2008 Augusta Class Letter


Week 2
Swing Week
Swing Horns
John Jensen



This class is for intermediate to advanced horn students. For you to get the most out of this class, you should be able to answer "yes" to the following questions:
  1. Do I have a good working knowledge of my instrument?
  2. Do I possess basic technique on my chosen instrument?
  3. Can I play in tune?
  4. Do I have knowledge and proficiency of basic scales and arpeggios?
  5. Do I understand basic rhythm notation (whole notes, half notes, etc.)?
  6. Do I have some basic ability to read music?

If you answered "no" to any of these, feel free to contact me at johnjensen@pxrec.com so that we can discuss whether this class is appropriate for you.

We will learn exercises to help you learn to play what you hear.

We will discuss how to play in a swing band...how to "find your part" and how to play appropriately behind a singer or soloist.

We will explore ways to help you develop as an improvising soloist.

We will discuss and demonstrate methods to learn tunes. We will also spend time with the material in the Augusta jam tunes book.

If you want to improvise jazz and swing music you must be grounded in the legacy of the masters. Artists such as Louis Armstrong, Lester Young, Jack Teagarden and Count Basie. We will talk about and listen to a few recordings of great jazz and swing musicians.

You need to bring:

  • Your instrument in good working order.
  • A music manuscript book (and pen/pencil) to take notes and write exercises.
  • Brass players may want to bring a cup mute and a plunger mute.
  • Tape recorders are welcome in class.
  • There may be a $3 charge for materials

Please contact me at johnjensen@pxrec.com if you have any questions or concerns regarding this class.

See you at Swing Week!

John Jensen

http://www.dcjazz.com/johnjensen/