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
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
No textbooks, music as selected via pdf and printed materials.
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.
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.
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.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Humanities area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic and philosophical works?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Ethical Reasoning
- Information Literacy
- Intercultural Competence