The Jazz Band Director's Handbook

Part 1 A big band philosophy for jazz educators. Part 2 Dealing with the music: how to pick good jazz literature; getting more from the score; know the score; rhythm section; all that's written isn't gold; keeping score of the music; using CDs - off the record; highlighting the score; how to work without a score; jazz articulation. Part 3 Building a strong jazz program: the effective jazz ensemble director; where are the opportunities for young jazz ensembles?; how to improve your jazz ensemble's performance; preparing your ensemble for concert; help for the young jazz ensemble director; it's all in the swing. Part 4 Early stages of jazz improvization: a beginner's approach; how to teach jazz improvization; don't be afraid to play what's on your mind; removing the fear of flying; scales for jazz improvization; good musicians borrow; value of licks; why bebop is bad for beginners; swing's the thing; have a little fun with ii-V-I. Part 5 From the podium: learning to play in tune; tools to teach tuning; role of the conductor; do we really need a conductor?. Part 6 The jazz guitarist: what shall we do?; coping with comping; joining the ranks of the readers. Part 7 The mind, body and soul: closing the gap between thought and expression; facing the physical barriers to improvization; developing competent jazz musicians; seven steps to heaven. Part 8 Advanced jazz concepts: the matrix; using the melodic minor scale. Part 9 The director as teacher: from clubs to classrooms; value of sight-reading; teaching jazz in marching, concert and symphony band; benefits of having your own jazz festival; thirteen jazz improvization class activities. Part 10 Music to your ears: what to listen for in jazz; what is a good solo, anyway?; art of listening; educated listener; sight-hearing 101 - melodic ear training; all you need is one CD. Part 11 Think on these things: state of jazz in America; final words of wisdom.