Dennis Hegg
Office -- Dakota Prairie Playhouse (DPP) Lobby
Office Phone: 256-5084
E-mail Address: Dennis.Hegg@dsu.edu

Dakota State University - - Jazz Ensemble

Course Syllabus - - Fall 2007

A.  Prefix, Number & Title:  MUEN 121-01 & MUEN 121-02, Instrumental Ensemble:  Jazz Ensemble

B.  Credit Hours:  1.0 (MUEN 121-01) or 0.0 (MUEN 121-02) Semester Hours

C.  Approved Course Description:  The Jazz Ensemble will provide ensemble, sectional, and solo experience in a big band jazz format.   Improvisation skills will be encouraged, but not required.  Idioms included are jazz, swing, shuffle, rock, funk, ballad, Latin and blues.  These idioms will be introduced as selected.

D.  Prerequisites:  Members in Jazz Ensemble should have a basic knowledge and skills on their instrument, and may be auditioned, if necessary, to demonstrate basic playing skills and to define chair placement within the band or solo work.

E.  Additional Course Information:

ADA Statement:  If there is any student in this class who, due to a disability, has need for non-standard note taking, test taking, or other course modification, please contact the DSU ADA Coordinator, Keith Bundy, 256-5121, located in the lower level of the Trojan Center, as soon as possible.  The web site for requesting accommodations is:  http://www.departments.dsu.edu/disability_services/.  Please be sure to fill out this form and be able to provide documentation verifying your disability.

Academic Honesty:  Cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty run contrary to the purpose of higher education and will not be tolerated in this course.  All forms of academic dishonesty will result in failure in that aspect of your class work.  Please be advised that, when the instructor suspects plagiarism, the Internet and other standard means of plagiarism detection will be used to resolve the instructor’s concerns.  DSU’s policy on academic integrity (DSU Policy 04-05-00) is available online at http://www.departments.dsu.edu/hr/newsite/policies/040500.htm 

Freedom in Learning Statement:  Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled.  Under Board of Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study.  It has always been the policy of Dakota State University to allow students to appeal the decisions of faculty, administrative, and staff members and the decisions of institutional committees.  Students who believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their personal opinion or conduct should contact the dean of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the evaluation.

Procedures:  Jazz Ensemble rehearsals are Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Additional rehearsals may be arranged based upon need and member agreement.

Policies:  Attendance is necessary for Jazz Ensemble if the ensemble is to become a quality group.  Schedule conflicts should be kept to a minimum.  See Mr. Hegg.  The Course Outline in this syllabus is considered sufficient notice of required performance dates.  Plan early to avoid conflicts.

Withdrawal:  November 19, 2007 is the last day for withdrawal from this class and still receive a (W).  Otherwise it is a grade of F.  Those enrolled for no credit must also do this to avoid a failing mark on the pass/fail system.

F.  Text Books & Other References:  All music will be provided.  Reeds furnished for saxophones.  Valve oil furnished for brass.  Trap set and sticks furnished for percussionist.  Grand piano furnished for pianist.  Amps furnished for bass and guitar.

G.  Learning Objectives:  Each student will be able to:

Play the selected music so that it reflects an knowledge of the big band jazz style appropriate to the selection.

Experiment with jazz improvisation through use of scale techniques and Finale.

H.  Course Outline:  Rehearsals will be held as mentioned above.  The Jazz Ensemble will play in the Trojan Center.

I.  Evaluation Procedure:  Grades are assigned on the basis of performance and attendance.  For students taking the class for credit, the grade will be lowered one letter for every two unexcused absences.  No credit students will have such a lowering as well but for three unexcused absences.  Please report excused absences to Mr. Hegg.

---

 JAZZ ENSEMBLE SCHEDULE – FALL 2007

 Jazz Ensemble is 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays unless announced otherwise.

 Thursday, September 6^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, September 13^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, September 20^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, September 27^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, October 4^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, October 11^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, October 18^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, October 25^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, November 1^st:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, November 8^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, November 15^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, November 22^nd:  THANKSGIVING BREAK

Thursday, November 29^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, December 6^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

Thursday, December 13^th:  Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal (Practice at the Underground)

*Friday, December 14^th:  JAZZ ENSEMBLE CONCERT

        The Underground - 7:00 p.m.