Outline

Overview

This unit of study provides jazz students with the opportunities for performance of large ensemble arrangements in a Big Band, small jazz ensemble works and arrangements including original works by the students themselves in a nominated small jazz ensemble.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Jazz
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Theak, david.theak@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Craig Scott, craig.scott@sydney.edu.au
	Naomi Crellin, naomi.crellin@sydney.edu.au
	Andrew Robertson, andrew.robertson@sydney.edu.au
	Carl Dewhurst, carl.dewhurst@sydney.edu.au
	Phillip Slater, phillip.slater@sydney.edu.au
	Darren Heinrich, darren.heinrich@sydney.edu.au
	Hannah James, h.james@sydney.edu.au
	James Greening, james.greening@sydney.edu.au
	Matthew McMahon, matthew.mcmahon@sydney.edu.au
	Steve Barry, steve.barry@sydney.edu.au
	Steve Brien, steve.brien@sydney.edu.au
	Simon Sweeney, simon.sweeney@sydney.edu.au
	Warwick Alder, warwick.alder@sydney.edu.au
	Stephen Williams, stephen.williams@sydney.edu.au
	Cameron Undy, cameron.undy@sydney.edu.au
	Tom Botting, thomas.botting@sydney.edu.au
	Andrew Dickeson, andrew.dickeson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Creative assessment / demonstration	Small ensemble arrangement 1 Arrangement	10%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Small ensemble arrangement 2 Arrangement	10%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Large ensemble artistry Attendance and participation	20%	Ongoing	Ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Large ensemble participation and professionalism Attendance and participation	15%	Ongoing	Ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Large ensemble performances competent execution of all performances of the large ensemble	15%	Ongoing	2hs
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Small ensemble participation and professionalism professional behaviour including punctuality, being engaged and prepared	15%	Ongoing	2hrs
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Small ensemble artistry Attendance and participation	15%	Ongoing	Ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Early Feedback Task - Canvas quiz Canvas quiz based on the unit requirements #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 06 Mar 2024 at 23:59	5 mins
Outcomes assessed:

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Attendance lectures: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.
Attendance ensembles: Students are expected to attend every rehearsal
Small ensemble arrangements:
1. Fully arranged chart: The student must compose and/or arrange a complete work for the instrumentation of the ensemble. These completed charts must be presented and copied to a professional standard ie the work must be able to be performed and rehearsed in the composers absence. These charts, at a minimum, should contain introductions, voiced head, background figures and more than a basic head/solo/head structure. These charts arrangements can be refined over the course of the semester, however the initial presentation must be of the level mentioned and any revisions should be fully copied in preparation for the next weeks class.
2. Conceptual chart: The student must bring in transposed lead sheets and have a strong concept of how the composition is to evolve. Through detailed discussion with the ensemble and lecturer, the piece should take approx. 50 - 60mins to shape into a performable work. Although these concepts can be refined throughout the course of the semesters, a final fully notated version of these conceptual works must be notated as per the requirement in (a) no later than the final performance.
Professionalism: Candidates must behave in professional manner. This includes attending rehearsals as per conservatorium guidelines and having your music properly prepared i.e. charts, taped, transposed, clearly copied and being ready to perform. If a member of the ensemble cannot make a rehearsal they must organise a deputy of a similar standard to attend the rehearsal on their behalf. It is common professional practice to notify the bandleader (in this case lecturer) of your absence and agree on a suitable deputy before the deputy is booked
Ensemble artistry: The candidates ensemble skills will be assessed throughout the semester. Blending, accompaniment, time feel, sound, pitch, overall ensemble conception, playing for the groups interests, artistic input are some of the factors assessed
Final performance: Candidates execution of final performance at concert practice as assessed by lecturer. All musical considerations of the performance are assessed against the SCM performance descriptors.
Punctuality: Be ready to make music at the allotted time. To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is in excusable.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for performance work in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggesting soloist potential.
Credit	65 - 74	Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense developing though some insecurity in this area.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student’s future direction in the programme.

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.
Credit	65 - 74	Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.
Pass	50 - 64	Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.
Fail	0 - 49	Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Weekly	Small ensemble rehearsal	Practical (2 hr)
Weekly	Big band rehearsal	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

There are no specific attendence and class requirements for this unit

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no specific prescribed readings for this unit

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a knowledge of jazz performance practice in both small and large jazz ensembles
LO2. participate competently in jazz ensembles at the conservatorium and in the wider jazz community
LO3. lead an ensemble, write arrangements for an ensemble, perform in an ensemble as both a section player and a sollist and be fully conversant with a wide variety of jazz performance situations

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Non-Jazz Majors intending to enrol in Jazz Small Ensemble must contact kevin.hunt@sydney.edu.au to be assessed for suitability for the Non-Jazz Major Small Ensemble.

The Sydney Conservatorium has 4 x Big Bands. Entry is by audition. Auditions occur every year on the Friday before lectures start and are held 10am - 2pm at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Auditions consist of a sight reading diagnostic test and then performing as part of a Big Band with different combinations of musicians.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit

Work, health and safety

There are no specific work health and safety requirements for this unit

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

JAZZ1611: Jazz Ensemble 1

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

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