Jazz Band Listening Resources
Practice Solo Tracks
Jazz Results - Posted Below
macarthur_jazz_band_15.16.pdf | |
File Size: | 62 kb |
File Type: |
The MacArthur Jazz Band upholds a high reputation as one of the finest jazz programs in the state. The band has consistently achieved 1st place ratings at IGSMA contests since the formation of the group in the late 1970s. The group has made professional recordings and has won several regional musical competitions including all-around top honors at the Music in the Parks Competition. Individual musicians from the MacArthur Jazz Band regularly have the highest enrollment of any school in the highly competitive Illinois Music Educator's Association Junior Jazz program and have won solo awards from festivals and competitions.
The Jazz Band meets Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 7:15AM-8AM throughout the year. Students audition for this extra-curricular ensemble. Students are required to study with private lessons to handle the rigor of the music. If you are interested in having your child become part of the MacArthur Jazz Band program, please reach out to the director. There are restrictions on what instruments can participate in the group, but accommodations can be made. Reach out to the director for advice on a private lesson instructor or reference the private lesson page on the band website.
Materials Needed:
Instrument: All students must have their own instrument to participate in the class. Instruments are available through rentals from the district or area music store business. Feel free to reach out to the director for more information about instruments for band.
Sheet Music: Students will be given sheet music for the band ensemble. The sheet music is district property and students may be liable for lost music.
Folder: Each student will be given a complimentary music folder at the beginning of the year. Students should take good care of their folder because it will be where they keep their sheet music. If the folder happens to wear out, they will be issued a new folder upon request.
Pencil: Each students should keep a pencil in their folder. Pencils are used in class to make markings in the music. Pencils will also be provided in class, but it is the responsibility of the student to have access to a proper writing utensil as part of band class.
Method/Technique Book: Students will need to purchase a technique book at the beginning of the year. Each instrument has specific challenges and intricacies. The technique book is like the textbook for band. Books are for sale through the director at the beginning of the year or better deals may be available through local music vendors or online resources like amazon.
iPad: An iPad will be issued to each child in the district. Students may be asked to download educational resources from app stores or other educational sites.
Smart Music: Students are not required, but strongly encouraged to use the Smart Music app and software on their iPad. It is the new wave of learning in band instruction across the globe. The app is a yearly membership and has a fee attached. The program is being piloted for the school year and students may be provided with alternate assignments if necessary.
Grading Policies: Jazz Band is not a graded class because it meets outside of school hours. However, mastery of music, positive attitude, and regular attendance for rehearsals is expected. The group participates in contests and performs in the community and maintains a high reputation of excellence. Reviewing expectations may be necessary if director sees fit.
Written Assignments: As part of the curriculum, students may have written assignments to demonstrate knowledge of content. Written assignments may also include permission slips to co-curricular events. Please turn these in in a timely fashion.
Performance Assignments: As part of the curriculum, students may be asked to demonstrate their ability to perform on their instrument. This may be in person or recorded. With the influx of technology, computer recorded work is becoming a larger part of the assessment of performance.
Attendance at rehearsal: Each week students are expected to attend morning rehearsals. It is the student's responsibility to check for conflicts and proactively plan for what they may miss. This is especially important for students involved in multiple extra-curricular activities. The director will be happy to aide in this process if needed for support. Missing rehearsal time effects the entire group. The director will aide in problem solving before conflicts occur if asked in a timely fashion. Nearly all events are provided in the band calendar on the homepage of the website. Any additional events will be communicated as soon as possible.
Rehearsal Techniques: The rehearsal techniques encompasses individual etiquette among the group. Certain behaviors and techniques in jazz band rehearsals are specific learned behavior in the jazz band curriculum and may be considered part of the expectation.
Practice: In the past, practice may have been expected in minutes per week. While practice is an integral part of learning an instrument, expecting practice will be more focused on accomplishing weekly goals and objectives rather than number of minutes spent per week.
The Jazz Band meets Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 7:15AM-8AM throughout the year. Students audition for this extra-curricular ensemble. Students are required to study with private lessons to handle the rigor of the music. If you are interested in having your child become part of the MacArthur Jazz Band program, please reach out to the director. There are restrictions on what instruments can participate in the group, but accommodations can be made. Reach out to the director for advice on a private lesson instructor or reference the private lesson page on the band website.
Materials Needed:
Instrument: All students must have their own instrument to participate in the class. Instruments are available through rentals from the district or area music store business. Feel free to reach out to the director for more information about instruments for band.
Sheet Music: Students will be given sheet music for the band ensemble. The sheet music is district property and students may be liable for lost music.
Folder: Each student will be given a complimentary music folder at the beginning of the year. Students should take good care of their folder because it will be where they keep their sheet music. If the folder happens to wear out, they will be issued a new folder upon request.
Pencil: Each students should keep a pencil in their folder. Pencils are used in class to make markings in the music. Pencils will also be provided in class, but it is the responsibility of the student to have access to a proper writing utensil as part of band class.
Method/Technique Book: Students will need to purchase a technique book at the beginning of the year. Each instrument has specific challenges and intricacies. The technique book is like the textbook for band. Books are for sale through the director at the beginning of the year or better deals may be available through local music vendors or online resources like amazon.
iPad: An iPad will be issued to each child in the district. Students may be asked to download educational resources from app stores or other educational sites.
Smart Music: Students are not required, but strongly encouraged to use the Smart Music app and software on their iPad. It is the new wave of learning in band instruction across the globe. The app is a yearly membership and has a fee attached. The program is being piloted for the school year and students may be provided with alternate assignments if necessary.
Grading Policies: Jazz Band is not a graded class because it meets outside of school hours. However, mastery of music, positive attitude, and regular attendance for rehearsals is expected. The group participates in contests and performs in the community and maintains a high reputation of excellence. Reviewing expectations may be necessary if director sees fit.
Written Assignments: As part of the curriculum, students may have written assignments to demonstrate knowledge of content. Written assignments may also include permission slips to co-curricular events. Please turn these in in a timely fashion.
Performance Assignments: As part of the curriculum, students may be asked to demonstrate their ability to perform on their instrument. This may be in person or recorded. With the influx of technology, computer recorded work is becoming a larger part of the assessment of performance.
Attendance at rehearsal: Each week students are expected to attend morning rehearsals. It is the student's responsibility to check for conflicts and proactively plan for what they may miss. This is especially important for students involved in multiple extra-curricular activities. The director will be happy to aide in this process if needed for support. Missing rehearsal time effects the entire group. The director will aide in problem solving before conflicts occur if asked in a timely fashion. Nearly all events are provided in the band calendar on the homepage of the website. Any additional events will be communicated as soon as possible.
Rehearsal Techniques: The rehearsal techniques encompasses individual etiquette among the group. Certain behaviors and techniques in jazz band rehearsals are specific learned behavior in the jazz band curriculum and may be considered part of the expectation.
Practice: In the past, practice may have been expected in minutes per week. While practice is an integral part of learning an instrument, expecting practice will be more focused on accomplishing weekly goals and objectives rather than number of minutes spent per week.