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Unit outline_

JAZZ2016: Jazz Harmony and Arranging 3

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

This unit concentrates on more complex harmonic material that forms the basis for Jazz Improvisation, as well as learning arranging techniques for five horns and more complex ensemble music. Methods of reharmonisation of existing jazz and standard compositions will be introduced. Students learn big band orchestration which includes ensemble scoring, sax soli, background writing, form and the related uses of counterpoint. There will be detailed analysis of scores of major composers and arrangers.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Jazz
Credit points 3
Prerequisites
? 
JAZZ1020
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrew Robertson, andrew.robertson@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Andrew Robertson, andrew.robertson@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Larger arranging assignment 1
Arranging saxophone section + rhythm section for 1 x 32 bar form.
15% Week 05 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Larger arranging assignment 2
Adding full brass section to previous saxophone + rhythm section chart
15% Week 09 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Skills-based evaluation Assessment
Written test summarising all Semester content
30% Week 12 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment End of Semester assignment
Full Big Band arrangement for 1 x 32 bar form
30% Week 12 n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Weekly homework assignments
Weekly homework tasks
10% Weekly n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

  • Weekly Homework Assignments: Homework Assignments, due in various weeks, different topics based on content covered in class. There will be 10 weeks of homework tasks, each worth 1.5% – totaling 15% for the semester. They will be simple and short activities focusing on the learnings of that week’s class.
  • 3 Larger Arranging Assignments: Three larger assignments throughout the semester delivered in Week 2 (due Week 5); Week 5 (due Week 6) and Week 6 (due Week 8). Each assignment will be worth 10% and is designed to build skills toward the final exam.
  • End of Semester assignment: Smaller-sized Big band arrangement of 16 bars + ending with full score and parts. The writing of a successful arrangement demonstrates the student’s knowledge of jazz harmony and arranging in the most immediate and direct way. This arrangement will demonstrate an overall grasp of both fundamentals and more advanced concepts in jazz harmony, and exhibit facility with the content covered in class.
  • End of Semester Exam: handwritten short score of small band arrangement from given lead line.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Assessment criteria for assessments in this unit of study can be found on Canvas in the appropriate folder.

 

Assessed work will be marked according to these criteria.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Critical listening to great jazz arrangements and great jazz composers Online class (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 02 Melody and bass lines Online class (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Jazz rhythm (swing) notations Online class (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Horn notations Online class (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Chord symbols, nomenclature and progressions Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Intros, endings, interludes, hooks, and vamps Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Score and parts layouts, set up Sibelius and work on chart Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 The most effective big band arranging charts and techniques Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Balance, dynamics, jazz articulations and effects Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Creative considerations - mood / flow / swing / groove Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Voicings- block, spread, drop 2, 4ths, etc Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Approach techniques Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Exam practice- write excerpt big band chart from lead line in sketch form Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: 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%.

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 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

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.

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

  • LO1. demonstrate knowledge of fundamental jazz harmonic principles through improvisation in a coherent way
  • LO2. analyse jazz arrangements from a range of styles and eras
  • LO3. write arrangements for jazz big band in a number of styles
  • LO4. become fluent in more complex jazz harmony and arranging techniques
  • LO5. complete a smaller-sized arrangement for full big band, and rehearse and record your arrangement.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Additional focus to full ensemble writing toward the end of the semester has been included in the course.

More information and resources are to be found on Canvas.

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.