Running Head: ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 1
ESTABLISHNG A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE,
A NINE WEEK CURRICULUM
ELIZABETH M. STEWART
SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE
DR. TIMOTHY S. BROPHY, CHAIR
DR. RICHARD S. WEBB, COMMITTEE MEMBER
A PROJECT IN LIEU OF THESIS PRESENTED TO THE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIRMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF MUSIC
2016
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 2
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this Capstone project was to design of a curricular unit for the first nine weeks of
a high school vocal jazz ensemble. The curriculum content is presented through unit studies that
provide fundamental knowledge and introduce basic skills for successful jazz performance. The
curriculum includes sample lesson plans and activities designed to engage students in the idioms
of vocal jazz through sequenced experiences. The curriculum aligns with the National Core Arts
Standards for Music as well as Florida’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. Student
learning is measured by various assessment tools, including the NAfME Model Cornerstone
Assessments for creating, performing and responding to music.
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank for to my family for your continued support during the course of this project, especially
my husband, Robert Stewart. Your uncompromising love and support goes above and beyond
my expectations. Thank you for working overtime to make it possible for me to attend the
University of Florida and fulfill my goal of attaining a Master’s degree in Music Education.
Thank you Dr. Timothy S. Brophy for your patience and guidance throughout the process of this
Capstone project. I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and insight through your
guidance which is extremely valuable to me as a music educator. Lastly, thank you to Dr.
Richard S. Webb for your guidance and direction as well. I am honored to have learned from
both of you.
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract……………………………………………………………………...………..……2
Acknowledgements…………….……………………………………………….…………..3
Purpose…………………………………………………………………………….….……6
Review of Literature…………………………………….…………………….…….……...8
Bloom’s Taxonomy………….…………………………………………….………..9
Webb’s Depth of Knowledge………….……………………………………...……10
Common Core…………………………………………………………….....……..11
National Core Arts Standards …….………...…………………………………..….12
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (Florida)…….……………………...…13
Hillsborough County High School Choral Directors Curriculum Map (Tampa)......14
Standards Crosswalks…………………………………………………………...….16
Creativity……………………………………………………………...…...……….18
Comparing the technical aspects of traditional and vocal jazz ensemble singing.... 22
Stylistic considerations of vocal jazz…………………………….……………...….24
Pedagogy…………………………………...………………………………..….….27
Vocal Jazz Pedagogical Content Knowledge…………..………...……………..….27
Methodology…………………………………………………………………………..……28
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 5
Curriculum and Assessment……………….…...……………………………………….….30
Presentation of Curriculum…………………………….……………………………….….31
References……………………………………………………...…………………….…….34
Curriculum Outline…….…………………………………………………………….……..37
Instruction Guide………………………………………………………………………...…39
Unit Overviews………………………………………………………………………..……44
Vocal Improvisation Unit Design……………………………………………………..……46
Sample lesson plan: Introduction to Vocal improvisation………...………....….…48
Sample lesson plan: Melodic Embellishments………………………...……..….…49
Performance preparation for Vocal Jazz Solos Unit Design……………………….....…….50
Sample lesson plan: Text analysis………………………………...…………...……53
Sample lesson plan: Melodic Variations………………………………….……..….55
Appendices
National Music Standards (NAfME)…………………………………….………….57
Hillsborough County High School Choral Directors Curriculum Map……….…….61
Florida Vocal Association Music Performance Assessment Rubrics…………….…63
Music Depth of Knowledge Stem Questions……….………………………….……67
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 6
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Traditional high school band programs offer a variety of instrumental ensembles for band
students including marching band, concert band and jazz band. Each embraces its own genre of
music, diversifying the development of student performance skills (including improvisation) on
their instruments. High school choral programs, however, are more limited because the focus is
predominantly on more traditional choral ensembles, sometimes including a vocal jazz ensemble.
Although choral directors engage their students in singing jazz literature, the approach to jazz is
traditional in nature and their experience with vocal improvisation are limited (Freer, 2010).
University and college graduates in vocal music education acquire extensive knowledge of the
traditional elements of music such as choral conducting, music history, and music theory with
virtually no knowledge or experience in vocal jazz (Lyons, 2009). Many choral educators feel
unprepared to teach improvisatory skills due to their lack of pre-service training in the idioms of
jazz and stylistic approaches that clearly differ from the more traditional approach to singing
(Ward-Steinman, 2008).
This research supports the need for vocal jazz curriculum, which I have addressed in this
project by developing a research and standards based nine-week curriculum for choral directors.
The curriculum includes three components of study that address core concepts and skills relevant
to vocal jazz performance. The units incorporate a brief overview of vocal jazz history and
instruction to the basic rhythms, harmonies and scales often utilized in vocal improvisation.
Additionally, the curriculum addresses vocal technique, development of improvisatory skills, and
the stylistic considerations of vocal jazz applicable to solo and ensemble performance.
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 7
PURPOSE
The purpose of this project was to develop a standards based curriculum for the first nine-
weeks of a high school level vocal jazz ensemble. In 2014, the National Coalition for Core Arts
Standards revised the national arts standards and clarified expectations in arts education
(National Association for Music Education, 2016). The core music standards are designed to
engage music students in the four processes of creating, performing, responding to music. The
standards provide a conceptual framework within which teachers can design curriculum that
integrates the core standards of music into their instruction. In this project, I examined the
National Core Arts Standards for traditional and emerging ensembles, Florida’s Next Generation
Sunshine State Standards (Florida State University, 2016) and the Hillsborough County
curriculum map specific to high school level ensembles. The standards provide a framework for
designing instructional outcomes in the nine- week vocal jazz curriculum.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
1. Which music standards are central to the design of a high school vocal jazz
curriculum?
2. What are the similarities and differences in traditional and vocal jazz singing with
regard to vocal technique?
3. What are effective methodologies of teaching vocal jazz style and engaging
students’ vocal improvisation?
4. How do these methods of vocal jazz instruction lead to student achievement of the
standards?
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 8
5. What are effective methods of assessment for students in a vocal jazz ensemble?
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Curriculum developers must work within the policies established in response to relevant
education laws passed by Congress that stipulate federal oversight of basic programs operated by
state and local education agencies. Fifty years ago President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA, 1965) which established a commitment to
equal educational opportunity for all students. The law was reauthorized by George W. Bush in
2002 in a bipartisan effort known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB, 2002), which identified goals
for reducing achievement gaps identified for minority or economically disadvantaged students in
Title I schools (U.S. Department of Education, 2004). No Child Left Behind was scheduled for
revision in 2007, but the law was not revised at that time. In 2010, the Obama administration
was encouraged by stakeholders to further education reform and identified that some provisions
in NCLB were actually hindering student progress. Congress could not come to a resolution, so
the President to establish of ESEA flexibility, which allowed states, schools and educators to
develop and implement effective strategies for higher student achievement. States that received
this flexibility were required to develop and implement accountability systems for improving
educational outcomes for students who were not demonstrating growth in academic achievement
(the White House, n.d.). On December 10, 2015 President Barack Obama signed into law another
bipartisan bill known as Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2015). The President stated, "With
this bill, we reaffirm that fundamentally American ideal—that every child, regardless of race,
income, background, the zip code where they live, deserves the chance to make of their lives
what they will." (U.S. Department of Education, 2016, p. 1). This law reaffirmed the importance
of arts education in Sec. 5551 of NCLB (U.S. Department of Education, 2004) which outlined
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 9
stipulations for assistance for arts education. The new law (ESSA, 2015) describes music and the
arts as part of a ‘well-rounded education’ (National Association for Music Education, 2016). It
is therefore important to develop meaningful arts curriculum. This further supports the research
findings that evidence the degree to which engagement in the arts fosters students’ creativity and
development of critical thinking skills (Hickey & Webster, 2001). National, state and county
standards provide a framework for the development of curriculum that promotes optimal student
achievement.
Educational theorists posit frameworks of student learning that guide the development of
curriculum and assessment. Bloom (1956), developed a model for categorizing educational
objectives. Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives (1956/2001) consisted of six major
components: (a) knowledge; (b) comprehension; (c) application; (d) analysis; (e) synthesis; and
(f) evaluation (Vanderbilt University, 2016). As education systems continued to evolve, new
perspectives emerged during the 1960s and 1970s. Educational theorist identified three domains
of human learning as cognitive (Bloom), affective (Krathwohl) and psychomotor (Harrow and
Simpson). These domains were arranged into a hierarchy ranging from the simplest functions to
the more complex, or higher order thinking (Thomas, 2005). In 2001, Krathwohl, and Anderson
(a student of Bloom’s) revised the original taxonomy created by Bloom using verbs or actions to
determine levels of learning (see Figure 1).
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 10
Figure 1: A comparison of the two versions of Bloom’s Taxonomy (Wilson, 2016)
In the revision of Blooms’ taxonomy, Krathwohl and Anderson felt it important to include
a matrix of cognitive processes ranging from concrete knowledge progressing to abstract
knowledge (Krathwohl, 2002). Figure 2 represents the conceptual framework of higher order
thinking wherein learners begin with the ability to recall information, and develop the ability to
the transfer information known as active learning (Paige, Sizemore, & Neace, 2013).
Figure 2: Knowledge dimension of Bloom’s taxonomy (adapted from Anderson and Krathwohl,
2001, p. 46)
Norman Webb (1997) conceptualized the cognitive learning process in his Depth of
Knowledge (DoK) model. While the Bloom/Anderson taxonomies present a hierarchical model
of educational objective, Webb’s model presents a hierarchy of cognitive complexity. Cognitive
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 11
complexity is a means of classifying the cognitive demands presented by standards and
curriculum (Florida Department of Education, 2012). Webb’s DoK classifies thinking at four
levels of complexity: (a) recall; (b) basic application of skill or concept; (c) strategic thinking;
and (d) extended thinking (Paige, Sizemore, & Neace, 2013). Many teachers and administrators
have found that when observing instruction, Webb’s four indicators are easier to distinguish than
the six indicators used by Bloom (Hess, 2013) (see Figure 3).
Figure 3: Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (Heidi Butkus, 2013)
Webb’s Depth of Knowledge and Common Core
The Common Core State Standards Initiative (Common Core State Standards Initiative,
2016) details what students should know and be able to do in core academic subjects upon
graduation from high school to prepare them for success in institutions of higher education as
well as the workforce. Common Core was developed by the National Governors Association
(NGA) (National Governors Association, 2011) and the Council of Chief State School Officers
(CCSSO) (Council of Chief State School Officers , 2016) and is intended to establish
consistency in state standards in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. Common Core
places emphasis on content rigor and application of knowledge through higher order thinking
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 12
(Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2016). Higher order thinking is at the center of the
Webb model and, as a result, the Depth of Knowledge model is a framework used by educators to
estimate the cognitive demand or complexity required for students to demonstrate achievement
of the standards (Hess, 2013). While the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2015), includes the
arts in the definition of a ‘well-rounded education', the law does not state that the arts are core
academic subjects. However, in order to reach the highest level of expectation in the arts, it is
important to frame the development of a vocal jazz curriculum to meet the expectations
described in the core arts anchors standards.
National Core Arts Standards
In 2014 a group of distinguished arts educators from five arts disciplines established the
National Coalition of Core Arts Standards. A primary purpose of this collaborative effort was to
provide clarification of common core standards achieved across all disciplines of arts education.
These standards were designed to achieve "attainment of artistic literacy, which is the knowledge
and understanding required to participate authentically in the arts" (National Association for
Music Education, 2016, p. 3). Artistic literacy includes philosophical foundations and lifelong
goals, artistic processes and creative practices, anchor and performance standards that are
measured through the model cornerstone assessments (MCAs). A visual representation of this is
illustrated in figure 4. (National Association for Music Education, 2016). The arts standards
like the common core standards focus on outcomes (McTighe & Wiggins, 2006).
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 13
Figure 4: Conceptual Framework of National Core Arts Standards
The Core Arts Standards are content specific. Each discipline has published detailed
criteria for their content in the context of Artistic Processes, Enduring Understandings, and
Essential Questions and Model Cornerstone Assessments. The National Association for Music
Education (NAfME) published the eleven music anchor standards defined in the documents
detailing different categories or music education including K-8 standards, and high school
standards for composition and theory, music technology, keyboard and guitar as well as
ensembles (National Association for Music Education, 2016). The curriculum developed for the
current project is framed within these standards. The descriptors for high school performance
standards levels are: (a) proficient (one or more years of high school study); (b) accomplished
(proficiency exceeded average performance proficiency for high school study); and (c) advanced
(preparing for collegiate study in music) (National Core Arts Standards, 2014). (see Appendix 1:
2014 National Music Standards for Performing Ensembles)
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Florida’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
A diverse group of experts in the arts disciplines of dance, music, theatre and visual arts
drafted and updated arts standards in Florida known as the Next Generation Sunshine State
Standards (NGSSS) (Florida State University, 2016). There are forty-nine standards for music
grouped into five categories and broken down by grade level: (a) critical thinking and reflection;
(b) skills, techniques and processes; (c) organizational structure; (d) historical and global
connections; and (e) innovation, technology and future. This project incorporates the relevant
Florida standards that provide the framework for the development of vocal jazz curriculum.
The national and state standards provide the framework of knowledge and skills that
students should attain. Wiggins and McTighe (2006) recommend that standards serve as a
blueprint for curricular design. They suggest that standards be ‘unpacked’ into four broad
categories. The first is long term transfer goals; content understanding, skills and knowledge we
want our students to acquire through the curriculum. The second and third are concerned with
the essential understandings and essential questions. Understandings are knowledge students
need to transfer learning to new situations and questions which engage students in a deeper
understanding of acquired knowledge. The final category is the cornerstone task, which is a
measurement of acquired knowledge (McTighe & Wiggins, 2006).
The process of aligning national and state standards is critical in defining content
outcomes and therefore plays a key role in curriculum design. It is through the alignment of
standards that core content emerged in this project. In this project, I employed a backward
design model to connect relevant content standards to targeted outcomes. This provided a
framework in which the vocal jazz curriculum units and subsequent lessons were structured to
maximize student achievement (McTighe & Wiggins, 2006). Articulation of intended outcomes
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 15
are often detailed in a curricular maps, documents that identify skills and core content presented
through scope and sequence of instruction (Abbott, 2014). The Hillsborough county standards
for choral educators are presented in a curriculum map that emphasizes three core areas of choral
performance (a) vocal technique; (b) music literacy; and (c) ensemble skills (see Appendix 2:
Hillsborough County Public School High School Choral Director Curriculum Map).
High School Choral Music Essential Criteria in Hillsborough County, Florida
A group of skilled secondary choral directors worked collaboratively to develop a
curriculum map to help guide instruction of choral ensembles in Hillsborough County, Florida
(Tampa). The curriculum map document clearly articulates desired choral performance and
music literacy outcomes of students enrolled in choral ensembles. The curricular outcomes of
choral ensembles in this project were derived from the literacy and performance skills that are
detailed in the Florida Vocal Association (FVA) Music Performance Assessment (MPA) sight
singing and performance rubrics. (see Appendix 3: Florida Vocal Association adjudication
rubrics) The essential areas of achievement range from simple skills at the freshman level,
progressing to higher levels of complexity at the completion of the senior level. These ensemble
guidelines serve as the Hillsborough County Public School standards for vocal ensembles and
were implemented in the vocal jazz curriculum presented in this project.
The focus in this project is on the artistic processes associated with the standards that are
defined “content specific” to vocal jazz ensembles. National content standards have been clearly
defined by the National Coalition of Core Arts Standards. However, music education standards
are not consistent from state to state. Each state has its own set of music education standards.
For this project, I categorized the processes of music into creating, performing and responding.
Then I examined Florida’s Sunshine State Standards as the High School Choral Music Essential
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Criteria and correlated them according to these processes. From this process, I was able to
identify specific content consistent in national, state and even county approved standards. I have
created four crosswalk examples (Tables 1-4) that align national and state standards to define the
standards that guide this curricular design. Table 1 represents the creating processes of music that
are common in National and Florida standards. Table 2 signifies performance standards that
involve the selection, analysis, interpretation, development and refinement of music that occur in
the rehearsal process. Table 3 denotes a correlation of National and county performance skills
essential to concert preparation. Table 4 represents the connection of these standards in relation
to artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical contexts to deepen
understanding.
Table 1. Crosswalk of National Core Arts Standards, National High School Core Music
Standards for Improvisation Ensembles and the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State
Standards
National Core Arts
Standards
NCCAS
National High School Core
Music Standards for
Improvisation Ensembles
(Proficient Level)
Next Generation Sunshine
State Standards
NGSSS
1. Generate and
conceptualize artistic
ideas and work.
MU:Cr1.1.E.Ia Compose
and Improvise ideas for
melodies, rhythmic passages
and arrangements for specific
purposes that reflect
characteristics of music from
a variety of historical periods
studies in rehearsal.
MU.912.O.2 The structural
rules and convention serve as
both the foundation and
departure point for creativity.
2. Organize and
develop artistic ideas
and work
MU: Cr2.1.E.Ia Select and
develop draft melodies,
rhythmic passages, and
arrangements for specific
purposes that demonstrate
understanding of
characteristics of music from
a variety of historical periods
studied in rehearsal.
MU.912.S.1.4 Arrange
musical work by
manipulating two or more
aspects of the composition or
improvisation.
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Table 2. Crosswalk of National Core Arts Standards, National High School Core Music
Standards for Traditional and Emerging Ensembles and the Florida Next Generation Sunshine
State Standards
National Core Arts
Standards
NCCAS
National High School Core
Music Standards for
Traditional & Emerging
Ensembles
(Proficient Level)
Next Generation Sunshine
State Standards
NGSSS
4. Analyze, interpret and
select work for presentation
MU: Pr4.1.E.Ia Explain the
criteria used to select a varied
repertoire to study based on
an understanding of
theoretical and structural
characteristics of music, the
technical skill of the
individual or ensemble, and
the purpose of the context of
the performance.
MU:Pr4.2.E.Ia
Demonstrate, using music
reading skills where
appropriate, how
compositional devices
employed and theoretical and
structural aspects of musical
works impact and inform
prepared of improvised
performances.
MU:Pr4.3.E.Ia Demonstrate
an understanding of context
in a varied repertoire of music
through prepared and
improvised performances,
MU.912.C.3.1 Make critical
evaluations, based on
exemplary models of the
quality and effectiveness of
performances and apply the
criteria to personal
development of music.
MU.912.O.3.2 Interpret and
perform expressive elements
indicated by the musical
score and/or the conductor.
5. Develop and refine
artistic work for
presentation.
MU:Pr5.3.E.Ia Develop
strategies to address
expressive challenges in a
varied repertoire of music,
and evaluate their success
using feedback from
ensemble peers and other
sources to refine
performances.
MU.912.C.2.1 Evaluate and
make appropriate adjustments
to personal performance in
solo and ensemble.
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 18
Table 3. Crosswalk of National Core Arts Standards, National High School Core Music
Standards for Traditional and Emerging Ensembles and the Hillsborough County Public Schools
High School Choral Music Essential Criteria
National Core Arts
Standards
NCCAS
National High School Core
Music Standards for
Traditional and Emerging
Ensembles
(Proficient Level)
Hillsborough County Public
Schools High School
Choral Music Essential
Criteria
6. Convey meaning through
the presentation of artistic
work
MU:Pr6.1.E.Ia Demonstrate
attention to technical
accuracy and expressive
qualities in prepared and
improvised performances of a
varied repertoire of music
representing diverse cultures,
styles, and genres.
MU:Pr6.1.E.Ib Demonstrate
an understanding of
expressive intent by
connecting with an audience
through prepared and
improvised performances.
The student demonstrates low
diaphragmatic breathing with
a lifted rib cage with
prompting from director.
The student demonstrates
breath energy, support and
management in his/her vocal
tone.
The student demonstrates
phonation without a glottal
attack or release with
prompting from director.
The student demonstrates a
healthy, vibrant, resonant and
free tone that is consistently
well supported with
prompting from director.
Table 4. Crosswalk of National Core Arts Standards, National High School Core Music
Standards for Traditional and Emerging Ensembles and the Florida Next Generation Sunshine
State Standards
National Core Arts
Standards
NCCAS
National High School Core
Music Standards for
Traditional & Emerging
Ensembles
(Proficient Level)
Next Generation Sunshine
State Standards
NGSSS
10. Relate artistic ideas and
works with societal,
cultural, and historical
contexts to deepen
understanding.
MU:Cr1.1.E.Ia
MU:Pr6.E.Ib
MU.912.H.1.5 Analyze
music within cultures to gain
understanding of authentic
performances.
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Creativity
The National Core Arts Standards are developed around the four artistic processes
common in all arts education (National Association for Music Education, 2016). These
processes include (a) creating; (b) performing; and (c) connecting as referenced in the standards
crosswalks (Tables 1-4). All processes in music involve creativity (Kratus, 1990). Music
educators must teach creative thinking in all the processes of music (Hickey & Webster, 2001).
Webster (2002) conducted extensive research on the topic of creative thinking and established a
model of the creative thinking process in music. This model describes the creative thinking
involved in the origination of a creative product in four stages. The first stage is preparation,
where the creative thinkers’ focus is on the generation of ideas or gathering materials for the final
product. The next stage, incubation, occurs when the creator contemplates a solution to the
creative problem. The subsequent stage is illumination, a period where the organization of
creative ideas take shape and concrete ideas emerge. The final stage of the creative process is
verification, where the creator brings all the ideas together to yield the creative product (Hickey
& Webster, 2001). In the arts, a creative problem is an impetus that is motivated by the need to
generate something original. This is manifested in music as (a) a composition; (b) performance
or improvisation; or (c) listening and analysis. These creative ideas involve both divergent and
convergent thinking. Creativity begins with divergent thinking, where many possibilities are
explored. This thinking process is followed by convergent thinking, the critical thinking process
where the possibilities are evaluated and refined (Sawyer, 2012). The exchange between
convergent and divergent thinking in these processes is at the core of creative thinking (Webster,
2002).
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When we explore the concept of creative thinking in the context of vocal jazz, we need to
consider the artistic process of creating demonstrated through improvisation. Improvisation,
composition and arranging are all creative processes in music. Where composition of new music
and arrangement of existing literature involve improvement of the creative product,
improvisation occurs during a performance and actively engages the performer(s) in spontaneous
creative thinking (Sawyer, 2012). In the earliest recordings of instrumental jazz, improvisation
was a key component of the style, affording each member of the band the opportunity to
demonstrate virtuosity on their instrument (Starr & Waterman, 2014). As instrumental jazz
began to evolve into the swing and bebop years, improvisation remained the definitive feature of
jazz.
Understanding the organizational structure of instrumental jazz improvisation is crucial to
the generation of musical ideas for the development of vocal improvisation skills. Musical ideas
that are guided by structure and conventions of jazz would ultimately factor into musical
creativity both in spontaneous improvisation and the interpretation of ballad-style performances.
Processing and sequencing of musical ideas is essential to improvisation, the most distinguishing
characteristic of jazz (Madura, 1995). Imitation is another key element of improvisation.
Imitation is achieved when the performer selects specific melodic or rhythmic motives and
expands on the musical materials for the creation of original music. This skill requires the
performer to have well-developed aural skills through ear training. It is through the musician’s
audiation that the materials of sound are re-organized into creative improvisations. (Woody,
2012). It is through improvisation that students demonstrate divergent and convergent thinking,
as exhibited in Webster’s model of the creative thinking process in music (Hickey & Webster,
2001). Vocal improvisation originated when vocalists in a jazz orchestras would creatively
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imitate the sounds and styles of instrumental solos. This was accomplished through the use of
scat syllables, nonsense vocables intended to emulate the phrasing and articulation of a horn
player (Lyons, 2009).
In secondary music education, a great deal of focus is placed on musical performance.
Before an ensemble can present a performance, there are a number of basic skills that must be
taught in class and applied during the rehearsals. Choral fundamentals include a basic
knowledge of music theory, aural skills, and sight reading skills as well as technical skills and
elements of expression. It is through the acquisition of these essentials that ensembles can create
a musical experience for the audience. Creating improvised music through performance is a
process that combines the fundamentals of music knowledge such as form and phrasing and
engages the performer in active creative thinking which demonstrates the highest level of
cognitive complexity described in Webb’s DoK (Collins & Williams, 2009). (see Appendix 4:
DoK in Music)
In the context of vocal jazz, it is important for students to have acquired strong aural
skills that are developed through learning activities. Listening to influential instrumental and
vocal jazz recordings is crucial to acquiring an understanding of jazz style (Venesile, 2010).
According to Woody (2012), “in music, it is the ear that defines great musicianship” (pg. 82).
He further goes on to describe three cognitive skills that contribute to music performance. The
first is goal imaging, where the performer creates an expectation of what the performance should
sound like. The second is motor production, which comprises the technical considerations that
contribute to creating sound. The third is self-monitoring, the performer’s ability to accurately
hear his/her own performance in real time (Woody, 2012). The task of interpreting composed
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music to create a meaningful performance is another example of the cognitive complexity as
demonstrated in the Webb DoK model.
Music is a reflection of culture. The music of the United States is a “melting pot” of
musical traditions that emigrated from countries around the globe. Jazz is an indigenous
American art form that emerged in the early 1900s through two main streams of musical
influences; European and African. The union of these musical traditions are the roots of jazz.
(Starr & Waterman, 2014). Vocal jazz students should know about and appreciate the value of
jazz and its influence in American culture (Lyons, 2009). Understanding vocal jazz in the
context of history, culture and idiom enables singers to connect this knowledge and apply it in
improvisation as well as ensemble performances. For this reason, the inclusion of vocal jazz in
choral curriculum enriches students understanding of a distinctively American music genre.
Comparing the technical aspects of traditional and vocal jazz ensemble singing
Directors of traditional choral and vocal jazz ensembles need to have a firm
understanding of the similarities and differences between vocal production and vocal technique
as they apply these two different approaches to singing. While there are definite stylistic
differences in jazz and traditional choral singing, the instructional technique is the same. They
share the goal of establishing a healthy, vibrant, resonant sound that is blended with all the
members of the ensemble.
The first component of vocal production to consider is vibrato. Vennard (1967), defined
vocal vibrato as a “fluctuation in pitch, intensity and timbre with pitch variance at least a semi-
tone” (pg. 10). This fluctuation is a pulsation of sound that is pleasing, flexible and establishes a
resonant tonal quality to the voice. Natural vibrato is produced by a steady stream of breath
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 23
which allows the vocal folds to vibrate with ease and without tension. In the traditional Italian
school of vocal technique, there exists the bel canto approach to vibrato. This approach to
vibrato remains an acoustical phenomenon and is believed to improve intonation (Stark, 2003).
The bel canto approach to vibrato differs in vocal jazz as the use of vibrato is a stylistic
consideration and is mainly used as a color enhancement to the sound (Lyons, 2009).
The next component of vocal production is the absence of vibrato, or straight tone. In
traditional solo literature, vibrato is desirable; however, the vibrato of many singers in a group
makes blending the sound as one voice difficult. As a result, many choral directors require their
singers to use straight tone, especially when performing Renaissance literature (Olson, 2008).
Some consider the use of straight tone in choral singing a clear strident sound devoid of vibrancy
(Ferrell, 2015). Strident tone can fatigue the voice causing the laryngeal muscles to contract
resulting in inaccurate intonation (Olson, 2008). In contrast, the use of vibrato is preferred in
both solo and ensemble vocal jazz singing. The exception is when vocal jazz ensemble sings a
dissonant chord, straight tone in this instance leads to better tuning (Lyons, 2009).
Resonance is the effect of two vibrating chambers on the same pitch, creating an
occurrence known as sympathetic vibration (Vennard, 1967). These resonators in the vocal tract
allow the sound to become amplified through acoustic energy that moves through the pharynx
and nasal cavities (Ferrell, 2015). It is advantageous to establish resonance in order to create a
vibrant tone. Vowel production is another technical component of both traditional and vocal jazz
ensembles. In traditional choral ensemble singing, the approach to vowel production is the
vertical shaping of vowels to modify the vowels and create a self-amplified tonal quality. To
accomplish this, the larynx is lowered and the soft palate raised creating space in the mouth.
This lends it way to better blend among the vocalists in the choir and produce homogeneity of
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 24
tone (Ekholm, 2000). Vowels can also be manipulated to create a variety of tone colors in a solo
song. Vowel modifications allow the improviser to emulate the sounds of instruments. This is a
stylistic consideration in vocal jazz. These choices in how vowels are handled varies by the
preferences of the ensemble director.
Consonants are the next component of choral singing to be considered. Traditional
choral ensembles have the tendency to over enunciate consonants so that the text can be clearly
articulated and understood by the audience. This is considered to be the method of establishing
good diction. In vocal jazz, the consonants are more subdued yet just as deliberate through an
energized approach to voiced and unvoiced consonants (Lyons, 2009).
A well-produced tone begins with the breath. In bel canto vocal pedagogy, the breath is
the key factor in the establishment of clear, resonant tone. Breath control or breath management
is a vital element of both classical and vocal jazz phonation. Breath connection establishes vocal
line and contributes to vibrato, it considered the most important aspect of vocal production by
most vocal pedagogues (Ferrell, 2015). There is virtually no difference to the technical approach
of breath control in singing any style of music, in the solo or ensemble literature. Good breath
control is highly affected by posture. Proper posture is achieved when the head, chest and pelvis
are supported by the spine in a way that they remain in alignment with one another. The
shoulders should be back and relaxed with the sternum high. This provides the body position for
the diaphragm to expand in the inhalation and contract of the exhalation, the proper method of
breathing when engaged in singing.
Most choral directors are proficient in these technical aspects of singing, as most of them
had vocal technique training in studio lesson and choral ensembles during their undergraduate
program. Choral directors who have not had the advantage of vocal jazz experience require
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 25
professional development in the stylistic attributes of jazz in order to teach them successfully
(Venesile, 2010). This is due to their lack of training in approaches to improvisation and limited
personal experience (Watson, 2010). Choral directors who are establishing a vocal jazz should
invest a substantial amount of time to listening to improvisations in both instrumental and vocal
jazz recordings and performances. Additionally, they should attend professional development
courses and workshops to learn vocal improvisation techniques and methods.
Stylistic considerations of vocal jazz
Brass band and blues traditions of the delta region, ragtime music of the Midwest and the
birth of Tin Pan Alley in New York City all contribute to the development of jazz as we
experience it today. In order to understand the idioms of jazz, there needs to be an understanding
of the context in which it developed. Choral directors gain an understanding of rhythmic
approaches and the harmonic language of jazz through listening to vocal jazz soloists and vocal
jazz ensembles. The more they comprehend these stylistic elements, they begin to internalize
them (Venesile, 2010). This experience dramatically impacts their stylistic approach in teaching
vocal jazz curriculum.
The harmonic structures of jazz are complex. Traditionally trained choral directors are
not exposed to the study of vocal jazz unless they had experiences performing in a jazz ensemble
at a college and university that offer degree programs in jazz studies. Studio jazz studies
programs include courses in jazz theory, jazz trends and traditions as well as performance skills,
improvisation and arranging (University of Miami, 2016). Choral directors who experience
singing in vocal jazz ensembles have the opportunity to practice singing these complex
harmonies, giving them an advantage in the development of a vocal jazz ensemble.
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 26
For the purpose of this project, two basic chord progressions provide a framework for
vocal jazz students to learn how to scat. The twelve bar twelve bar blues is the most effective
form to use when introducing jazz harmonies to a vocal jazz students (Ward-Steinman, 2008).
This chord progression centers around three chords in a given key; I, IV and V. Originated in the
blues, this chord progression is fundamental in many familiar styles of music, including rock and
roll, pop, country, and jazz (Starr & Waterman, 2014). Another frequently used chord
progression in jazz is ii-V7-I, where the ii is substitution for the subdominant. (Stoloff, 1999).
Seventh chords are the basic harmonic device of jazz harmony, utilized more often than triads.
In the design of this vocal jazz curriculum, these two chord progressions will be the foundation
in which the vocal jazz students can establish a basic understanding of jazz harmony. As the
ensemble progresses through the school year, more chord progressions can be introduced.
There are two categories of jazz melodic features. The first is the straightforward
performance of jazz standard literature. Performance of jazz standard literature requires the
performer(s) to communicate the text with proper inflection, color and phrasing (Weir, 2005).
These are all stylistic skills that are addressed in the curriculum. The other approach is the art of
vocal improvisation or scat singing. Melodic considerations of scat singing include scale
choices, particularly when improvising over a chord progression. The most frequently used
scales in jazz include the blues scale, the whole tone scale, chromatic scales and pentatonic
scales; each possessing its own unique quality and interval relationships (Ward Steinman, 2014).
Another source of melodic material is modal, each mode containing different altered notes of the
scale making it characteristically different (Stoloff, 1999). Although modes are quite frequently
the source of melodic ideas for experienced vocal improvisers, an introductory level of scat
singing focus on the scales that are more familiar to the students.
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 27
Jazz rhythms can range from simple to extremely complex. However, underlying even
the most complex rhythms performed by each individual musician in a jazz group is the pulse or
the beat; that which makes the listener able to tap his/her foot with the music. In scat singing,
rhythm is articulated through the vocables, the syllables singers use to create the color and timbre
of instrument imitation (Lyons, 2009). Syncopation is a dominant form of jazz articulation
which is putting the accent on the offbeat. However, this can be accomplished by combining
duple and triple meters and stressing the accent on an offbeat. For instance the second or third
beat of a triplet as opposed to the first beat (Stoloff, 1999). In the early 1940s, swing became the
craze in the US (Starr & Waterman, 2014). With it came a distinctive style of dance categorized
by an emphasis on the backbeat (Lyons, 2009). Swing rhythm is characterized by an uneven feel
in eighth notes. The feeling is more of a dotted eighth-sixteenth articulation. Most jazz songs,
particularly in vocal jazz octavos, use this approach to rhythm. Once the swing rhythm is
internalized, the next step to creating an authentic feeling of swing is the ‘lay back’ (Weir, 2005).
Laying back is a slight displacement of rhythm just behind the quarter note. This subtle rhythmic
displacement is central to the swing feel. This approach to swing was cultivated by great jazz
vocalists like Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra (Starr & Waterman, 2014).
Pedagogy
Pedagogy is the ability to create meaningful learning experiences that lead to the transfer
of knowledge (Venesile, 2010). Choral directors who lead vocal jazz ensembles should have a
firm understanding of vocal pedagogy, and the knowledge and skill to train the individual voice
in technical aspects of singing such as posture, breathing, phonation and maintaining vocal
health. Many choral students do not have the opportunity to study with a private voice teacher or
vocal coach who may provide this fundamental knowledge of vocal production. Therefore it is
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 28
vital that choral directors include vocal technique as part of the curriculum in any ensemble
(Smith & Sataloff, 2013). Choral pedagogy is another important basis for the pedagogical
philosophy behind this vocal jazz curriculum. The production of a free, resonant, in-tune sound
that is well blended and balanced is the goal to which choral directors aspire. This is achieved
through establishing ensemble rehearsals with clearly articulated outcomes (Smith & Sataloff,
2013). These instructional outcomes are expressed in or developed from the standards.
Vocal Jazz Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Instructional methods have evolved with the use of technology. Technology is a valuable
tool in education, as it provides new ways for students to engage in learning activities. It is
therefore important for music educators to be knowledgeable about resources that enhance
learning in their particular teaching situations (Bauer, 2014). Content and pedagogy have
already been addressed, so the question arises: How do all of these components factor into vocal
jazz curriculum? They do so through the intersection of content, technological, and pedagogical
knowledge to create engaging learning activities specific to the content (Bauer, 2014).
Although technology is a tool through which learning in music can be enhanced, many
meaningful learning activities in the vocal jazz ensemble can successfully be carried out without
the aid of technology. The way content and pedagogy intersect is the most crucial in the
development of vocal jazz curriculum. Accomplished vocal jazz ensemble directors combine
successfully their knowledge of choral singing and pedagogy, interpretation of jazz idioms, and
the development of improvisatory skills which often are enhanced through technology (Venesile,
2010).
Methodology
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 29
I explored a variety of vocal jazz and vocal improvisation method books in search of
appropriate resources for the curriculum. For the instruction of vocal improvisation, I use the
SCAT Singing method: Beginning Vocal Improvisation by Dr. Scott Fredrickson (Fredrickson,
2013). This methodology systematically introduces the basic techniques of vocal improvisation
through manipulation of syllables, melody and rhythm. The method book includes both notated
and aural samples that provide a context in which students can imitate vocal improvisation as
well as practice and expand upon their own musical ideas. An original melody is presented in
order to provide a consistent example to work with as they learn each individual improvisation
skill. The methodology gradually builds on each skill and student confidence through many
practice examples. The first skill developed in the sequence in the ability to use different
syllables to accent different notes and create timbre through vocables. The next skill presents
melodic embellishment through stylistic jazz techniques such as fall-offs, ascending smears,
plops, doits, ghost notes, flips and shakes. Each of these embellishments are presented and
demonstrated as a concept of melodic embellishment in scat singing. The last skill that is
explored is alteration of rhythm from the original melody. Throughout the skill presentations
learners are provided opportunities to further explore and develop their improvisation abilities.
Fredrickson (2013) gradually develops this scope and sequence through the integration of the
preceding musical elements. This methodology is an effective way to gradually establish the
student’s comfort level with vocal improvisation. Once the basic skills are acquired, the
smartphone application, ScatAbility created by Michele Weir (Weir M. , 2016) is used to further
develop vocal improvisation through suggested personal and classroom activities The application
is available for a number of devices including individual smartphones and classroom iPads. As
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 30
student improvisatory skills develop so does an awareness of the organization of musical
elements that contribute to more skillful vocal improvisations (Kratus, 1990).
The other method book utilized in the curriculum is the Jazz Singer's Handbook, the
Artistry and Mastery of Singing Jazz (Weir, 2005). This book guides students through the
selection of solo material appropriate for their skill and range. This unit of solo study is aligned
with core music performance standard 4: selecting, analyzing and interpreting in preparation for
performance. Students will select, analyze, interpret, refine and present solo material in order to
gain a fundamental understanding of expressive approaches to performance of standard jazz
literature. The book offers a choice of seven short songs in different ranges that explore
techniques to text interpretation and other stylistic features.
Interpretation of jazz literature and vocal improvisation are both contributing factors in
the selection of ensemble literature. The development of the ensemble sound should occur
simultaneously with developing individual improvisation skills. This provides an opportunity for
members of the ensemble practice vocal improvisations in the context of a solo feature in the
ensemble. Dr. Russell Robinson has composed vocal jazz pieces to develop and practice the
combination of these skills including Jazz Talkin’ (Robinson, Jazz Talkin', 2012), Jazzin’ It Up!
(Jazzin’ It Down) (Robinson, Jazzin' It Up (Jazzin' it Down), 2002) and Let’s Sing Some Jazz
(Robinson, Let's Sing Some Jazz, 1999). Elements of these materials and resources are the basis
I used to develop a method for teaching vocal jazz and improvisation skills for the first nine
weeks.
Curriculum and Assessment
All of the factors discussed thus far contributes to the design of a high school vocal jazz
curriculum. The design in framed within the core music education standards that are presented
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 31
in the crosswalks in Tables 1-4. All music processes engage creative and/or critical thinking as
described in Webb’s Depth of Knowledge model. Standards are content specific. The content of
my vocal jazz curriculum includes elements of vocal technique, knowledge of jazz and how it
connects to American culture and influences the style and idiom of vocal jazz, and the
performance of vocal improvisations (Lyons, 2009). Content must be presented in a way that is
skillful and stimulating for the students to maintain interest and motivation to learning.
Student learning and progress in vocal jazz is assessed in various ways. When assessing
student creativity, student achievement of learning objectives is the focus, not the evaluation of
the creative product (Kratus, 1990). The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards Model
Cornerstone Assessments are designed for music educators to measure student achievement of
standards (National Core Arts Standards, 2014). The curriculum presented in this project
includes model cornerstone assessments (MCA), writing assessments, self-reflection and peer
evaluation. Additionally, performance assessments such as district and state solo and ensemble
Music Performance Assessments determine to what extent students are able to acquire the
knowledge and skills needed to develop a superior ensemble. The nine-week vocal jazz
curriculum concludes with a concert to showcase the solos and ensemble skills and knowledge
gained through the curriculum. This performance is designed to serve as a summative assessment
of solo performances of jazz standard literature, vocal improvisation and vocal jazz ensemble
pieces.
Presentation of the Vocal Jazz Curriculum
The design to this vocal jazz curriculum utilizes tools from the Wiggins and McTighe
Understanding by Design (McTighe & Wiggins, 2006). The backwards design unit model starts
with desired outcomes, rooted in the standards. Assessments are then developed to measure
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 32
student achievement of standards through varied tasks. Units are designed to present the
curriculum through a series of lessons. These elements inform the scope and sequence of
instruction through selected learning activities (McTighe & Wiggins, 2006).
The vocal jazz curriculum is designed for the first nine weeks for a high school vocal jazz
ensemble. The rationale for the design is that students need to acquire specific vocal jazz
knowledge and skills for successful vocal jazz solo and ensemble performances throughout the
remainder of the school year and perhaps beyond. The curriculum comprises three major
components: (a) vocal improvisation; (b) performance preparation of vocal jazz solos; and (c)
vocal jazz ensemble skills. Specific elements of vocal jazz are integrated throughout the
curriculum including (a) vocal technique; (b) analysis/critical thinking; and (c) historical and
interdisciplinary contexts. Additionally, students maintain an online listening blog throughout
the term. This blog consists of exemplary examples suggested by the teacher that correlate with
concepts associated with each component of study.
There are a number of assessment embedded in the curriculum to measure student
achievement of the music standard expectations at the national, state and county levels. For
example, in the vocal solo project, the students maintain a solo project portfolio that is a
collection of learning artifacts acquired in the jazz solo unit. These artifacts provide evidence
that student tasks were accomplished. Additionally, Model Cornerstone Assessment are used to
demonstrate achievement of national standards. Quizzes on concepts and terminology of the
curriculum are part of each component. Reflection essays and short paragraphs are tools to
measure synthesis of knowledge. Finally, performance assessments are graded with rubrics that
detail the criteria used to measure the level of skills observed in each performance.
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 33
The curriculum outline details its structure. Each component is covered within a three
week time period. At the end of the sixth week, there is a concert featuring the individual work
of the students completed the vocal jazz solo projects and vocal improvisation unit.
Additionally, there is a culminating concert that showcases the skills acquired in all three
components, which is assessed using the Florida Vocal Association solo and ensemble Music
Performance Assessment rubrics.
The design of this nine-week vocal jazz curriculum is rooted in national core music
standards, Florida’s NGSSS and the HCPS Curriculum map. The standards that are aligned with
the divergent and convergent thinking processes are incorporated in the vocal improvisation unit.
Standards that are aligned with the sequence of performance preparation; selection, analysis,
interpretation, refinement and performance are addresses in the vocal solo project and within the
ensemble rehearsals. This curriculum is designed to fully engage the students in a variety of
experiences in jazz. These learning experiences build confidence in the student’s abilities to
perform vocal improvisation and stylistic conventions of jazz.
The concepts presented in this project are intended to serve as a blueprint that could be
adapted and applied to individual teaching situations. I have included a curriculum outline that
describes the components of the nine-week curriculum and an instructional guide that details
what students should learn and be able to do. The curriculum has three components, and I have
presented them in an instructional planning curriculum map. Additionally, I decided to include
the rationale of the two unit design along with two lesson plan samples unique to this project.
Music educators approach instruction according to their educational philosophy and performance
outcome priorities for their students. This project was intended to define core content for a vocal
jazz ensemble specifically rooted in the standards of music education.
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 34
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ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 37
Curriculum Outline
I. Components of the nine-week vocal jazz curriculum
A. Vocal Improvisation Skills
B. Stylistic interpretation of jazz in solo literature
C. Ensemble skills: Technique, Style, and Performance
II. Instructional Guide-categorized listing of knowledge and skills
A. Performance Skills
1. Vocal Technique
2. Vocal Improvisation Skills
3. Ensemble Skills
B. Analysis and Critical Thinking Skills
1. Critical Listening
2. Vocal Solo Song Selection
3. Jazz Solo and Ensemble Analysis
4. Jazz Solo and Ensemble Interpretation
5. Ensemble Rehearsal, Evaluation and Refinement
C. Historical Context and Connection to other Genres of Music
1. Historical Overview
2. Jazz Connections
III. Component Overview
A. Introduction to Scat Singing: The Art of Vocal Improvisation
Text: SCAT Singing Method by Dr. Scott Fredrickson
B. Performance preparation of Vocal Jazz Solos
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 38
Text: Jazz Singers Handbook (the Artistry and Mastery of Jazz Singing by
Michele Weir
C. Collaborative Processes: Polish, Perfect and Perform
Text: Vocal Jazz Octavos
IV. Vocal Improvisation Unit Design
A. Lesson Plan: Introduction to Vocal Improvisation
B. Lesson Plan: Melodic Embellishments
V. Vocal Solo Unit Design
A. Lesson Plan: Text Analysis Strategies
B. Lesson Plan: Melodic Variations
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 39
Instructional Guide: High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble
First Nine Weeks
I. Performance Skills
A. Vocal Technique
1. Describe and demonstrate correct singing posture and body alignment
2. Describe and demonstrate correct breathing technique.
3. Describe and demonstrate phonation without a glottal attack
4. Describe and demonstrate qualities of a healthy, vibrant and resonant
tone.
5. Describe and demonstrate appropriate use of vibrato and straight tone in
vocal jazz.
6. Describe and demonstrate jazz stylistic approach to vowel production.
B. Vocal Improvisation Skills
1. Describe and demonstrate syllabic variation in a scat solos. [E1]
2. Describe and demonstrate melodic embellishments in scat solos [E2]
a. Tenutos, vertical accents and staccato
b. Fall-offs and ascending smears
c. Ascending glissandos and plops
d. Doits and host notes
e. Shakes and flips
3. Describe and demonstrate the ability to alter and embellish rhythm in scat
solos [E3]
4. Demonstrate the ability to combine two of the three described skills
simultaneously in performing scat solos [E1], [E2], [E3]
5. Demonstrate ability to perform imitative vocal improvisations.
ESTABLISHING A HIGH SCHOOL VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE 40
6. Describe and demonstrate aural imagery in vocal improvisations.
7. Demonstrate the ability to perform question and answer vocal
improvisations.
C. Ensemble Skills
1. Describe and demonstrate pitch and rhythm accuracy.
2. Demonstrate proper phrasing through breath management.
3. Demonstrate good diction.
4. Demonstrate proper inflection.
5. Describe and demonstrate appropriate articulations and dynamics.
6. Demonstrate harmony independence
7. Demonstrate the ability to balance when singing harmony and blend with
the other voices in the ensemble.
II. Analysis/Critical Thinking Skills
A. Critical Listening
1. Maintain a listening online blog reviewing exemplary examples of jazz
recordings or live performances.
a. Instrumental improvisation
b. Solo vocalists with scat solos
c. Vocal jazz ensembles
B. Select
1. Select appropriate solo jazz literature based on interest, skill level, and
technical factors in the appropriate vocal range.
C. Analyze
1. Analyze the structure and context of vocal jazz solo with the intention of
preparing for a live performance. Based on exemplary models of quality
and effectiveness of performance, apply these criteria to the personal
development of selected vocal solo.
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D. Interpretation
1. Develop personal and ensemble interpretation that is consistent with the
composer or arrangers intent.
E. Evaluation
1. Listen to two peer improvisations and provide feedback on the creative
devices used in the performance (24 bars)
a. Syllabic variety and use of aural imagery
b. Melodic embellishments
c. Rhythmic alterations and embellishments.
2. Listen to three peer performances of solo jazz literature and provide
feedback in regard to the following four criteria on a four point rubric
(week 6)
a. Tone production/vocal quality
b. Rhythm and pulse accuracy
c. Pitch and intonation accuracy
d. Expressive qualities/stylistic interpretation
3. Listen to two recordings in contrasting tempo from a rehearsal and provide
positive and constructive detailed feedback to the ensemble in regard to:
a. Tonal ensemble quality (blend and balance)
b. Rhythm and pulse accuracy
c. Pitch and intonation accuracy
d. Expressive qualities/stylistic interpretation
III. Historical and Interdisciplinary connections
A. Historical overview
1. The Delta Region-gospel and blues
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2. Brass Bands
3. Ragtime
4. Vaudeville
5. Tin Pan Alley
6. Big Band
7. Swing Era
8. Bebop
9. Ensembles through the eras of jazz
B. Jazz Connections
1. Early Broadway
2. Emerging genres
a. Rock and roll
b. Rhythm and blues
c. Soul and Funk
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Appendix 1
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Appendix 1 continued
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Appendix 1 continued
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Appendix 1continued
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Appendix 2
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Appendix 2 continued
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Appendix 3
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Appendix 3 contiued
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Appendix 4