Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

SAC LogoJazz in America, MUS 103 Syllabus

Course Description: 

Jazz in America will trace the history of one of America's only true art forms.  You will study the various stylistic and musical elements of jazz in order to learn how to distinguish one period from another.  You will also learn to develop listening skills to gain insight into the many levels of appreciation that are possible with this type of music as well as with all other types.  Another integral component of this class will be to trace the early roots of jazz as the influences of West Africa, through the black slave population in this country, combined with European influences in the establishment of this truly unique style.

Textbook Information:

There is no required textbook for this class. HOWEVER, you do need to have access to a video documentary series called "Jazz - A Film by Ken Burns." It is a set of 10 videos. For most of you, this will mean purchasing the documentary series. The easiest way to do this is to purchase it from YouTube. This can be done for $4.99 per episode, or you can purchase the whole set of episodes for $39.00. A link is provided on Blackboard to direct you to the video playlist on YouTube.



Student Learning Objectives: 

You will:

  • Express your understanding of jazz music, musical concepts, and specific contributions of important musicians using an appropriate jazz terminology.  
  • Listen, and then analyze the characteristics and context of music from different stylistic periods of jazz music and distinguish between music of those different periods.
  • Express in written form an assessment of the various cultural influences on jazz including race relations, the contributions of women, and social movements in the United States,
  • Write a music review of a live jazz performance that employs descriptive, interpretive and evaluative criticism as well as an effective use of an appropriate musical vocabulary.

 

Meet Your Instructor:  Michael Briones

profile.jpg

Welcome Video!

Michael Briones is a trombonist with experience in several styles of music. He plays several different styles of music and has performed with artists, such as the Backstreet Boys, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Matthew Morrison from “Glee”, and Earl Klugh. He has performed at the Hollywood Bowl and at several major jazz festivals, including the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival. His TV appearances include The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and The Voice, as well as appearing in The Muppet Movie. His touring extends from U.S. and Canada to Europe, Japan, and Indonesia.

Briones earned his Bachelor of Music from California State University, Long Beach and his Master of Music from Azusa Pacific University studying music performance at both schools. He coaches at several high schools in and out of Santa Ana, he has given several master classes, and he has several students who have achieved honor groups, including the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

Briones has worked at Santa Ana College since 2013 and has been involved with Santa Ana College since 2000. He coordinates Instrumental Music groups at SAC as well as the Applied Music program. He specifically directs the SAC Big Band and SAC Concert Band. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and sons.

Course Syllabus with Timelines: MUS 103-39767 Briones Michael FALL 2017 (online) 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due