242 E SQUIRES; PHONE 231-6116

PLEASE DO NOT CALL ME AT HOME

e-mail: richard.cole@vt.edu

http://www.music.vt.edu/faculty/cole/MusAmJazz.html

Daily 8 A.M. - 9 A.M. or by appointment.

Required

Jazz, The First 100 Years , 2ND EDITION

by Henry Martin and Keith Waters packaged with the Jazz Audio Primer CD and the 2-CD set to Accompany Jazz The First 100 Years. Published by Schirmer/Thomson Learning. © 2002

Suggested supplementary Recordings (but not required)

Ken Burns Jazz - The Story of America's Music

5 CDs Columbia/Legacy C5K 61432

The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz Selected and annotated by Martin Williams Revised

CBS Special Products Smithsonian Collection of Recordings CD Edition RD 033 A5 19477

This collection is now out of print and is collectible. You may find it in used record shops or on ebay in either the LP, cassette, or CD version.

There will be several quizzes/tests during the semester. The final exam is cumulative. In addition to music recognition, each quiz or test will include a variety of listening questions pertaining to the material covered. Each quiz or test will be in a format that can be computer graded. You will need to provide a No. 2 pencil.

• Grades are based on test scores, class participation and attendance. You must take all tests. Failure to do so will result in a 0 being averaged into your grades and the possibility of an incomplete for the semester.
• Test grades are contestable only if you can verify an actual error.
• It is very important that you maintain a regular listening and study schedule. Scheduling your time effectively may be one of the most important learning experiences you will receive at the university.
• Tests are scored on a strict scale basis using percentages. Make-ups will be given ONLY with a note from the Dean or the infirmary.
• The average of the tests plus ANY points (when available) for attendance/class participation will equal your final grade.

1. To recognize standard Jazz literature presented in the listening anthology and in class.

2. To recognize the standard Jazz instruments by sight and sound.

3. To pronounce the names of the composers and performers presented in the text and in class.

4. To pronounce and define the terms as presented in class.

5. To place the composers, performers and compositions presented in class in the correct style period.

6. An understanding of the historical times and circumstances under which the composers/performers worked.

Music in America "Jazz" is designed to acquaint students with basic Jazz. In the process of achieving this result, selected goals of Areas 2 and 6 of the University Core Curriculum will be addressed. Please refer to the booklet: University Core Curriculum / A Guide for Students / 1996-97 for a complete list of these goals.

Goal # 1

"Examine some of the formative ideas and cultural traditions that have shaped Western experience."

Western traditions, such as music notation, formal concerts, composition and advanced study will be studied to determine what sets Western music apart from other traditions.

Goal # 2

"Study classic and contemporary texts that have influenced or exemplified currents in Western thought and imagination."

An examination of Jazz from the various style periods illustrates how this art form has developed along the lines of Western thought and imagination.

Goal # 3

"Gain an understanding of some aspects of human achievement and experience that have been persistently overlooked in mainstream Western culture, including those of women, minorities, and non-Western peoples."

A substantial percentage of creative works under consideration in this course are those created by women and minorities.

Goal # 4

"Analyze creative works of various mediums both in the arts and technology from the viewpoints of cultural meanings and influence."

The creative works addressed in class will be studied in detail.

Goal # 6

"Consider the contributions of philosophical, ethical, or religious systems to human life"

Under consideration are various vocal and instrumental works as well as works directly influenced by philosophies.

Goal # 9

"Study the life, thought, and creative activity of men and women of achievement in various fields of human endeavor."

As part of the examination of the great works of Jazz, a brief look at the lives and creative process of the composers is included. Here one can observe how various cultural influences have been at work shaping the creative output of the great minds of Western culture.

Goal # 1

"Participate in cultural events and activities on campus, in both popular and classical arts"

While not required, attendance at Jazz events is strongly encouraged to reinforce the knowledge gained in class.

Goal # 2

"Understand how the artists or designers who produce these events and works have shaped their ideas"

What is in the mind of the performer or creator? Why are various tempi chosen? Why does the band sit in this pattern? These and other questions will be answered.

Goal # 4

"Explore the interaction of art and society, including the contributions of diverse groups to cultural life, such as women and members of minority groups".

The making of the "Fortune 500", Blacksburg's "Steppin' Out" festival, and various summer arts festivals are examined to illustrate the interaction of art and society.

Goal # 5

"Study selected works of fine and applied arts"

This course will define fine and applied arts and take a close-up look at many creative works.