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This book helps band directors teach and develop successful jazz programs in middle schools and high schools. Ronald E. Kearns provides a step-by-step approach to starting a jazz program, teaching jazz performance, and maintaining the program once it has been established. He addresses a variety of topics, including:
the first steps that need to be taken
introductory jazz pedagogical skills
sample lesson plans
suggested literature
budget development
recruiting
retaining
classroom management
Oftentimes, band directors-especially those who are classically trained-find themselves woefully unprepared to teach jazz since many colleges and universities only provide a cursory look at teaching or developing a jazz program. This book provides the practical tools to that will help directors overcome these challenges.
List of contents
Table of Contents Acknowledgements
Introduction
Purpose
Chapter One - Getting Started - First Steps
Developing Your Personal Philosophy of Music Education
Creating a Support Network
Program Description
A Sample Jazz Ensemble Handbook
Developing a Five Year Plan
Chapter Two - Developing a Jazz Ensemble as part of your band program
Program Development
Teaching Improvisation
Selecting students for jazz ensemble
Chapter Three - Things you need to do before the first rehearsal
Organize and plan
Chapter Four - Organizing the first rehearsal
Organizing the first rehearsal and classroom management
Ending the first rehearsal
Sample lesson plan
Chapter Five - Developing improvisational skills
Expanding the palette
Transcribing jazz solos
Developing and using the jazz language
Baby steps
Creating melodic lines
Beyond baby steps
Learning to overcome the fear of failure
Performance time
Chapter Six - Planning your first performance
Writing lesson plans for jazz class
The performance
Chapter Seven - Festival preparation and performance
Festival information and description
Teaching the music for adjudication
Record your rehearsals
Chapter Eight - Developing a jazz budget separate from the band budget
Travel expenses
Electronic equipment
Chapter Nine - Program maintenance
Developing a five year plan
Maintaining equipment and equipment purchase
The importance of individual recognition and praise
Chapter Ten - Using technology in the jazz classroom
Recording your group
Using tablets and smartphones
Interactive software
Play-a-long recordings
Websites
Social media
Notation software
Using play-a-long software and hardware
PowerPoint
Videotaping your jazz ensemble
Technology resources on the internet
Technology resources in book form
Chapter Eleven - Choosing literature for your jazz ensemble
Chapter Twelve - Quick repairs and instrument maintenance
Quick repairs
Chapter Thirteen - Developing a support group for your jazz ensemble
Establishing a new parent group
Chapter Fourteen - Trips and festivals
Chapter Fifteen - Recording your group during rehearsals
Student directed warmups
Microphone setup and placement
Appendix
Glossary
About the Author
Index
