CHIPPEWA FALLS HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
EARLY BIRD JAZZ SYLLABUS
Instructor: Mr. Barry Hitt
(715) 726-2406 Ext 1466
hittba@chipfalls.org
Chippewa Falls Senior High School
735 Terrill Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Early Bird Jazz class is an introductory course focusing on the subject of jazz America’s truly original art form. Our study with touch on jazz history, styles, improvisation, but we will
mainly listen to and play as much music as possible.
Important Dates (attendance for performances is required)
Monday, November 10, 2014 - Fall School Jazz Concert at CFHS
Friday, January 30, 2015 - Big Band Bash - Heyde Center
February 19-24, 2015 - CFHS Music Department Tour
Friday, May 15, 2015 - Spring School Jazz Concert at CFHS
* We will have lunchtime performances that will be scheduled throughout the year.
* Additional performance opportunities will likely arise and will be communicated well in advance.
The Jazz Rehearsal Environment
Our music requires bravery, freedom, personality, creativity, individuality, and perhaps beyond all else,
empathy. In order to be a collaborative member of the jazz ensemble, you must be able to empathize with
the other members. This is true in all ways musical and also applies to the way we treat one another. Our
rehearsal space must be a place where everyone feels safe to be themselves without the threat of
ridicule. We will succeed musically when every musician is empowered to be the purest form of
themselves. We will foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment for everyone.
Count Basie made a point of hiring musicians that were not only stellar players, but also like-minded in
their desire to live harmoniously. He insisted upon this because his band spent a lot of time together (as
we will) and he was certain that only a happy band could truly swing. It is my sincere hope that we will
thoroughly enjoy each other’s unique contributions and swing together as the awe-inspiring CFHS Jazz
Ensemble.
Behavioral Expectations: You are responsible for YOUR actions.
1. Mutual Respect
a. Rude behavior, inappropriate language, and disrespect will not be allowed.
b. Do not disrupt other students who are participating in class.
c. MP3 players or cell phones must be put away during class.
2. Responsibility
a. Be on time and bring all needed materials to class.
-Instruments, music, pencil, mutes, valve oil, slide oil, cork grease, patch cords…
b. Attentive Listening is essential. Please pay attention if I am working with another
section. What we are discussing will most likely pertain to you elsewhere in the piece.
Practicing
Being prepared for rehearsals and knowing your notes will allow us to fine tune as an ensemble.
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Listening
Music is the organization of sound and silence. We must listen to understand music. As jazz students, we
will listen to recordings of our music’s finest practitioners. Suggested recordings will be mentioned often in
class. The most successful jazz students are those who develop an understanding of how the music can
become their best teacher. Please make sure you are incorporating jazz listening into your routine. This is
the one class you have where plagiarism is acceptable. Learn from and copy the masters. I encourage
attending live concerts frequently. There is nothing like hearing artist level performances for inspiration
and creative energy!
Consequences:
My responsibility is to provide a safe and productive learning environment. Any actions that disrupt the
education of others cannot be overlooked. I will first speak with you privately concerning the issue. If the
unacceptable behavior continues an office referral will be made.
GRADING:
1st Quarter
45% (Assessments 60% / Application 30% / Practice 10%)
2nd Quarter
45% (Assessments 60% / Application 30% / Practice 10%)
Final Assessment 10%
Semester
100%
Grading Scale
A
100-92.5%
A92.4-89.5%
B+
89.4-87.5%
B
87.4-82.5%
BC+
C
C-
82.4-79.5%
79.4-77.5%
77.4-72.5%
72.4-69.5%
D+
D
DF
69.4-67.5%
67.4-62.5%
62.4-59.5%
59.4% or Below
Extra Credit Policy
There will be very few opportunities for extra credit provided. If you complete all of your work to the best
of your ability, extra credit will not be needed. When extra credit is made available, each and every
student in the classroom will have equal opportunity to earn it. It will not total more than 1% of a
student’s quarter grade.
Attendance
1. Please put scheduled performance dates on your family calendars. Performances are a priority.
2. It is understood that there will be absences due to illness, planned family trips, etc.. Prior
notification is appreciated.
We have read the above expectations and understand the responsibilities for class and will follow them.
Student Signature:
____________________________________________Date______________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:
____________________________________________Date______________________
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