Fundamentals of Jazz

Fundamentals of Jazz

Pos-Jordan Jazz Ensemble

Instrumental students of any skill level will enjoy and learn from master jazz musicians, including Dave Posmontier, Leon Jordan, Tyrone Brown, Chico Huff and/or Bob Howell.  Their residency programs are tailored to meet the needs of the students and complement the music teacher’s curriculum.  These teaching artists break down the jazz into its component parts.  Student skills are advanced through such activities as:  rigorous instrumental exercises based on different modes, scales, arpeggios and harmonic patterns; and music notation and composition exercises.

Teaching the fundamentals of composition and improvisation are two of this group’s greatest strengths.  As they introduce jazz repertoire, they challenge the students to listen beneath the surface of the song and analyze not only the musical form, but what inspired the expression, asking the students questions such as:  How did the other musicians react to each other and why? What feelings or expressions or concepts could alter or improve the song?   As a demonstration, the ensemble then builds a composition using collaborative, verbally-expressed ideas from the students themselves. They may also convey ideas by clapping, singing, scatting or engaging in call and response – adding, deleting, altering or changing direction at any time.  This lays the groundwork for students to create their own compositions, demonstrating the collaborative techniques that are intrinsic to jazz.

The Pos-Jordan Jazz Ensemble, led by keyboardist Dave Posmontier and master drummer Leon Jordan can work with all instrumental students, including those who have no previous knowledge of jazz music.  Additionally, the workshop students do not need to play the same instruments as the ensemble members.  The musicians are able to instruct students on any instrumental combinations including horns, reeds, percussion, strings, saxophone choirs, and big bands.

Please call or email the Program Director to discuss the abilities of your students and the focus of your residency program.  The ensemble leaders, Dave and Leon, are eager to work closely with teachers to structure the curriculum according to student needs.  Preferably, residencies begin with a joint planning session with teachers.  The artists also offer suggested educational materials with optional and recommended research activities that address learning standards in areas as diverse as mathematics, History, language arts, fine arts and social studies.

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