| None | Great job performing at Bandapalooza! Thank you for vounteering your time and talents to this bandtastic event! For our next rehearsal: ALL - spend time practicing and listening along to Accompany. Join me during period 0 - we run through each of the songs every morning and it has been effective practice for those who have attended. RHYTHM SECTION + HORNS - figure out your own personal part for Chicken, Fool, and Suit & Tie. Be so confident in your notes and rhythms that you can stop thinking about them and just focus on the musicality. Schedule a sectional if you feel you will need it. Otherwise the expectation is that you will practice at home and arrive prepared. I'm excited to hear your progress!! | Thursday 4/3, 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 3/20, 7-8:30pm | Spring Concert Rehearsal #4 of 10. RHYTHM SECTION - spend time practicing along to Accompany. You need to develop a collective tempo/groove for each song, and know where you are in the music for stop-times and groove changes. HORN SECTION - spend time practicing along to Accompany. The opening of Chicken needs attention for intonation and tone quality. For those of you who have the 16th note part at 47 - practice it slowly and accurately first. The second half of fools needs attention for notes and rhythms. The entire song needs musicality and direction. Attend your sectionals: Mon 3/24: Trumpet, Thurs 3/27: Trombone, Rhythm, Sax, Fri 3/28: Trumpet. | TUESDAY 3/25 is our BANDAPALOOZA PERFORMANCE. Arrive by 5:15 so that we can begin performing at 5:30pm. Rhythm section set up help will be needed p.9. |
| Thursday 3/13 7-8:30pm | Spring Concert Rehearsal #3 of 10. Think if the band we could be if each of you actually followed these HW guidelines!!! We are repeating the same assignment as last week because we could not move on.........FOOLS: Review m.1-44 for the details we discussed (articulation, phrasing). Then, practice m.45-76. Be sure you can play it correctly with musicality. CHICKEN: Review m.1-22 for the space and style details we worked on - play with a beautiful and full sound. RHYTHM SECTION - use a METRONOME at m.23. You MUST be able to stay with the time because the band will push you to rush. q=100 is our top speed right now, stick to it. ALL - practice m.23-58 at q=80 - you are not ready to go faster and play with accuracy. LISTEN to the Dashboard and www.accompanyu.com recordings that I so lovingly curate for you - practice along with them! Attend your sectionals: Wed 3/19: Saxes and Trumpet, Thurs 3/20: Rhythm and Trombone. | Thursday 3/20, 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 3/6 7-8:30pm | Spring Concert Rehearsal #2 of 10. Please return your Jazz Band calendar. DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FOOL: Don't be a fool - make time to practice! Review m.1-44 for the details we discussed (articulation, phrasing). Then, practice m.45-76 - don't think "oh, this looks easy I'll skip it." Be sure you can play it correctly with musicality. THE CHICKEN: Review m.1-22 for the space and style details we worked on. RHYTHM SECTION - use a METRONOME at m.23. You MUST be able to stay with the time because the band will push you to rush. q=80 is our top speed right now, stick to it. ALL - practice m.23-58 at q=80. LISTEN to the Dashboard and www.accompanyu.com recordings that I so lovingly curate for you - practice along with them! Attend your sectionals: Mon 3/10: Rhythm, Tues 3/11: Sax, Thurs 3/13: Trumpet & Trombone. Can't wait to hear your progress! | Thursday 3/13 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 1/30 7-8:30pm | Swing Dance Rehearsal #5 (of 6): We are out of time...make time for personal practice this weekend. There are still areas where notes/rhythms are not confident. SATIN DOLL - Keep the tempo at q=112. Work on notes/rhythms m.57-end. Emulate the style of Duke Ellington by playing with incredible accents and dynamic contrast! JUMPIN' AT THE WOODSIDE - Tempo is q=180. Be able to play the entire song comfortably with correct articulation. This song is deceptively difficult. Emulate the style of Count Basie by making sure your entrances/exits and space are precise! IT DON'T MEAN A THING - If you are a soloist, your solo must be learned. This piece will be fantastic if we can capture the essence of Duke Ellington and play with exciting dynamic contrast! UNTIL I MET YOU, ONE O'CLOCK JUMP & C JAM - play through each of these to remind yourself about the road map and muscle memory. WORLD TOUR REMINDERS: Our WORLD TOUR is Wednesday 2/5. Wear concert black (don't forget black shoes/black socks) and your white tie. Report to the Band Room immediately upon arrival to YHS. We will need to pack the bus and get on the road ASAP.
| Thursday 2/6 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 1/23 7-8:30pm | Swing Dance Rehearsal #4 (of 6): All songs must be prepared with confidently correct notes and rhythms. We have ONE rehearsal left until our World Tour performances. You need to practice. SATIN DOLL - you were not successful playing m.57-end. Be able to play with dynamic contrast to emulate the style of Duke Ellington! JUMPIN' AT THE WOODSIDE - set a metronome to q=180. Be able to play the entire song comfortably at this tempo, with articulation. If you are a soloist, your solo must be learned. This song is deceptively difficult. Entrances/Exits and space must be precise to emulate the style of Count Basie! IT DON'T MEAN A THING - m.46-56 and 65-68 for rhythm, 79-end for exciting dynamics. Pay careful attention to all articulation and dynamics to emulate the style of Duke Ellington! Listen to the recordings. Attend your sectionals Mon 1/27: Sax and Rhythm. Tues 1/28: Trumpet. Thurs 1/30: Trombone. | Thursday 1/30 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 1/16 7-8:30pm | Swing Dance Rehearsal #3: We have a long weekend - set aside some time at home to listen and practice! SATIN DOLL - be able to play your notes and rhythms correctly for the entire song. Pay special attention to the notes/rhythms of m.57-end. Listen to the recordings. JUMPIN' AT THE WOODSIDE - be able to play your notes and rhythms correctly for the entire song. Use www.accompanyu.com to help you. This song is deceptively difficult. Entrances/Exits and space must be precise. Soloists - make sure you are ready. Rhythm section, focus on tempo, balance, and dynamics. IT DON'T MEAN A THING - be able to play your notes and rhythms correctly for the entire song. Pay careful attention to the articulation and dynamics. Listen to the recordings. Attend your sectionals Tues 1/21: Low Brass and Trumpet, Wed 1/22: Sax, Thurs. 1/23: Rhythm Section. | Thursday 1/23 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 1/9/25 7-8:30pm | Swing Dance Rehearsal #2: 1. SATIN DOLL - be able to play your notes and rhythms correctly for the entire song. Listen to the recordings. 2. JUMPIN AT THE WOODSIDE - be able to play your notes and rhythms corretly for m.1-98. Use accompanyu.com to help you. 3. It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing be able to play your notes and rhythms correctly for m.1-32. Listen to the recordings. 4. Attend your sectionals Mon 1/13: Sax, Tues 1/14: Low Brass, Wed 1/15: Trumpet and Rhythm Section. | Thursday 1/16 7-8:30pm |
| HOLIDAY BREAK | Swing Dance Rehearsal #1: I'm so excited to get back to our weekly meetings - and our new music! REMINDER - we only have 5 rehearsals to put this music together. Be sure our rehearsals are on your family calendar, and that you are making time to practice. 1. SATIN DOLL - be able to play your notes and rhythms correctly for m.1-30. Listen to the recordings. 2. JUMPIN AT THE WOODSIDE - be able to play your notes and rhythms corretly for m.1-38. Listen to the recordings. | Thursday 1/9/25 7-8:30pm |
| TUESDAY 11/26, 7-8:30pm | Rehearsal #10! You know what you need to do, personally, to be ready for our concert. Get it done. If you need help, ask. COMBO: Your plan is to attend Jazz Jam period 0 every morning this week to run your solos for Moanin'. We also talked about meeting again at 6:15 before the Tech Rehearsal. Joe - confirm with me in advance if this is a go. Happy Thanksgiving! | TECH REHEARSAL Thursday 12/5 7-8:30pm |
| TUESDAY 11/19, 7-8:30pm | Rehearsal #9 - Amazingly, we have 1 rehearsal left! Practice, practice, practice this weekend. 1. Be able to confidently AND MUSICALLY play all notes and rhythms for all songs, by yourself. Practice the muscle memory of playing a song top to bottom without stopping. 2. Soloists - HAVE A PLAN and attend Jazz Jam Period 0 to practice your plan. 3. Attend your sectionals - THEY ARE NOT OPTIONAL. Fri. 11/22: Rhythm Mon 11/25: Trombone, Sax, Trumpet. | TUESDAY 11/26, 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 11/14 7-8:30pm | Rehearsal #7 - We have 2 rehearsals left! Practice this weekend. 1. Corner Pocket - m.9-10 crescendo and energy into the ^ accent. Brass fix phrasing in m.17-18 and m.19-20 you are not confident and need direction to the phrase. m.90-95 observe the dynamics so that the last measure is exciting. 2. One O'Clock - Saxes run m.105-end for musicle memory and precision, and phrasing. Trombones, fix m.117-140 for plunger/note/glissando accuracy. Trumpets keep at m.129-140. 3.Soloists - HAVE A PLAN. You know how many bars your solo is - plan an opening lick that you like, what scale/3rds/chord patterns you will use after the lick, and then an ending lick. Then, practice your plan along with the backing tracks I have so lovingly provided, OR by attending Jazz Jam Period Zero! 4. Attend your sectionals - THEY ARE NOT OPTIONAL. Mon 11/18: Trombone, Sax, Tues 11/19: Trumpet, Rhythm. | TUESDAY 11/19, 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 11/7 7-8:30pm | Rehearsal #7 - We have 3 rehearsals left! 1. I heard some nice progress tonight - sections are beginning to sound confident in notes and rhythms.
2. Now, turn your focus to musicality (phrasing, articulation, dynamics, and BALANCE). 3. Soloists - put the pro recordings on in the background as you do HW and chores. 4. Incorporate 3rds into your improvisation - always have a plan - it will help your solo sound organized. 4. Attend your sectionals - they are not optional. Can't wait to hear your progress next week! | Thursday 11/14 7-8:30pm |
| Tuesday 10/29, 7-8:30pm | Rehearsal #6 - only 4 rehearsals left!
1. Make time for personal practice. In all 3 songs there are notes, rhythms, articulation and musicality that need attention. 2. LISTEN to the professional recordings - it is THE BEST way to improve your understanding and musicality! 3. Practice your improvisation for C Jam and Corner Pocket. 4. Attend your sectional Mon.11/4 = Trombone, Rhythm. Tues. 11/5 = Combo. Thurs. 11/7 = Sax. Trumpets - when? Can't wait to hear your progress next week! | Thursday 11/7 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 10/24, 7-8:30pm | Rehearsal #5 - we are half way to our Winter Concert! 1.Perfect the notes and rhythms to C Jam and Corner Pocket. 2. One O'Clock Jump - soloists - be ready to play. ALL polish m.93-end and work from 1-93. 3. LISTEN to the professional recordings. 4. Practice improvisation for C Jam and Corner Pocket. 5. Attend your sectional Mon.10/28 = Rhythm, Tues. 10/29 = Trombones, Sax, Thurs. 10/31 = Trumpet | TUESDAY 10/29, 7-8:30pm |
| TUESDAY 10/15, 7-8:30pm | Rehearsal #4 - Here are my notes and your assignment: 1. By this point in C Jam and Corner Pocket, you know the notes and rhythms that you personally need to work on. Make it your goal to master them by our next rehearsal (which will be our #5 - the half-way point to our winter concert...). 2. One O'Clock Jump - learn m.93-end with confidently correct notes and rhythms. If you are a soloist, learn your solo. 3. LISTEN to the professional recordings - add them to your daily playlist. Also, take your music and follow along as you actively listen and notice your part. 4. Attend you sectionals this week Wed.10/16 = Rhythm, Thurs. 10/17 = Trombones, and next week Mon. 10/21 = Trombone and Rhythm, Tues. 10/22 = Sax, Wed. 10/23 = Trumpet | Thursday 10/24, 7-8:30pm |
| Thursday 10/10, 7-8:30pm | Rehearsal #3 - CJam is starting to gel! Here are my notes and your assignment: 1. Take time to listen - my Dashboard recordings have been carefully curated for you to learn the styles of the Basie and Ellington big bands. 2. Practice Until I Met You. Be able to play the shout chorus confidently and correctly. 3. NEW SONG! One O'Clock Jump - learn measures 93-end. (If you are a soloist - also start learning your solo - USE THE RECORDINGS to help you!) 4. Attend your Sectional p.9: Tues 10/15 = Trumpets and Saxes, Wed 10/16 = Rhythm, Thurs 10/17 = Trombones. Can't wait to hear you next week!
| TUESDAY 10/15, 7-8:30pm |
| TUESDAY 10/2, 7-8:30pm | Good job at rehearsal tonight! Here are my notes and your assignment: 1. Take time to listen - especially spend time on Until I Met You. Use the recordings on Dashboard. 2. Practice Until I Met You. Be able to play your part confidently and correctly. 3. Practice soloing to C Jam Blues. Listen to the JALC recording to get ideas. If you like one of the solos, try transcribing it for your instrument. 4. Attend your sectional p.9: Percussion and Saxes Mon. 10/7, Trumpets and Rhythm Wed. 10/9, Trombones Thurs 10/10. 5. Our next rehearsal is THURSDAY 10/10.
*6. I will need to move our Thursday 10/17 rehearsal to TUESDAY 10/15. Please make this change to your calendar.* | Thursday 10/10, 7-8:30pm |
| Thurs. 9/26, 7-8:30pm | What a fun first rehearsal! Your assignment for next week is: 1. Take time to listen. Use the recordings on Dashboard. Listen to a short segment, finger along with your sheet music, then play along. Have a pencil ready to mark any questions you have, accidentals, or tricky places. 2. Then, practice along with the recording. 3. Attend your sectional. Everyone is Monday - p.9. I'm looking forward to hearing your progress! | TUESDAY 10/2, 7-8:30pm |
| First Rehearsal! Thurs. 9/26 7-8:30pm | Welcome to Jazz Band 24-25, I am so excited to work with you! Please arrive by 6:50 so that we can
start promptly at 7. Some items to take care of before our rehearsal:
Please take some time to get to know your music before rehearsal. Your goal is to be able to play your notes and rhythms at a steady tempo.
Use DASHBOARD to listen to our professional recordings
and follow along with a pencil and your music.
Set up your Chromebook
A-CCOMPANY account. Go to www.accompanyu.com and login with your @yorktown.org address. Practice along with your part.
Bring in your signed Jazz Band calendar to class on Monday 9/23.
Ask for help if you need it. Let's have a great first rehearsal! | See you this Thursday 9/26 7-8:30pm! |
| Summer Assignment | SO excited to share some new music! Enjoy learning C-Jam Blues (Duke Ellington) and Until I Met You/Corner Pocket (Count Basie). Sheet music and professional recordings have been posted. | See you in September! |