible to play/write the intro of a song, although performing and writing the intro are recommended. The standard melody must be recorded by a professional jazz artist and the soloist’s name, album title, and song title must be provided. When performing, the student should imitate all of the musical qualities present on the recording, including but not limited to exact notes, rhythms, dynamics, articulations, nuances, subtleties, tone, and inflection. Students may not use a lead sheet or any music during the exam, doing so will result in a loss of twenty percentage points.
Students should choose a melody that goes “beyond the lead sheet” of a tune, giving the student an opportunity to learn the professional performer’s version of the tune. Melodies that are exactly like the lead sheet or too simple should be avoided. See Mr. Hartman if you are trying to decide whether a particular recording is a good choice for this exam.
As mandated by Lakota administrators, the exam performances will take place during the exam period and the student’s grade will count as 10% of his/her semester grade.
Please see me in advance if you have any questions or concerns. I will also be available to recommend artists and recordings.
I look forward to hearing your great accomplishments. Good luck!
Mr. Hartman