Dr. Marty Marks,
Director of Bands
mmarks@adrian.edu
Fall 2007 MUS 185/1
Tuesday 7:00-9:00 pm (subject to change)
Rush Hall (Old Bookstore)/Spencer Hall
Instructor: Dr. Marty Marks (ext. 3879)
Office Hours TBD
Office: Cornelius 306
mmarks@adrian.edu
Prerequisites: Previous experience in jazz ensemble
or concert band, or instructor approval.
MUS 185/1 Course Description - The Jazz
Ensemble is dedicated to the contemporary jazz
idiom, concentrating on performing modern jazz and
blues compositions. The ensemble offers many
opportunities for learning and developing techniques
of improvisation and jazz performance. Emphasis is
on performance excellence and jazz proficiency.
Overview and Objectives - The Adrian College
Jazz Ensemble will provide students with
opportunities for musical growth in rehearsal and
performance.
• Students shall be exposed to a wide range of
musical genres and styles with an emphasis on art
music.
• Students shall be encouraged to discover and
pursue their interests in new musical genres and
styles.
• Students shall gain skills in listening to and
evaluating musical performances.
• Students shall explore the central role of music
in various historical periods and cultures
(particularly art music). Connections to American
contemporary music and culture will be examined.
• Students shall gain skills in performing as a
soloist or as a member of an ensemble, including
technical skills in producing beautiful tone, blend,
balance, articulation and musical expression.
• Students shall develop skills and behaviors for
operating in a cooperative group setting, including
listening, communication, leadership, and a better
understanding of the role of the individual in a
group setting.
• Students will be afforded opportunities to fulfill
leadership roles with particular emphasis on
preparation of future music educators.
Uniforms - Jazz Ensemble attire (which is the
same uniform as Concert Band) will cost
approximately $75 and will consist of a black
button-down long sleeve shirt and black pants.
Details will be made available during the first week
of the semester. If you already have a pair of black
(non-glossy) shoes in excellent condition with black
soles (no slip-ons), you may show them to Dr. Marks
before or during the first week of rehearsals. Some
currently owned shoes may be acceptable for use.
Otherwise, band shoes are available for purchase at
$25. Black socks are worn with the jazz ensemble
uniform.
Instrument/Locker Use - Any jazz ensemble
member may acquire an instrument locker. During the
first week of band, a work study band member will
issue a locker with a combination lock to any band
member who requests it. Because we have a shortage
of lockers, you may be asked to share a locker with
another instrumentalist.
If you check out a school-owned instrument, you will
be expected to pay for your own accessories (such as
reeds) and to cover the cost of repairs if the
instrument is damaged while in your care. In extreme
cases, you may only have to cover the deductible
cost of insured instruments.
Attendance/Tardiness Policy - Dr. Marks will
decide whether absences/tardies are excused. Advance
notice by personal contact, phone message, or email
will weigh heavily in determining if time away from
rehearsal is excused, as well as the content of the
excuse. Absences from the last two rehearsals
preceding a performance are less likely to be
excused, and will carry a greater grade penalty.
Students who have a conflict with a performance date
should notify Dr. Marks before or during the first
week of school for the best consideration.
Emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case
basis.
Do not underestimate your importance to the band!
Special Rehearsals - Additional rehearsals
may be scheduled under these conditions:
• A liberal amount of advance notice (two weeks or
more).
• A liberal excused absence policy for those who
notify Dr. Marks of a conflict within 24 hours of
the rehearsal announcement.
• Preparation for a weekend performance.
• Most special rehearsals will precede weekend
performances, and are included in the schedule
below.
Individual Sessions - One-on-one sessions
with each band member have proven to be a vital
source of growth as well as a time saving measure.
Each band member will schedule appointments with Dr.
Marks two to four times (or more, depending on need)
during the semester to facilitate performance of
assigned music and check equipment for repairs.
Sessions average 15 minutes in length. Dr. Marks is
duty bound to make scheduling these appointments as
convenient as possible for every band member.
Grading - Availability is the greatest
ability. Your punctual presence is the single
largest element in grade determination - the primary
assessment tool. Other factors:
• Remain engaged at all times during
rehearsals/performances, focused on contributing to
progress.
• Maintain a friendly classroom atmosphere. Be
sensitive to the fact that excessive noise is an
irritant to some and a learning distracter to
others.
• Avoid non-constructive commentary. Focus on social
interaction outside of rehearsals and performance.
• Bring all required materials to every
rehearsal/performance, including pencils, assigned
music, instruments and accessories.
Students who disrupt progress or the positive
atmosphere of a rehearsal or performance will be
directed to leave, earning an unexcused absence and
a grade penalty.
Grading Scale - All students begin the
semester with a 100% grade. Percentage points are
subtracted for absence, tardiness, not bringing
materials to rehearsal/performance, etc. The
percentage system below will serve to guide final
grades:
A 90 – 100
B 80 – 90
C 70 – 80
D 60 – 70
F 59 or Below
Important Semester Dates
Tuesday August 28 - First rehearsal in the Old
Bookstore, Rush Hall - 7-9 pm
Friday October 19 OR 26 OR November 2 - Perform in
the Caine Center, noon-1 pm*
Saturday, November 10 - Fall Showcase begins at 8 pm
in Dawson Auditorium*
Saturday, December 1 - Winter Concert, 2:30-5 pm,
concert at 3 pm*
*These performances will likely require the
scheduling of a preceding special rehearsal.
