Composing for Jazz Orchestra

This class explores composition and arrangement for the large jazz ensemble from 1920s foundations to current postmodern practice. Consideration given to a variety of styles and to the interaction of improvisation and composition. Study of works by Basie, Ellington, Evans, Gillespie, Golson, Mingus, Morris, Nelson, Williams, and others. Open rehearsals, workshops, and performances of student compositions by the MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble and the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra.

• Lecture 16: Gil Evans / Miles Davis collaborations (audio only)
• Lecture 17: George Russell and modal jazz (audio only)
• Lecture 18: Afro-Cuban music and bebop (audio only)
• Lecture 20: Postmodern approaches (audio only)