Process
SELECTING YOUR TIME PERIOD
1. Each group will have six students, and each instrument family should be represented (at least one saxophone, low brass, trumpet, and rhythm player per group).
2. Each student should research at least one period of Jazz History. Once each student has the information, the group should meet and determine to which period you will "travel." Use the following links to research the periods of jazz history:
Ken Burns' Jazz - Jazz in Time
Melting Pot: The History of Jazz Music
The Jazz Primer for "Rock" People
The Red Hot Jazz Archive (Early Jazz)
Hypermusic - A History of Jazz
TIP: In making your decision, choose a period of time that not only interests you but that produced music that you enjoy! For example, if you like "Big Band" music, you may want to choose the "Swing" Era!
SELECTING THE PERFORMERS AND MUSIC
1. The group should set the instrumentation of the ensemble based on "norms" for the period. Since instrumentation for each ensemble varied, even within time periods, the group should select the instrumentation and be prepared to defend your choice.
2. Each student should then research the performers for their instrument family (woodwinds, brass, rhythm), and select your performers. In addition to the above links, you can use the following links to research the musical performers for the time period you have selected:
All About Jazz Database of Musicians
Ken Burns' Jazz Legends Biographies
Each of these sites have alphabetical listing of famous performers. The All About Jazz Site has a search engine that allows you to search for a name, style period, or instrument!
3. Each member of the group should select at least one piece to be performed by the ensemble. It should be a "standard" from the period you have selected, and will probably exist in multiple recordings. Be prepared to defend your choice, and, if possible, have a recording of the piece to share with the group (many are available for free). Use the previous links to find your music, or branch out and follow links!
DESIGNING YOUR PROGRAM AND POSTER
1. Divide the group into two sub-groups of 3. One group should be responsible for the poster, and the other group for the concert program. You will need to work together to ensure the information is correct for the two products.
The concert program should include: a short description of the time period, the musicians, and the pieces selected. Use the information collected individually to obtain the following: each musician should have their instrument and birth/death dates listed, and each musical selection should have its composer, original publish date, and have a short (2-3 sentence) program note.
Example:
In The Mood (1928) Andy Ratzaff/Joe Garland
In The Mood has become synonymous with the Big Band era (1920 to early 1950's) and is one of America's best-loved and most danced-to melodies. It was presented as an 8-minute instrumental to Artie Shaw, and later shortened to a 4-minute piece by Glen Miller. From the time of Miller's first radio broadcast and recording, In The Mood has been a fixture of the jazz repertoire.
The poster should include: the time period selected, the musicians in the band, musical works to be performed, and at least two graphics to represent the music or ensemble.