MUS 312 INTERMEDIATE ARRANGING

This course will emphasize arranging for the big band (5-4-4-4) based on the foundations laid in MUS 310. The students will also explore extended techniques including principles and application of symmetrical scales and chords, pedal points, poly-tonality, triads over foreign bass notes, modes of the melodic minor scale, and planing techniques. Information will be studied from a variety of sources including transcription, analysis, and hands-on application.

To introduce the student to new and current techniques in jazz arranging and to give them the abilities to apply these principles in a variety of instrumentations. Emphasis will also be placed on time effective creativity. The students will be expected to arrange music under the guise of a deadline and to learn how to be creative in a limited amount of time. Not only is this a practical skill, but also a valuable and marketable one giving the students the edge in the music industry.

ASSIGNMENTS & PROJECTS:

Weekly assignments will be given as new techniques and principles are discussed in class. Assignments will be due the next class time and discussed in depth. There will be two arranging projects during the course. Both projects are big band arrangements. Transposed scores are required. Projects are to be completed in Finale software.

There will be a mid-term and a final examination (comprehensive of the entire semester). The main purpose of the examinations is to verify that the students comprehend the techniques and principles taught in class and can readily apply them in a short period of time. There will be quizzes throughout the semester.

Assessment of the student's work is based on the following criteria:

• Comprehension and command of material covered in the course.
• Command of terminology.
• Overall development of ideas (unity and direction) within arrangement.
• Success of read-down sessions.
• Punctuality of assignments and projects.
• For every day past the deadline, the grade will be lowered one letter grade.

The student's final grade will be drawn from grades received for each component of the course:

COURSE OUTLINE:

This is subject to change. Other arrangers not listed below will be incorporated into the curriculum for study. Therefore the time-line is likely to change over the course of the semester. The techniques listed above will be discussed and studied in relation to the score analyses below.

UA Severe Weather Guidelines (http://uanews.ua.edu/severeweather.htm)

The guiding principle at The University of Alabama is to promote the personal safety of our students, faculty and staff during severe weather events. It is impossible to develop policies which anticipate every weather-related emergency. These guidelines are intended to provide additional assistance for responding to severe weather on campus.

In the case of a tornado warning (tornado has been sighted or detected by radar; sirens activated), all university activities are automatically suspended, including all classes and laboratories. If you are in a building, please move immediately to the lowest level and toward the center of the building away from windows (interior classrooms, offices, or corridors) and remain there until the tornado warning has expired. Classes in session when the tornado warning is issued can resume immediately after the warning has expired at the discretion of the instructor. Classes that have not yet begun will resume 30 minutes after the tornado warning has expired provided at least half of the class period remains.

PERSONAL CONDUCT:

It is hoped that students participating in this course will be challenged to achieve their full potential. At the same time, we are committed to providing a non-threatening learning environment. No conduct, which may be regarded as harassing as defined in the University of Alabama's stated policy will be tolerated.

To request disability accommodations, please contact Disabilities Services (348-4285). After initial arrangements are made with that office, contact the instructor.

Conditional Status and MUS 510 Advanced Arranging:

All projects for students that fall under either of these categories are assigned at the discretion of Professor Kozak. All work outlined in this syllabus is to be completed in addition to any work that may be assigned specifically for the individual needs of the student. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the expectations and deadlines that are assigned and agreed upon. Parameters and goals that are to be achieved will be discussed and determined by Professor Kozak and/or Professor Wolfe at the onset of the semester. Goals discussed that are not met to the satisfaction of Professor Kozak and/or Professor Wolfe will be graded accordingly.