Tag Archives: Liana

High School Jazz Immersion (Liana) (BLOCK)

This is a block class.

This is a mega class.

Note: This class is open to high school students only.

Jazz is at the root of most of the music you listen to, and the ability to play it (even at a basic level) will make you better at almost any other form of music that you play.

Don’t believe me? Here’s a quick read on why every musician should study jazz. (It has bullet points, so you can get right to it!)

In this class, we’ll practice playing jazz: learning charts and improvising solos. 

But… We can’t properly honor this art form without doing the history, theory and listening that goes along with it. To facilitate this learning, we will read the book Moving To Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life. (Reading will be ~20 pages/week.)

This class is open to any instrument/vocals (horn players: please join us!), and you need not be an expert to partake in the fun! You will, however, need to step outside of your comfort zone, take some musical risks, and contribute to an encouraging, positive musical environment.

Required texts/materials: You will need your instrument, music, a mechanical pencil, headphones, your computer, and your book.

  • Outside work: A large amount (e.g, >60 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: The world of jazz is full of stories that include drug use/abuse, racism, violence, sex, etc. We won’t spend a lot of time in the history zone, but we will likely encounter at least some of this.
  • Minimum students: 4

Diverse Voices & Yummy Things (Liana & Elizabeth)

In this class, we’ll gather to consume and discuss media by and about diverse humans. We’ll hear from various voices on topics like identity, cultural appropriation, queerness, institutional racism and human rights, and we’ll pull from assorted forms of media including podcasts, documentaries and tv/sitcoms. Each class one of you will provide either a yummy treat or a yummy beverage for everyone to share!

Whiteness/straightness/cis-ness/male-ness etc. in media is the norm; this is an opportunity to approach important topics from a different viewpoint and perspective. 

No homework, just come ready to contribute to discussions each day.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
  • Mature themes: In most cases, we’ll be digesting real stories of people who may experience the world differently than you do; depending on your background/experience, some topics may feel like mature themes to you. We will likely also encounter some spicy language along the way.
  • Minimum students: 5

9th-12th Grade Bands (Liana)

Note: This class is open to high school students only.

Put your sticker here if you are a 9th-12th grader who wants to play in a band! I will use the sorting hat™ to distribute you into a few bands during the scheduling process.

Sign up for some good fun, hard work, and serious learning!

Note: the second class meeting will be the “Lab meeting.” During this time, we will focus on music theory, music history and music appreciation in our band groups. This section will not be required, though it is highly encouraged. There won’t be homework specific to the lab meeting — just show up and gain knowledge & skills that will make you a better musician!

Required texts/materials: You will need your instrument, music, a mechanical pencil, headphones and your computer. Students will be responsible for obtaining their own texts/materials. Materials should be procured by: the first class meeting.

  • Outside work: A moderate amount (e.g., 30-60 min) for each session
  • Minimum students: 4
  • Sessions per week: 2

Middle School Jazz Immersion (Liana) (BLOCK)

This is a block class.

This is a mega class.

Note: This class is open to middle school students only.

Jazz is at the root of most of the music you listen to, and the ability to play it (even at a basic level) will make you better at almost any other form of music that you play.

Don’t believe me? Here’s a quick read on why every musician should study jazz. (It has bullet points, so you can get right to it!)

In this class, we’ll begin learning the art of jazz and improvisation. 

Never done it before? That’s OK! Had a little experience last year? Great!

We can’t properly honor this art form without doing the history, theory and listening that goes along with it. We will have some light reading assignments along with other supplemental activities in order to acclimate you to the jazz world.

This class is open to any instrument/vocals (horn players: please join us!), and you need not be an expert to partake in the fun! You will, however, need to step outside of your comfort zone, take some musical risks, and contribute to an encouraging, positive musical environment.

Required texts/materials: You will need your instrument, music, a mechanical pencil, headphones, your computer, and any relevant supplemental materials.

  • Outside work: A moderate amount (e.g., 30-60 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: The world of jazz is full of stories that include drug use/abuse, racism, violence, sex, etc. We won’t spend a lot of time in the history zone, but we will likely encounter at least some of this.
  • Minimum students: 4

Mishmash (Liana)

Note: This class is open to middle school students only.

This is middle school band! All 6-8th graders are welcome to come make music together in a fun environment. All instruments, voices and levels are welcome. This ain’t your grandma’s middle school band: we play lots of different types of music and have a lot of laughs along the way.

You will need to provide an instrument for yourself, but if you don’t have one, don’t let that stop you… Talk to me, I may be able to help!

Note: the second class meeting will be the “Lab meeting.” During this time, we will focus on music theory, music history and music appreciation in our band groups. This section will not be required, though it is highly encouraged. There won’t be homework specific to the lab meeting — just show up and gain knowledge & skills that will make you a better musician!

Required texts/materials: You will need your instrument, music, a mechanical pencil, headphones and your computer. Students will be responsible for obtaining their own texts/materials. Materials should be procured by: The first class meeting.

  • Outside work: A moderate amount (e.g., 30-60 min) for each session
  • Minimum students: 4
  • Sessions per week: 2