Membership in the CNU Jazz Ensemble is determined by audition each semester. All students, both music majors and non-majors are encouraged to participate.
Auditions for the Spring 2012 semester will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 and Monday, December 5, 2011, from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m..
Kelly Rossum is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Christopher Newport University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate jazz pedagogy, jazz arranging, jazz history and literature, jazz improvisation and directs the Advanced Jazz Combo and the CNU Jazz Ensemble. Kelly also teaches applied trumpet, brass studio class and trumpet class. Kelly Rossum is an international trumpet artist who has been invited to perform at multiple International Trumpet Guild Conferences, including Bangkok, Thailand and Sydney, Australia as well as repeat appearances at the Festival Of New Trumpet Music in New York, New York. A champion of new music, he has premiered compositions by Dave Douglas, Stephanie Richards, David Durst, Steven Bryant and numerous other musicians’ works. He has performed everything from lead trumpet at New York’s famed Birdland jazz club, to natural trumpet in Bad Säckingen, Germany. As a recording artist, Kelly has released four albums as a leader and has appeared on over 40 recordings as a sideman. His compositions, incorporating improvisational and contemporary avant-••garde techniques, have been performed and recorded by numerous artists and organizations. He has provided original scores for both film and dance and has received support from the American Composers Forum and the Jerome Foundation. Previous to his appointment at CNU, Rossum served as the jazz director and trumpet professor at Jacksonville State University in Alabama and founded and directed the jazz program at MacPhail Center for Music in Minnesota, one of the nation’s largest community music schools. Kelly Rossum has earned the Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Nebraska, the Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Minnesota.
Kelly Rossum, director
2011-present
Alto Saxophones
Nathan Grim
Stephen Bolles
Tenor Saxophones
Courtney Pauls
Justin Feepakproh
Baritone Saxophone
Jordan Savage
Trumpets
Aaron Reeves
David Joyner
Tyler Jarrett
Aaron Denny
Trombones
Mike Sides
Phillip Humphreys
Guitar
Peter Amos
Piano
TBD
Vibraphone & Percussion
Michael Harvey
Bass
Aaron Seal
Drumset
Zach Riviere
Rehearsals: M W F, 1:00 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. (Fall 2011)
M W, 1:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. (Spring 2012)
Ferguson Center for the Arts, room A183
Director: Kelly Rossum
Office Hours: M T W, 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
W F 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
T 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Additional times available by appointment
Course Content
This course is an auditioned jazz ensemble that performs both on and off campus throughout the academic year. The repertoire surveys significant historical perspectives, yet relies on our modern interpretations in order to be presented in live performance. Students can register each semester, but no more than eight credits can be counted toward graduation.
Ensemble Goals
1. To study and perform, at the highest level, jazz works as interpreted by a large jazz ensemble.
2. To instill in each performer the responsibility that he or she has to an honest performance within the jazz idiom.
3. To instill in each performer a sense of ownership and pride in the ensemble.
This ensemble is comprised of your own distinct musical attributes and talents; this unique combination of musicians will only exist right here, right now. Jazz is a snapshot of our modern musical expression, which clearly represents our individual effort and contributions to the democratic ideals of improvisation and collaboration. This ensemble will grow and thrive as a unit if everyone contributes their positive energies to the music.
Ensemble Grading Rubric
The following standards have been established as a general guideline for all CNU ensembles. Each instructor may have specific requirements that affect the final grade.
1. Attendance
Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances. All CNU ensembles adhere to the departmental attendance policy. Late arrival, early departure, and absence from rehearsals and performances may affect the final grade, as determined by the instructor.
2. Participation and Attitude (50 percent of the final grade)
Each student is expected to come to rehearsals and performances with a singular focus to perform at the highest level of musicianship while engaged in the process of creation.
Grade of A
The student consistently engages with the music, consistently responds to the music’s demands, and consistently strives to perform his or her best.
Grade of B
The student usually engages with the music, usually responds to the music’s demands,
and usually strives to perform his or her best.
Grade of C
The student sometimes engages with the music, sometimes responds to the music’s demands, and sometimes strives to perform his or her best.
Grade of D
The student seldom engages with the music, seldom responds to the music’s demands, and seldom strives to perform his or her best.
Grade of F
The student almost never engages with the music, almost never responds to the music’s demands, and almost never strives to perform his or her best.
3. Preparation and Performance (50 percent of the final grade)
Students are expected to prepare their ensemble music individually and outside of the rehearsals and to rehearse and perform to the best of their ability. Musical elements such as pitch, rhythm, intonation, phrasing, style, dynamics, dramatic interpretation, and improvisation are expected to be delivered to the best of the individual’s ability and to be continually improved so that the ensemble may perform at the highest level.
Grade of A
The student consistently prepares his or her part for rehearsal and consistently performs it well. Musical elements are consistently performed correctly.
Grade of B
The student usually prepares his or her part for rehearsal and usually performs it well. Musical elements are usually performed correctly.
Grade of C
The student sometimes prepares his or her part for rehearsal and sometimes performs it well. Musical elements are sometimes performed correctly.
Grade of D
The student seldom prepares his or her part for rehearsal and seldom performs it well. Musical elements are seldom performed correctly.
Grade of F
The student almost never prepares his or her part for rehearsal and almost never performs it well. Musical elements are almost never performed correctly.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE “A” STUDENT
Attendance is perfect.
Rhythm is consistently precise.
Music is consistently performed with specified phrasing and style.
Parts are consistently practiced outside of rehearsal and ready for the ensemble.
Improvisations are consistently delivered with positive effort.
Attitude is consistently positive and enthusiastic with respect for colleagues and conductor.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE “B” STUDENT
Attendance is almost perfect.
Rhythm is usually precise.
Music is usually performed with specified phrasing and style.
Parts are usually practiced outside of rehearsal and ready for the ensemble.
Improvisations are usually delivered with positive effort.
Attitude is usually positive and enthusiastic with respect for colleagues and conductor.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE “C” STUDENT
Attendance is at the maximum before failing.
Rhythm is sometimes precise.
Music is sometimes performed with specified phrasing and style.
Parts are sometimes practiced outside of rehearsal and ready for the ensemble.
Improvisations are sometimes delivered with positive effort.
Attitude is sometimes positive and enthusiastic with respect for colleagues and conductor.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE “D” STUDENT
Attendance is at the maximum before failing.
Rhythm is seldom precise.
Music is seldom performed with specified phrasing and style.
Parts are seldom practiced outside of rehearsal and ready for the ensemble.
Improvisations are seldom delivered with positive effort.
Attitude is seldom positive and enthusiastic with respect for colleagues and conductor.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE “F” STUDENT
Attendance is at the maximum before failing.
Rhythm is almost never precise.
Music is almost never performed with specified phrasing and nuance.
Parts are almost never practiced outside of rehearsal and ready for the ensemble.
Improvisations are almost never delivered with positive effort.
Attitude is almost never positive and enthusiastic with respect for colleagues and conductor.
Attendance Policy - (Adopted October, 2009)
ACADEMIC COURSES
Any student who attains more than three absences from a course that meets three or more times per week, who attains more than two absences from a course that meets twice per week, or who attains more than one absence from a course that meets once per week will automatically fail the course. In compliance with the University Catalog, the only excused absences are extended illnesses verified by a physician, university sponsored activities documented before the absence, and extreme emergencies documented and presented to the instructor no later than the end of the next class.
EXAMINATIONS
Examinations will be made up only in the event that the absence is excused.
APPLIED MUSIC LESSONS
If a student in applied music is a victim of a documented illness or emergency or misses a lesson owing to a university-sponsored activity documented before the absence and contacts the instructor at least 24 hours before or after missing the scheduled lesson, then the applied instructor will make up the lesson at the instructor’s earliest convenience. An instructor, however, is under no obligation to make up the lesson if the absence is not excused. A student may be removed from an applied music lesson and assigned a grade of F for the lesson if the instructor believes that the student has not adequately prepared the assigned material.
PERFORMANCES
Any student who misses a performance listed on the syllabus will automatically fail the course unless the student is a victim of a documented illness or emergency or has written permission from both the instructor and the chair of the Department of Music prior to missing the performance. In the rare case, other than a documented illness or emergency, that an absence is excused in advance, the student will be responsible for finding and, if necessary, compensating a qualified replacement approved by the instructor who must attend at least one rehearsal and the performance.
SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Any unexcused violation of a music scholarship agreement, including attendance, will result in the termination of the scholarship.
Absence from a performance requires a WRITTEN EXCUSE and the instructor’s WRITTEN APPROVAL before the absence is to occur. Any unapproved absence in writing from a performance will result in an automatic grade of “F” for the course.
Instruments
A limited number of professional-line instruments are available on loan. Music majors, principle players, and students enrolled in applied music at CNU are given priority for use of these instruments. Students must sign an instrument loan contract and are held fully responsible for the storage, maintenance, and, if necessary, replacement of the instrument. Instrument lockers are available through the Department of Music.
Music and Folder
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her assigned music and folder are kept in a secure place and returned in excellent condition by the end of the semester. All marks on the music must be made lightly in pencil. Failure to return the music and the folder at the end of the semester will result in a grade of Incomplete until all materials have been returned. Replacement costs for missing and damaged music and folders will be assessed, and a grade of Incomplete will be given until all charges have been paid in full. Failure to have the necessary music for a rehearsal or a performance counts as an unexcused absence.
Dress and Demeanor
The standard dress for the CNU Jazz Ensemble is “Pit Black”.
Men: black dress pants, long sleeve black button down shirt, optional black coat, optional black tie.
Women: same clothing options as men with the additional options of black dress with long sleeves or a long, black skirt and black blouse with long sleeves.
All shoes for women must be closed-toe, all socks for men must be black, and all jewelry should be tasteful and kept to a minimum. No hats or sunglasses are to be worn during rehearsals or performances. As ambassadors of Christopher Newport University, it is imperative to maintain a professional image both on and off stage.
Performance Schedule, Repertoire, and AICE Objectives
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Family Weekend Music Showcase 2011
4 P.M., Concert Hall
Land of Make Believe, TBA
A favorite of all ages, Chuck Mangione’s Land of Make Believe features our talented student flugelhorn and baritone saxophone soloists as well as our entire rhythm section.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Jazz Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m., Concert Hall
The repertoire featured on this performance will be primarily be drawn from the works of two of America’s most important and prolific jazz composers, Edward “Duke” Ellington and Charles Mingus. Additional material will represent modern innovators in the genre.
Duke Ellington was one of the world’s most accomplished and prolific composers, regardless of genre or time period. His works reflect a truly unique American perspective. "My men and my race are the inspiration of my work. I try to catch the character and mood and feeling of my people", he said. By studying and performing his and his artistic partner Billy Strayhorn’s music, we embrace the feeling and soul of America’s contribution to the global art form of jazz.
Take the ‘A’ Train, KoKo, Oclupaca, Passion Flower
Charles Mingus’ music reveals the very essence of jazz through large ensemble improvisation. His style reflects the tumultuous American society in which his compositions, both literally and figuratively, represent. His music continues to inspire change and growth in our society.
Hatian Fight Song, Fables of Faubus, Tijuana Gift Shop, Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Holiday Happening 2011
4 P.M., Concert Hall
The Peanut Vendor / Improvised Christmas Medley
In its 20th year, Holiday Happening is a highly beloved CNU tradition, featuring our full array of music ensembles and top soloists. The Jazz Ensemble will be performing an improvised adaptation of The Peanut Vendor, originally made famous by the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Each student and/or section of the ensemble will be required to perform a popular holiday melody, on cue, during different sections of this piece. Improvisation, juxtaposition and humor are key elements of a successful performance. Through this concert, students realize music’s role in tradition and in the enrichment of the human condition.
Additional Performances may arise during the fall semester.
Any additional performance will be proposed to the ensemble as a whole, to accommodate previously scheduled commitments by both the students and the faculty.
Disabilities:
Students with documented disabilities are required to notify the instructor on the first day of class and in private if accommodation is needed. The instructor will provide students with disabilities with all reasonable accommodations, but they are not exempted from fulfilling the normal requirements of the course. Work completed before the student notifies the instructor of his/her disability may be counted toward the final grade at the sole discretion of the instructor.
If you believe that you have a disability, you should make an appointment to see me to discuss your needs. In order to receive an accommodation, your disability must be on record in the Dean of Students’ office, 3rd Floor David Student Union/DSU (Telephone: 594-7160).
Tutoring:
The Center for Academic Success offers free assistance for CNU students in writing, mathematics, science, languages, and other subjects. The Center is located in room 240 of the Trible Library. For more information visit http://tutors.cnu.edu or phone 594-7684.
Success:
If I become concerned about your course performance, attendance, engagement, or well being, I will speak with you first. I may also submit an Institutional Referral Form that will be received by the Center for Academic Success. Depending upon the nature of my concern it also may be received by Counseling Services. If you are an athlete then Jenny Nuttycombe will receive notice. Someone will contact you to help determine what will help you succeed. Please remember that this is a means for me to support you and help foster your success at CNU.
Last day to withdraw: October 26, 2011.
Prepared piece:
Think of One – Thelonious Monk
Head and one chorus of unaccompanied improvised solo
Leadsheets for the prepared piece can be found here:
Bb Leadsheet
Eb Leadsheet
C Leadsheet
C (bass clef) Leadsheet
Audition date(s):
Auditions for the Spring 2012 semester will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011 and Monday, December 5, 2011, from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m..
Auditions will be held in Ferguson A183. The sign-up sheet will be posted on the door of Ferguson A151.
