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If you are interested in joining the Jazz Ensembles, you are at the right page! Here some Frequently Asked Questions that may be informative for you.... 1. When do the Jazz Ensembles rehearse? |
| When do the Jazz Ensembles rehearse? Each Jazz Ensemble rehearses once a week. A secondary sectional rehearsal is rotated among the three groups. [top] What instruments play in the Big Band and Chamber Jazz Ensembles? The standard jazz instrumentation: Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone; Trumpet & Trombone; Clarinet; Piano, Guitar, Acoustic/Electric Bass, & Drum Set. [top] Do I have to buy any music when I join? No, we will provide you with a folder and music. [top] How many concerts will I play in a semester? Each Ensemble performs in two concerts per semester, one of them being at the end of the term. There are occasionally extra performances on or off campus, such as the Five College Jazz Festival. [top] How do I get into an Ensemble? Auditions are really painless! They are held the first Friday of each semester, and you can bring in a tune or song with which you are comfortable. More advanced musicians are asked to sight-read a passage of music. [top] Are there any pre-requisites for the Jazz Ensembles? There is only one pre-requisite that exists for Chamber Jazz Ensemble members: Chamber Jazz consists of select members of the Big Band, so one must maintain membership in the Big Band in order to participate in Chamber Jazz. [top] Are these groups extra curricular activities, or can I get credit for joining? Members receive 1 credit per semester. Although we are also listed as student organizations, the Jazz Ensembles are bonafide Music Department ensembles. [top] Does any of the Ensembles ever tour? Yes! Our last tour brought us to Washington DC to perform for the local MHC Alumni Club. This year, Chamber & Vocal Jazz will perform in NYC during the holiday season. We are working towards the eventual goal of giving all three Ensembles the chance to tour over the course of a student's four years at MHC. [top] Are there solo opportunities available in the Ensembles? Yes, there are many in Big Band and Chamber Jazz. There are also plenty of solos in Vocal Jazz, and each semester Vocal Jazzers audition for the chance to sing special solos with the Big Band and Chamber Jazz. [top] Are there leadership opportunities available in the Ensembles? Yes, there are! We have a 12 member Jazz Board to coordinate important tasks such as management, equipment setup, recruitment of new members, concert publicity, website management and social event planning. [top] I am a prospective MHC student and would love to hear the group rehearse. Is that possible? Yes! Be sure to let the Admissions Office know that you are interested in the Jazz Ensembles, and they will notify Mark Gionfriddo of your interest. You can also email him directly to set up an appointment to meet when you visit the campus. [top] Can I get private jazz lessons on my instrument while at MHC? Yes, you can. Some teachers are on campus, and others teach at one of the nearby Five College campuses. If you are interested in Jazz Piano, Mark Gionfriddo teaches at Mount Holyoke. To get information on other instruments, email Michele Scanlon, Music Department Assistant, for more information. [top] |
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Last Updated
May 5, 2008
