Jazz Band

Jazz Band is a 0-hour course that meets weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 6:50-7:35am. Students can choose to receive course credit or not. 

In Jazz Band, each student will receive a solid grounding in the performance of jazz music. All Students will feel comfortable playing in several different jazz styles, as well as gaining experience in improvisation, sight-reading, and small group performance. Students will also come away with a greater knowledge of jazz history and influential jazz musicians.

TEXTBOOK:
Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble: A comprehensive Method of Jazz Style and Improvisation by Mike Steinel.

Each student will be assigned a book and is responsible for its return at the end of the school year. Failure to return the book will result in the student being assessed a replacement fee of $12.95.

SUPPLIES:
Students will need a pencil everyday in class. Each Student will be given their own folder in which to put their book and sheet music. Each student will have their instrument, all of its supplies (reeds, oil, etc), folder and pencil at every rehearsal and performance. Failure to be prepared for class will result in the loss of daily points.

UNIFORM:
Students will wear all black for jazz concerts. Men will wear Black Pants (not jeans), and a black dress shirt with Black Shoes and Socks. Ladies may choose to wear a black skirt of appropriate length. Assistance is available for those who need help purchasing these items. Please see Mr. Wellfare.

GRADING:
Daily Effort : 10% 4 points per day.
Employability Skills: 10%
Performances: 40%
Clinics/Sectionals: 20%
Tests/Quizzes: 20%

QUIZZES/TESTS:
Periodic Playing tests will be given each trimester to assure that students are learning their music. These tests will also help determine areas in which the students need the most assistance from Mr. Wellfare. A short written final will be given each Trimester to assess knowledge of theory/history learned in class.

EVENING CLINICS/SECTIONALS/PRACTICE POLICY:

• Clinics: Approximately once a month students will have the unique opportunity to take part in a jazz clinic at CHS given by a prominent local jazz musician and educator. Each Clinic day will allow individual sections tolearn from an expert on their instrument and have a full group rehearsal led by the clinician. These clinics will be vital to our success this school year.
• Sectionals: Each section will have 3 extra (outside of 0 hour) sectionals each trimester with Mr. Wellfare. These will allow each section to focus on specific areas of need in the music. Students will be able to discuss and choose their sectional times with each other and tell Mr. Wellfare when they would like to meet.
• Practice Policy: Practice minutes are not required each week for Jazz Band. It is required that students be prepared for rehearsal and be able to play their music. Periodic playing tests and quizzes will be given to assure students have been keeping their obligation to learn the music. If extra help is needed to learn the music please see Mr. Wellfare to set up a time to meet.

EXTRA HELP:
Students who need extra help may see Mr. Wellfare to set up a time outside of class to meet. Extra help will be given to any student who needs it. Please don’t be afraid to ask, Mr. Wellfare is happy to help!

WEBSITE/EMAIL/CHARMS/ANNOUCEMENTS:
All students and parents are encouraged to regularly check the Caledonia Bands website for announcements and calendar information. All band members and their parents are added to our mailing list and will also receive announcements and reminders. These will come through our database Charms. Please check your spam filter to make sure it does not block @charmsmusic.com email addresses. Students will also use charms to turn in recordings to Mr. Wellfare.

ATTENDANCE:
**Your attendance in class is of UTMOST importance. If you are absent, YOU WILL BE MISSED. It is YOUR responsibility to make-up class work, assignments, and rehearsal time missed. See the CHS handbook for school policy regarding grading, tardies, and attendance.

Jazz Band puts ONE person on each part of music. Each part is essential to the learning and success of the entire group.