MUS 231 Jazz Ensemble / CRN71800
Hello Class!
I’m excited to be working with you this semester. There are a few things I want you to know before we start the class and you can get more details by reading all of this document. This class is being offered as “hybrid” or a mix between face to face rehearsals and online instruction. The hope is that both parts will work together to provide the best learning experience possible.
The in-person meeting times and place are Tuesday 4-6:20pm and the portal to participate online is in Canvas. Succeeding in this class requires students to show up to class and proactively participate in the online environment. But don’t forget, I want you to succeed! Seek out help whenever you get stuck. I’m happy to help.
Ron
Instructor: Ron McCarley
Contact information
Email Address: rmccarle@cuesta.edu
Phone Number: 805-546-3100x2445
Office Location/ Hours: 7166, by appointment and and Mondays 2-4pm, Fridays 10-11am
Instructor Contact Expectations:
The best and fastest way to contact me is email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays only. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response.
Course Environment:
This course is considered ‘hybrid’ in that there is a face to face component of the course and an online component. The Face to Face part of the course will include rehearsals on Tuesday at 4-6:20pm in 7160 or sometimes outside. Adjustments to that schedule will be announced as needed. Some of these Face to Face meetings maybe substituted by Zoom meetings and online assignments. The online part of the course will be using the Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
Class opens / Accessing Canvas:
Prior to the Monday classes start on August 17th you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into myCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.
If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after August 20th and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@instructure.com
Online Learning:
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. We will attempt to handle as many aspects of the class as we can online including video submission of performance tests, homework and drill of concepts and discussion. Please be prepared to spend about 4 or more hours per week on coursework for this class
IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?
- First, go to the Cuesta College Canvas Tutorial (self paced)Links to an external site., there are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. Since this class is hybrid, it is necessary that everyone taking the class is be able to navigate both the traditional classroom setting and the online mode.
Regular Effective Contact policy:
Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through our weekly meetings, timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.
Even though there is an online component to the class it is very important that students keep up with the pace of the class and internalize the concepts and skills of the class in the order and at the time they are presented.
Course Description
Provides for study, rehearsal, and public performance of big band literature. This course has an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform this music in an ensemble. Attendance at scheduled performances is required.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Perform a part in large jazz group well in terms of intonation, intonation, rhythm, expression, playing stylistically and playing within the concept of groove.
- Sight read well and memorize parts.
- Work as part of a team/ensemble and rehearse effectively including responding to a director, punctuality and professional conduct.
- Practice effectively.
Text Book and Materials
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Technology:
- Device to make and submit self-video of performance (e.g. phone with camera)
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ConferZoom or Zoom access (can be through internet browser)
- Your primary instrument
- Computer with access to internet and Canvas
Technical Support
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site..
Accommodations:
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services)Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148.
College & Course Policies:
Academic Honesty Policy: [Identify your course specific academic honesty policy]. In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conductLinks to an external site. at:
Add / Drop Policy: The professor reserves the right to drop any student who is not progressing, showing signs to dedicated effort and any students who miss performances. In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops
Waitlist Policy: [Identify your course-specific waitlist procedures]. In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site.:
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