High School Woodwinds and Brass

Abstract

When rehearsing the high school jazz ensemble, it is important to guide high school students toward becoming musicians who can make independent musical decisions. Doing so will ultimately make the jazz ensemble experience more enjoyable for both the students and the director. This chapter provides the jazz ensemble director with musical exercises, teaching strategies, and a discussion of the roles of each section within the jazz ensemble. The musical exercises and teaching strategies will assist directors with enhancing the listening skills of their students. Exercises include how to teach, improve, and maintain intonation, groove, balance, blend, and articulations. Strategies include teaching students to understand how to listen to themselves, within their respective sections, and to other sections in the ensemble—including how to interact with and connect to the rhythm section.