Gear Up for Fall with Beginning Jazz Methods Wednesday, August 09, 2023
recommended by Eric Stratton, Jazz Specialist
Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method by Dean Sorenson & Bruce Pearson
This book, from the indispensable Standard of Excellence family, is the one that others compare themselves to! The Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method is a comprehensive jazz instruction book for group or individual study. Targeted at middle-school age band students, the SOE Jazz Ensemble Method provides the missing links between performance and theory to help students reach their full potential while sparking a lifelong enthusiasm for jazz music. EASY TO TEACH! Features include: 13 full-performance charts (buy one book, get a whole year of concert material); sounds great with a full band or reduced instrumentation; uses “real” jazz terminology used by “real” jazz musicians; extensive comprehensive director’s book chock full of great lesson material; three style sections focus on Rock, Swing and Latin styles; play-along CD in every book for home practice; supplemental books for Flute, Clarinet, French Horn and Tuba.
First Place for Jazz by Dean Sorenson
“First Place for Jazz” is a comprehensive jazz curriculum built from the ground up essential for implementing the jazz ensemble curriculum. The book is divided into three sections by key: Concert Bb, F, and Eb. Within each section the major, Mixolydian, Dorian, and blues scales and correlated chords of that key are introduced through Jazz Starters, Rhythm Section Spotlights, and Rhythm Sectionals. These enrichments prepare students to play each of the 12 original grade 1-2 Jazz Ensemble Charts and Lead Sheets. Suitable for group or individual instruction, this unique organization, combined with a host of innovative features including Kjos Interactive Practice Studio and availability in SmartMusic, will provide bands with the tools it will need.
Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble by Mike Steinel
Here’s everything you need to start a beginning jazz ensemble! It doesn’t matter if you’re knowledgeable in the field of jazz, this method will get you and your students swinging the right way in no time. The important elements of playing styles unique to jazz are introduced and reinforced through easy exercises and ten full ensemble arrangements. Basic jazz theory and history are also introduced. The beginning steps to jazz improvisation are covered beginning with simple two-measure phrases. All the exercises and compositions can be played by a full jazz ensemble, or individually with online audio access included with each book. Listening to good jazz players is one of the best ways to learn, and playing along with the audio tracks is an excellent way for students to hear how jazz is played. With “Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble,” you’ll be laying a solid foundation in jazz that your students can grow on!
The Articulate Jazz Musician by Caleb Chapman & Jeff Coffin
Award-winning jazz educator Caleb Chapman and multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning saxophonist Jeff Coffin have created a highly effective approach to jazz articulation. Step by step, “The Articulate Jazz Musician” details Caleb’s proven approach for mastering the fundamentals of jazz articulation, phrasing, and interpretation. The play-along tracks are designed for C, B-flat, E-flat, and bass clef instruments. Rhythm section instruments can use the play-along tracks as a “how to play it” reference. The tracks feature a world-class quartet of Jeff Coffin (tenor saxophone), Victor Wooten (bass), Roy “Futureman” Wooten (drums), and Chris Walters (piano). This method makes approaching jazz articulation easy and fun. Follow the explanations, do lots of listening, play along, practice what you have heard, and before long, you too will be an articulate jazz musician!
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About the Author:
Eric Stratton is the Jazz Specialist at Stanton’s Sheet Music. From Westerville, OH, Eric received a Bachelor of Music in Classical Bass Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies from Otterbein University. On both electric and double bass, he plays in various groups around Columbus, including New Albany Symphony and Westerville Symphony orchestras. He enjoys listening to and playing many types of music, from jazz, pop, to rock and metal. Some of Eric’s favorite performance opportunities are in the pit orchestras of musical theatre productions. When Eric isn’t gigging or at Stanton’s, he enjoys playing video games, hanging out with his cats, performing repair and tech work on guitars, and going to local restaurants and breweries with friends.