Jazz Combo Class, 1 -  4

After a audition focused on jazz improvisational skills, students are placed in one of foucombos, ranging in size from five to seven members. Emphasis in all groups is on jazz improvisation, learning and performing repertoire, and arranging the music for the particular instrumentation of the combo.

Combo 1 works mostly with original compositions/arrangements by the student members, and new and original approaches to existing material. A major goal is to achieve a group “sound” or concept that is coherent and consistent, providing for the soloists a focused context for improvisation. This provides the students with the necessary skills to meet the demands of professional small group performance and recording.

While original compositions are always encouraged, Combos 2 - 4 deal more with standard repertoire, arranged (by the students) to suite the instrumentation and abilities of the group members. Students learn to improvise in a manner that is stylistically appropriate for the varied repertoire.

For more information please write to Gary Campbell at campbelg@fiu.eduor call 305-348-1854.