Jazz Ensembles
The Georgia Tech Jazz Program, under the direction of Dr. Chip Crotts, provides a great opportunity to study one of America’s greatest and most unique art forms. The Jazz Ensembles explore music from the late 1920’s through the present day, including works by composers such as Duke Ellington, Bill Holman, Sammy Nestico, Charles Mingus and Pat Metheny. Emphasis in these groups is focused on ensemble playing and the art of improvisation, an essential element in jazz tradition.
Dr. Chip Crotts (D.M.A., Univ. of Texas at Austin): Director of Jazz Studies (Jazz Ensembles, History of Jazz)
Jazz Ensemble rehearsals are Tues/Thurs from 3:30-4:45pm, while the Jazz Combos meet Tues/Thurs from 5:00-6:15pm. Both jazz ensembles are run by a faculty director, while each combo rehearses once per week with a combo coach, and once per week for separately. A sample weekly Jazz Ensemble rehearsal schedule can be found below:
Tuesday
3:05 Tuning
3:15 It Might as Well Be Spring
3:30 Two Seconds to Midnight
3:45- But Beautiful
4:00- Four Brothers (No saxes, brass and percussion backgrounds only)
Thursday
3:05 Tuning
3:15 Vocal chart
3:30 But Beautiful (Solos w/ backgrounds)
3:45 Two Seconds to Midnight
4:00 Doozy (Supersax with Rhythm Section)
Auditions are required for participation in the jazz ensembles or combos. Auditions are typically held on the first two days of each academic semester and sign-up sheets can be found on the door of West Village 171, the first day prior to each semester. All audition requirements can be found on the auditions page. While every effort is made to provide an opportunity for all students, group size and experience level will often dictate our ability to do so. Ability to read music and play by ear is highly desirable, but not always required, given each unique ensemble setting.
Students can earn humanities credit by participating in the Jazz Ensembles, as well as general elective credits by performing in one of our Combos, provided they meet the requirements listed in your Georgia Tech Catalog. Each semester will earn you one (1) credit towards your total count as determined by the Institute.
Course Name: Jazz Ensemble
Course Name: Jazz Combo
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Ensembles