Music Department Student Ensembles – Fall 2020Camerata Singers – MUS 271
Stony Brook Choral Ensembles will be holding auditions via Zoom for new members on August 24th and August 26th from 6-8:30 pm. Sign up online here: https://go.oncehub.com/
Conducted by Susan Deaver
susan.deaver@stonybrook.edu
The University Orchestra is open to non-majors as well as Music Majors/Minors and is usually an orchestra of 75 undergraduate students. This fall the University Orchestra will meet online on Tuesday evenings between 6:30 and 9:20 p.m with the projected goal of recording and producing a “virtual” concert. Auditioning students should send a link to their audition video to Susan Deaver, conductor of the University Orchestra at susan.deaver@stonybrook.edu
Beginning Improvisation – MUS 189
Directed by Ray Anderson
ray.anderson@stonybrook.edu
We will study Jazz through the lens of small jazz ensembles. We will concentrate on the two essential tensions in the music: between composition and improvisation, and between individual and group. There will be an emphasis on the Afro-American cultural roots of the music. We will be exploring both individual and group styles of expression, tracing influences and innovations. We meet once a week to discuss what we’re working on and listen to each other.
LARGE JAZZ ENSEMBLE (THE BLOWAGE)
We will study Jazz and Improvised music through the lens of the big band. We will be studying history, analyzing scores, and listening intently to study balance, blend, articulation, dynamics, style and expression. There will be an emphasis on the Afro-American cultural roots of the music. Over the 12 weeks of the semester we will concentrate on 4 different big band arrangements. If possible, we will assemble a recording of these by combining everyone’s recorded parts. There will be guest lecturers coming to share their professional history and insights.
MUS 189 BEGINNING JAZZ IMPROVISATION
In this course you will learn to play jazz by practicing daily on your instrument and playing in class. Harmony, melody, phrasing, rhythm and the study of the African-American roots of jazz will be included.
The Stony Brook Wind Ensemble (Symphonic Band) explores, rehearses, and performs the great classics from Bach to Broadway. Due to the Covid-19 circumstances, special attention may be given to the performance of chamber wind ensemble works. This may necessitate, duo, trio, quartet, etc. preparation and production of wind ensemble and chamber wind works. The course will meet synchronously (during designated class time), Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:45 PM) with the possibility of synchronous meetings if deemed necessary. All classes will meet via Zoom. A video will be produced as the culmination of the semester’s work. All students will be required to have a microphone and camera set up on their computer, as weekly individual submissions of the practiced and prepared music will be required. All students are welcome but new members are required to audition for seating placement only.