Syllabus
BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT COURSE SYLLABUS
SP22
Jazz Band
MU 217 A
Instructor Contact Information:
Dr. David Phy
Office room 120 see schedule on my door for hours
Contact via Email until further notice: dmphy@bsc.edu
Individual problems and questions may be addressed to me at this address.
I check it nearly every day and will usually respond within 24 hours.
Time: 3:30- 4:50 Monday and Wednesday
Location: Phillips Hall
In this ensemble, students learn to perform a variety of styles of jazz and commercial music for large or small ensemble. We work to build camaraderie, cohesiveness and a commitment to excellence as we prepare for a concert(s) during each semester. Open to qualified students by audition, the Ensemble rehearses and performs throughout the academic year
Missing a scheduled performance will result in grade being lowered 3 letter grades.
See attached Ensemble Participation agreement for other reasons grades can be lowered.
CELL PHONE POLICY
Option 1. At the beginning of rehearsal place your cell phone in one of the numbered spaces and take the clothes pin. Clip the clothes pin to your music stand. At the end rehearsal or when excused by the director return the clothes pin to the corresponding space and retrieve your phone.
Option 2. DON’T BRING IT OUT IN REHEASALS
ATTENDANCE: This refers to not only being in class but also active participation during rehearsals, preparation of individual parts and concert attendance. Public performances are mandatory and should be considered tests and the concert at the end of the semester (including any extra dress rehearsals) as a final exam.
Each student is permitted (3) unexcused absences from rehearsal. Students with more than 3 unexcused absence will have their final grades lowered by one letter grade per missed rehearsal. It is up to the discretion of the director to allow extra credit/make up work to erase an absence. A separate doctors note is required for each day missed of rehearsals, if you are still sick get a new note.
CONFLICTS WITH BAND
Activities such as honor council, greek life, RA, work-study and any other non-academic activities do not count as excused absences. Conflicts between band and other activities or events are the responsibility of the student. Rehearsal and performance schedules are given out in advance, can be found in the Symphonic band syllabus given out the first day of classes and via the moodle so that arrangements can be made. Students should try to avoid involved with activities that may directly conflict with band activities. When outside activities create conflicts concerning band, the student will need to consult with the director about alternatives that may be possible. Students should have a calendar book (or google calendar on their phone) and be aware of all band dates well ahead of schedule. It is the policy of the band to assist students when conflicts occur within the scope of the band policy. Students are reminded that band is a class and a demanding activity and involvement in outside activities should be limited to those that are compatible with the band schedule. All conflicts with regard to performances must be worked out in favor of the student’s responsibility to band. Work is not an excuse for missing any band activity.
Required Materials
1. Positive attitude about being part of something greater than yourself
2. Your instrument/equipment in working condition
3. (suggested) recording device to assist you with practice outside of rehearsal
Course Objectives
-To develop musical skills necessary to perform music of the highest quality
-To get better over the course of the semester as members of an ensemble
-To represent the Birmingham Southern College Music Department in a positive manner
-To provide an opportunity for instrumentalists (and selected vocalists) to experience a variety of styles through a careful study of repertoire, regular rehearsals, and performances
Learning Outcomes
-Improve skills in individual part playing
-Be able to balance and blend their individual parts within their section
-Improve enhanced music reading skills
-Demonstrate knowledge of different musical styles
-Execute rhythms and articulations, melodic phrases
Important Dates SP22
Spring Break- March 19th-27th
April 8th –JSU Jazz Festival (Jazz Band)
April 15th- No Class, Good Friday
April 28th -Concert Day- Jazz Band 11:00 am Symphonic/Prism 5:00pm
May 5th Honors day
May 9th Last day of classes (Dr. Phy’s Birthday)
Music and Folders The individual parts of each chart as well as the folders for each chair are considered college property. Damage to or loss of either may result in a fine to replace items in question. ONLY take the music or the folders with you from rehearsal if they are photo copies. If you need the music to practice prior to the selection of the program, please see the director to make special arrangements.
Concert Dress
Symphonic Band: Students are responsible for supplying their own concert attire. Typically black dress pants, black dress shoes, solid color tie, white shirts and (optional) coats for men. Black slacks, black top or long dress, black shoes etc. for women. Dresses should be at least to covering your knees.
BANDROOM AKA PHILLIPS BUILDING:
The use of band facilities before, after, and during class is a privilege. Students who abuse the facility will be dealt with accordingly. Any abuse or damage will be considered vandalism. The following rules and procedures are in place:
THE CABINETS are not locked at night. You take all risks with leaving your instrument and any personal belongings in Phillips for extended period of time.
ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD SHOULD EVER BE PLACED IN THE CABINETS.
NO OUTSIDE STUDENTS WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE BANDROOM except for business with the directors. All percussion and guard equipment is off limits to anyone not specifically designated to use them. If you feel the need to eat in Phillips place all trash in it’s proper place. Practice rooms are to be used for personal practice or lessons by an instructor. Keep the room neat with appropriate music stands in place. The Music Library is private. The band office is a place of business.
IN CASE WE TRAVEL
HOTEL SITUATIONS
Students will be responsible for paying any unexpected incurred charges. • Please refrain from playing instruments in the room. • All school rules will be enforced on trips. • All students should realize that any personal desires or uniqueness may have to be put aside for the duration of the trip in order to facilitate large group control and management. • No one is to leave the hotel alone. • Profanity is not a part of our organization! Make sure your language is not offensive.
Emergencies happen and there are times that we need to be able to be contacted. If this is the case for you during the semester please advise me at the beginning of class of this and excuse yourself when the time comes.
Other than that, cell phones of any kind are not allowed during class. Please shut down and silent all mobile devised and keep them out of sight unless otherwise asked. Repeat offenders can be dropped from the course at my discretion.
Honor Code
As a member of the Birmingham Southern College community, you have signed an Honor Pledge affirming that you will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate such behavior on the part of other members of the community. In attending this class, it is presumed that you are aware of the policies and procedures outlining your commitment to that code
BSC Resources for Writers and Readers
The Writing Center, located in the Humanities Center (Room 102), offers one-on-one assistance for student writers. We serve all writers, in any BSC course, at all levels and at all points in the writing process. Peer tutors spend thirty minutes to an hour per appointment, and there is no limit to the number of tutoring sessions you can have. Our tutors also help with reading assignments. Visit during regular hours (M-Thurs, 3:30-10 & Sunday 5-10) or email writingcenter@bsc.edu to make an appointment. Don’t write alone; every writer needs a reader. Oh, and we also have free espresso and movie popcorn!
Students who require academic accommodations due to a disability should make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss these accommodations. If you have not established your academic accommodations through the Office of Accessibility, but need assistance due to a disability, please contact that office as soon as possible at awsmith@bsc.edu or accessibility@bsc.edu. You may call the office at (205) 226-7909.
BSC Ensemble Participation Agreement.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION can be defined as participating in a way that demonstrates 100% effort for the good of the group as well as for the good of the individual player. If everyone is contributing to his/her highest potential, the experience will be successful, productive, positive and fun! Active participation is measured through OBSERVABLE behaviors.
I _________________________________ will do the following OBSERVABLE behaviors for BSC ensembles to the best of my ability:
Prior to rehearsals:
Music is kept neat and organized in the folders provided to access pieces quickly to not detract from rehearsal time.
As with all classes, cell phone use is not allowed during rehearsals unless specifically ask by the director
Below is a list of behaviors that demonstrate active participation. These OBSERVABLE behaviors begin when entering Phillips and continue during rehearsals and/or private lessons.
When entering Phillips for Rehearsals a mask/facial covering must be worn at ALL times. This includes times not playing.
Be on time at assigned seat with materials before warm-ups begin.
Check the white board and quickly prepare all music and instrument for the day.
Consistently produce good tones with correct hand positions and posture at all times.
Pay attention and quickly respond to non-verbal gestures, like “horns up”, “horns down”, “softer”, etc.
Don’t play out of turn and “doodle” on my instrument during class.
Through Daily practice work hard, both in and out of rehearsals, to become the best individual player I can be so that our band will be the best it can be!
Maintain consistent eye contact with the director while performing/rehearsing.
I will listen as if I am in a one-on-one conversation with the director, as if everything applies directly to me.
Marking music every time a change is indicated by the director.
Have individual assigned parts prepared for class.
Failure to maintain active participation on any of the above points will account for a lowered class participation grade
Signed______________________________ Date: _______________________
BSC Department of Music on Health and Wellness in Musicians
An important aspect of applied lessons is that all students learn how to practice and perform in a manner that reduces the likelihood of an injury, which can lead to chronic overuse injuries. While these aspects are part of your daily lesson and recital classes, the Department of Music also suggests going to the NASM website to learn more and the BSC Music Student Handbook located on the BSC Department of Music Website. The Music Student Handbook also includes contact numbers for on-campus and off-campus resources for some problems that might arise.
BSC Music Department Website: https://www.bsc.edu/academics/music/index.html
Basic Health Protection for All Musicians
On stage and in life, it is important for musicians to take steps to protect their neuromusculoskeletal health. Musicians and music faculty whose playing- and singing-related behaviors make them susceptible to certain neuromusculoskeletal conditions and disorders may wish to explore the following methods of neuromusculoskeletal health protection:
Warming up before practice and performance. As appropriate, engage in physical, vocal, and musical warm-up exercises.
Mobilize muscles and joints to increase blood flow to those body parts that will be moving rapidly and frequently during the playing and performing of music.
Lubricate your vocal folds. Hydrate!
Taking a break from practice and rehearsal whenever possible. A good rule of thumb is a 5- minute rest every half hour.
Avoiding excessive practice time and stress.
Set daily limits and vary repertoire during practice sessions.
Avoiding excessive repetition of difficult repertoire, especially if progress is slow.
Avoiding repertoire that is beyond one’s technical or physical reach.
Refraining from sudden increases in practice times. Instead, slightly reduce total practice time before juries, recitals, etc. to allow mind and body adequate energy for performance.
Ensuring proper body alignment and technique. Be mindful of balance and weight delivery and ensure adequate freedom of movement and support during practice and performance. If appropriate, adapt an instrument or make use of external support mechanisms, such as shoulder rests, neck straps, and flute crutches.
Maintaining good “mental hygiene.” This includes getting adequate sleep, good nutrition, regular exercise, and spending time with friends and family.
Refrain from hazardous or recreational drug use.
Seek the help of a mental health professional when appropriate.
Allowing for relaxation. Injuries are much less likely to occur in persons who are both physically and psychologically fit. Stress management is as important as practice management.
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