John Isley

In this course, students will focus on the basics of arranging and orchestrating for small to medium-size ensembles. Offered in partnership with the Jazz Colloquium ensemble, students will write for the instrumentation of the ensemble and will have the opportunity to hear their arrangements performed by Jazz Colloquium. This course introduces students to the techniques of arranging and orchestration for two-horn, three-horn, and four-horn jazz ensembles. Students will study the classic repertoire of small to medium-size jazz groups and create small ensemble arrangements in various styles. Materials for study will be drawn from throughout the history of jazz and contemporary/commercial arranging practices.

In this course, saxophone students will prepare material arranged specifically for saxophone emsemble, drawing from all genres of music: classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. The course will stress instrumental technique, as well as ensemble and performance rehearsal methods and approaches. There will be at least one public performance per term.

In this course, students will focus on the basics of arranging and orchestrating for small- to medium-size jazz ensembles. Offered in partnership with the Jazz Colloquium ensemble, students will write for the instrumentation of the ensemble and will have the opportunity to hear their arrangements performed by Jazz Colloquium. This course introduces students to the techniques of arranging and orchestration for two-horn, three-horn, and four-horn jazz ensembles. Students will study the classic repertoire of small- to medium-size jazz groups and create small ensemble arrangements in various styles. Materials for study will be drawn from throughout the history of jazz and contemporary/commercial arranging practices.

Saxophone ensembles provide exposure to a wide variety of chamber ensemble literature for the saxophone, as well as an opportunity for students to develop musical interaction skills in a small group/chamber ensemble setting. In this course, students will focus on small ensemble repertoire for the saxophone, exploring the history of contemporary saxophone pieces starting with the saxophone bands of John Phillips Sousa up to and through the current day, performing works by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Gil Evans, Lenny Pickett, 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, Itchy Fingers, the Hollywood Saxophone Quartet, and others. With enough participants, the ensemble may also perform Supersax style (5 saxophones and rhythm section) arrangements. There will be at least one public performance of the saxophone ensemble in each semester, with other opportunities as they arise.