University of Florida Jazz Band
Syllabus / Student Manual
 MUN1710 and MUN3713 - Jazz Band, Spring 2010
Instructor: Scott Wilson
Class Meets: Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. You are required to do 1 hour of sectionals..
Office hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 2:00pm – 4:00pm (email to secure appointment)
Email: swilson@arts.ufl.edu
Required text: Ultimate Jazz Tool Kit and Ultimate Music Workbook. Author, Scott Wilson. You can
purchase these books online at the Jazz Education Store (www.jazzeducationstore.com) or you can purchase
them in town at Xerographic Copy on 13th Street.
Statement from the Director:
The University of Florida Gator Jazz Bands will offer you a positive opportunity for personal and musical
growth and aptly prepare you for the professional world. Jazz Ensemble One is the premier jazz ensemble at
the college and therefore the expectations of this ensemble are very high. It is my true honor to be part of each
of your musical careers and I will help you in every way possible throughout your career. Thank you for
gracing our jazz ensembles with your exceptional musical talents.
Rules, Regulations, Procedures and Grading
In order to maintain a professional atmosphere we must all work together in adhering to the following rules and
regulations.
Rehearsal Procedures
A. Rehearsals start on time. You must be in your seat with your instrument ready (including doubles)
and instrument tuned before the downbeat.
B. After a piece of music has been rehearsed, at the following rehearsal students are expected to have
the rhythms and notes at a satisfactory performance level (unless otherwise noted by the
director).
Receiving Instructions In A Professional Manner
Everyone should respect all musicians in the band and receive directions from the director without taking
personal offence. In other words, “don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Mutes and Doubles
Saxophones must bring the appropriate doubles every day. Trumpets and trombones must be prepared with the
appropriate mutes as well.
Pencil
We will make many corrections, additions, and deletions to the music every day. You must mark your music as
we make changes because we will play so much literature. It would be impossible for you to remember all of
the corrections, additions or deletions we will make. Likewise, one of the main reasons all professional
musicians mark their music is to insure that their “substitute” can read and perform the music accurately.
Lost Music
The folders (and all of the music in them) remains the responsibility of each student. A $1.00 fee per double
page of music will be charged for the replacement of all lost parts.
Loading Zone
The loading zone behind the rehearsal building is to be used only by rhythm section players. Please note that
the ramp privileges for loading and unloading are only valid preceding and following (but not during) the
ensemble’s scheduled rehearsal time.
Section Leaders
Section leaders are expected to lead their sections. I expect section leaders to understand how to walk the line of
being respectful towards their musicians yet at the same time being extremely firm and honest about their
expectations. This is a difficult skill to master so be prepared for a learning process on your part. Remember, it
is your job to be a leader in order to make their lives more fruitful. “Firm and honest yet respectful.”
Sectionals
Each section will have a sectional every week beginning the second week of classes. It is the responsibility of
each section leader to see that these rehearsals are scheduled and that he/she is aware of the problem areas to
work on. On Thursday of the second week, all section leaders will turn in their scheduled sectional time to me
and I will post it on my door. I will attend one group’s sectional every week to observe and offer my humble
suggestions in the art of running an efficient and professional sectional. If a student misses a sectional it will be
considered an absence.
GRADING
To receive the grade of an “A” for this course you must demonstrate the knowledge of the follow professional
skills:
A. The student will perform the music in a superior fashion.
B. The student will not have any unexcused absences.
C. The student will attend every sectional and rehearsal.
D. The student will adequately improve their sight reading and be able to accurately count any piece of
music in his/her folder
E. They will have pencil for every rehearsal.
F. They will not lose their music.
G. They will have no more than 3 tardies.
H. The student will be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Ultimate Jazz Tool Kit and score an
“A” on all test pertaining to the book. I don’t expect musicians to understand everything in this
book: However, I do expect that they know and understand the chapters in the book that apply to
this class (i.e. How To Run A Sectional, The Sightreading Manual, Critical Things to Pay
Attention To In Rehearsal, The Importance of Tuning and Professional Tuning Techniques,
Practicing Your Music Parts, Understanding Cutt-offs)
I.
They will respect all musicians in the band.
Attendance Policies
A total of 5 absences are allotted to performers attending Jazz Bands. If you can not attend a rehearsal, a
substitute must be provided and the following guidelines observed.
1)
2)
3)
4)
The substitute is qualified and preferably playing in another Jazz Ensemble.
24 hours advance notice must be given except in cases of emergencies or illness.
Your music folder must be at the rehearsal even if you are absent!
It is your responsibility to make sure that your substitute is punctual.
Tardiness
Tardiness disrupts the learning environment of the musicians. We all have huge commitments and will be
occasionally late for a good reason. With that in mind, try your very best to always be on time (When you need
that tardy for a good reason, you will have it and not worry about it).
Attendance For “On and Off” Campus Performances
Our performances are our exams and missing one exam in any class is detrimental to your grade. If you miss a
performance your situation will be reviewed by our staff. Missing a performance can result in a failing grade in
this course if other infractions have proceeded.
CLOSING
Thank you so much for helping the University of Florida provide a professional learning environment for our
students. I very much look forward to working with all of you and can’t wait to perform some great music. If
you ever need my help for anything let me know.
Scott Wilson
Student Signature Required.
I have read the Jazz Band Student Manual and understand the University of Florida Jazz Band Policies.
__________________________
Student Name (print)
II.
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Student Signature (sign)
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Date