Jazz Band / Jazz Band Honors
Course Description
The jazz ensemble is a group of 15 or more musicians selected by audition. The emphasis will be placed on improving instrumental music technique and improvisation through big band, jazz, Latin, swing, and jazz-rock music. Activities include school concerts, public performances and exchange concerts. Each year we participate in the Berklee High School Jazz Festival to compete with other jazz bands in the country. Attendance at all performances is required. Following consultation with and approval of the teacher, students may elect to take this course at the Honors level.
The jazz ensemble is a group of 15 or more musicians selected by audition. The emphasis will be placed on improving instrumental music technique and improvisation through big band, jazz, Latin, swing, and jazz-rock music. Activities include school concerts, public performances and exchange concerts. Each year we participate in the Berklee High School Jazz Festival to compete with other jazz bands in the country. Attendance at all performances is required. Following consultation with and approval of the teacher, students may elect to take this course at the Honors level.
Grading Policy
1. General Statement
Music is an art form that requires active participation if a person is to be successful. This means that a student is expected to actively engage in rehearsals, performances, individual practice and other related activities. (Students should practice a minimum of 30 minutes, 4 times per week.)
2. Grading
Participation in performances (concerts, school presentations, dress rehearsals, etc.) is mandatory. An unexcused absence from a performance will lower the term grade by a minimum of one full letter grade.
In cases of severe hardship, a parental written excuse will be accepted. (This should be done one week prior to the performance.) In cases of sudden emergencies, the music instructor should be notified at the earliest possible time. Any student who is excused from a performance must complete an appropriate make-up assignment.
In order to receive the school’s minimum passing grade, the student must participate in regularly scheduled rehearsal sessions.
3. Grading Weights*
The numerical grade will be determined as follows:
a. Class work.........................................60%
b. Achievement of Musical Skills...............30%
c. Teacher Evaluation (attitude, effort, contribution to class activities, care of equipment, etc.)....................10%
4. Final Exam
A final exam will be given in all music classes. The exam grade will be applied to the final music grade, per school regulations.
* Students taking Concert Band or Jazz Band for Honors Credit will be required to work on CMEA Adjudication materials, music theory assignments, and a small ensemble piece.
1. General Statement
Music is an art form that requires active participation if a person is to be successful. This means that a student is expected to actively engage in rehearsals, performances, individual practice and other related activities. (Students should practice a minimum of 30 minutes, 4 times per week.)
2. Grading
Participation in performances (concerts, school presentations, dress rehearsals, etc.) is mandatory. An unexcused absence from a performance will lower the term grade by a minimum of one full letter grade.
In cases of severe hardship, a parental written excuse will be accepted. (This should be done one week prior to the performance.) In cases of sudden emergencies, the music instructor should be notified at the earliest possible time. Any student who is excused from a performance must complete an appropriate make-up assignment.
In order to receive the school’s minimum passing grade, the student must participate in regularly scheduled rehearsal sessions.
3. Grading Weights*
The numerical grade will be determined as follows:
a. Class work.........................................60%
b. Achievement of Musical Skills...............30%
c. Teacher Evaluation (attitude, effort, contribution to class activities, care of equipment, etc.)....................10%
4. Final Exam
A final exam will be given in all music classes. The exam grade will be applied to the final music grade, per school regulations.
* Students taking Concert Band or Jazz Band for Honors Credit will be required to work on CMEA Adjudication materials, music theory assignments, and a small ensemble piece.
Haddam-Killingworth High School Music Ensembles
2018-2019 Performance Schedule
Oct 3 & 11 Shoreline Music Festival
at Coginchaug High School (selected students)
Nov 15 AUTUMN BAND CONCERT (Concert & Jazz Bands)
7:00 p.m.
Nov 17 Southern Region Music Festival Auditions
at Guilford High School (selected students)
Dec 6 WINTER CHORAL CONCERT
6:00 p.m.
Jan 11 & 12 Southern Region Music Festival
at Middletown High School (selected students)
(snow dates: Jan 18 & 19)
Jan 26 Berklee Jazz Festival (Jazz Band & Chamber Choir)
(chaperones needed)
Feb 2 All-State Festival Auditions
at North Haven High School (selected students)
Apr 5 - 7 Music Ensembles Adjudication Trip to New York City
Apr 11 - 13 All-State Music Festival in Hartford (selected students)
May 3 & 4 Musical Theater Production -- 7:00 p.m.
May 16 SPRING CONCERT -- 7:00 p.m.
(all ensembles)
June 11* Graduation -- 6:00 p.m. -- (Concert & Jazz Bands)
*actually, the last day of school
(the date is subject to change due to snow)
CONCERT DRESS for all performances is:
white long-sleeve dress shirt (with tie for boys), black pants and black shoes
2018-2019 Performance Schedule
Oct 3 & 11 Shoreline Music Festival
at Coginchaug High School (selected students)
Nov 15 AUTUMN BAND CONCERT (Concert & Jazz Bands)
7:00 p.m.
Nov 17 Southern Region Music Festival Auditions
at Guilford High School (selected students)
Dec 6 WINTER CHORAL CONCERT
6:00 p.m.
Jan 11 & 12 Southern Region Music Festival
at Middletown High School (selected students)
(snow dates: Jan 18 & 19)
Jan 26 Berklee Jazz Festival (Jazz Band & Chamber Choir)
(chaperones needed)
Feb 2 All-State Festival Auditions
at North Haven High School (selected students)
Apr 5 - 7 Music Ensembles Adjudication Trip to New York City
Apr 11 - 13 All-State Music Festival in Hartford (selected students)
May 3 & 4 Musical Theater Production -- 7:00 p.m.
May 16 SPRING CONCERT -- 7:00 p.m.
(all ensembles)
June 11* Graduation -- 6:00 p.m. -- (Concert & Jazz Bands)
*actually, the last day of school
(the date is subject to change due to snow)
CONCERT DRESS for all performances is:
white long-sleeve dress shirt (with tie for boys), black pants and black shoes
Jazz Band Songs