Jazz Improvisation Orchestra

A performance-oriented class presently taught by Marty Ehrlich, culminating in a concert at the end of the semester. Students are challenged to develop their skills as ensemble musicians and soloists. Incorporates compositions and improvisational contexts from the whole history of jazz and American vernacular music, up to the great diversity of the present day. Along with performance, each student must do a study of an influential artist. This analysis will include musical transcriptions as well as a written component. The performance of original compositions and arrangements can be part of the class as well. The Hampshire Jazz Improvisation Orchestra is open to all instruments, including voice. Facility in reading music and a functional understanding of jazz harmony is required. Prerequisite: Tonal Theory (I and II) or equivalent Five College music courses. An audition will be given during the first class session for those students new to the class.