Jazz Combos explore small group jazz focusing on ensemble playing and improvisation.
Jazz Combo - MUSI-3321-JC
MUSI 3321 – Jazz Combo
TERM: Spring 2026
COURSE INFORMATION:
Course Title:MUSI 3321 - JC
Credit & Format:1 hour Electives Credit – Lecture
Time & Location: TR 5:00-6:15PM, WV 175, 163, 277, Couch 115
INSTRUCTOR:
Name: Dr. Chip Crotts (Director of Jazz Area) Mr. Mace Hibbard (Combo Coach), Ben Weatherford
Telephone: 404.894.3194
Email: chip.crotts@music.gatech.edu
Office: West Village 271
Office Hours: By appointment
PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES: An auditioned small jazz ensemble, focused upon the rehearsal, study and performance of jazz music. The purpose of this class is to develop:
- Understanding of various jazz styles through listening and performance
- Understanding of basic jazz theory and harmony.
- Knowledge and understanding of basic improvisation and its importance in jazz.
- Improved listening skills of jazz music.
- Ability to produce polished and professional performance throughout the semester.
Upon completion of the course, each student will be able to:
- Read jazz music in a fluent manner
- Be able to perform in a variety of jazz styles
- Improvise on a very basic level
- Have a basic knowledge of jazz harmonies and theory
- Discern various genres of jazz history and its important musicians
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PROCEDURES: Attendance at rehearsals is required and will be factored into your grade. The instructor is under no obligation to make up material presented in class unless the student can provide a reasonable and, if appropriate, documented excuse. Some assignments and projects may require additional lab time, which will be established the first week of class. Additional or alternate lab times will be arranged with the instructor and the assigned section leader.
PREREQUISITE: No prerequisites for this course. Membership, however, is based on passing a successful audition into the ensemble.
ATTENDANCE: Grade is based on two factors:
- Attendance Regular attendance is expected and required of all singers. Attendance will be taken at each rehearsal. Each student is allowed two excused absences. Any (excused or unexcused) absences in excess of two will result in1 letter grade reduction for EACH additional absence. Two 23) tardies of 10 minutes or more will count as one absence.Additional sectional rehearsals will be scheduled within the first two weeks of the semester. Regular attendance is expected and required. The absence of a concert will result in an automatic F for the course.
- Attitude Each rehearsal is a laboratory setting. Musicians will be regularly assessed on an individual basis for attitude, effort, cooperation and preparation. Grades will be assigned accordingly.
PERFORMANCES/EVENTS: Concert performances will be announced well in advance and will serve as exams. Unexcused absences from performances will result in a failing grade.
Jazz Combo Concert #1 - Date TBD, West Village 175 - 7:30pm
Jazz Combo Concert #2 - Tuesday, December 2nd, West Village 175 - 7:30pm
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:
- Ensemble Instruction
- Lecture/Discussion
- Listening to recordings
- Assigned readings and recordings
- Individual instruction within sectional framework
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
- Rehearsal/Sectional attendance 30%
- Live Performances 40%
- Musical preparation and audits 10%
- Application of aural analysis 10%
- Integration of historical and social context 10%
Total Grade 100%
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Students must do their own work on assignments, projects, and tests unless collaboration is previously specified and approved by the instructor. Students caught cheating will receive zero credit for that assignment/quiz/test and may be subject to further sanctions through the Office of Student Integrity. Students are expected to abide by the Georgia Tech Honor Code and avoid any instances of academic misconduct, including but not limited to:
- Possessing, using, or exchanging improperly acquired written or oral information in the preparation of a paper or for an exam.
- Substitution of material that is wholly or substantially identical to that created or published by another individual or individuals.
- False claims of performance or work that has been submitted by the student.
Please refer to the published Georgia Institute of Technology Academic Honor Code for further information: http://www.deanofstudents.gatech.edu/integrity/policies/honor_code.html (Links to an external site.)
STATEMENT REGARDING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with bona fide disabilities will be afforded reasonable accommodation. The ADAPTS Office will certify a disability and advise faculty members of reasonable accommodations. The web site for a student requesting accommodation is:
http://www .adapts.gatech.edu/faculty _guide/sturespon.html
COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR:
- WEEK 1 – Introduction
- WEEK 2 – Small group listening/jazz theory
- WEEK 3 – Selection of tunes for concert
- WEEK 4 – Small group rehearsals
- WEEK 5 – Rehearsals
- WEEK 6 – Rehearsals
- WEEK 7 – Work on individual improvisation
- WEEK 8 – Rehearsals
- WEEK 9 – Begin detailing songs for concert
- WEEK 10 – Rehearsals
- WEEK 11– Rehearsals
- WEEK 12 – Rehearsals
- WEEK 13 – Rehearsals
- WEEK 14 – Work on remote projects
- WEEK 15 – Work on remote projects
- WEEK 16 – Combos Concert
CONCERT SCHEDULE
Monday, April 20th - GT Jazz Combos Concert - West Village 175 Performance Space 8:00pm
Other dates - TBD
The School of Music community of faculty, staff, and students aspires to create and nurture an environment that is supportive of all backgrounds where different views and ideas are respected and encouraged. In all our pursuits, we commit to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion with regard to race, national origin, language, age, sexual orientation, gender, religion, and ability. Moreover, we will encourage intellectual inquiry and respectful exchange that cements our dedication to these principles.
