High School Rhythm Section

Today, music educators and students have many resources available to study the specifics of playing any instrument. However, as educators it should be our job to guide students to use their ears along with all of the other resources. This chapter focuses on ways that the jazz ensemble conductor can coach high-school-level rhythm section players to make rehearsals more beneficial to all and to attain more authentic performances. The chapter includes details on various jazz styles, instrument-specific tips, and remedies for common issues within the rhythm section. It is divided into six main sections: (a) player profiles, (b) teaching jazz ensemble concepts, (c) awareness of other players, (d) improvisation, (e) chart reading, and (f) self-directed learning. Readers should find the information in this chapter helpful in developing their own rehearsal techniques that will fit their specific teaching situations.