HANDBOOK

2021-2022
Reva and Sid Dewberry School of Music
Dear Students,

Welcome to Mason Jazz Studies! We are thrilled you have chosen to pursue your musical
education at the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music at George Mason University.
You are about to embark on a journey that will have a major impact on your life.

Students in the Mason Jazz Studies Department will experience

 an outstanding comprehensive education–musically intense and academically rigorous

 world-class performance and research faculty
 performances in state of the art venues
 master class opportunities with world-renowned guest clinicians
 an understanding and appreciation of your cultural inheritance
 an inclusive and diverse student community
 opportunities for service and leadership
 opportunities for creative thinking and engagement

As educators, our job is to provide you opportunities to expand your musical development and
resources to achieve your artistic and professional goals. As students, your job is to immerse
yourself in your instrument, curriculum and ensembles; welcoming new challenges and
opportunities. We encourage you to engage artistically at the highest level in this truly
indigenous American art form, Jazz.

Let’s get to work.

Respectfully,

Darden Purcell, D.M.A.

Director of Jazz Studies
dpurcel2@gmu.edu

Mason Jazz Handbook 2 Updated 8/2021

This handbook provides information to serve the needs of Mason Jazz Studies majors and
minors, members of jazz ensembles, prospective students and faculty.

Jazz Studies Degree Program

Admission Requirements .............................................................................................................4
Jazz Studies Curriculum ...............................................................................................................4
Advising .......................................................................................................................................4
Jazz Ensembles .............................................................................................................................5
Jazz Ensemble Auditions .............................................................................................................5
Mason Jazz Faculty ......................................................................................................................6
Applied Lessons ...........................................................................................................................6
Applied Lesson Cards ..................................................................................................................6
Juries.............................................................................................................................................7
Upper Divisional Jury ..................................................................................................................7
Recitals ................................................................................................................................... 7-10
Recital Repertoire ........................................................................................................................9
Recital Programs ........................................................................................................................10
Department Policies
Meetings & Jazz Events, Mason Jazz Mondays ........................................................................11
Jazz Rehearsal Spaces ................................................................................................................11
Rehearsal Deportment ................................................................................................................11
Use of Jazz Rehearsal Spaces by Students .................................................................................11
Performance Dress .....................................................................................................................11
Work and Course Conflicts ........................................................................................................12
Attendance ..................................................................................................................................12
Equipment ..................................................................................................................................12
Lockers .......................................................................................................................................12
Percussion...................................................................................................................................12
Repertoire List ............................................................................................................................13

Mason Jazz Handbook 3 Updated 8/2021

JAZZ STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAM

Admission Requirements
Entrance to the Dewberry School of Music, Jazz Studies department is by audition and arranged
through the School of Music office. Students who wish to become Jazz Studies majors are
required to perform a standard School of Music audition, plus demonstrate improvisational
ability and jazz skills related to their particular instrument.

Students (instrumentalists and vocalists) may pursue the following degrees:

Minor
Bachelor of Music
Master of Music
Doctor of Musical Arts (Jazz Emphasis)

Please visit music.gmu.edu/auditions/ for admission and audition requirements. Specific audition
requirements for the Jazz Studies department can be found music.gmu.edu/jazz-studies/jazz-
auditions/

Jazz Studies Curriculum

The Jazz Studies Major's course sequence is determined by

 time of admission to the program
 availability of Jazz Studies courses
 assessment of student's progress in the program
 consultation with the student's advisor

Please see Director of Jazz Studies, Dr. Darden Purcell for a suggested outline to use as an aide
in planning Jazz coursework, juries and recitals.

Advising
Students are required to meet with the School of Music Academic Program Manager, Dr. Carrie
Ann Delaney (cdelane2@gmu.edu) each semester to make appropriate choices in curriculum
planning. You may also schedule time with Dr. Purcell for any curriculum questions. Visit
music.gmu.edu/degree-programs/advising/ for more information.

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ENSEMBLE AND AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Jazz Ensembles
Mason Jazz ensembles are open to all George Mason University students, regardless of degree,
based on a successful audition. Students may participate in the following Jazz ensembles:

Large Ensembles – MUSI 389

Mason Jazz Ensemble (director, Jim Carroll – MW 3pm – 4:15pm)
Jazz Workshop (director, John Kocur – TR 3pm – 4:15pm)

Jazz Chamber Ensembles – MUSI 485

Braddock Road Brass Band (director, Graham Breedlove – TR 4:30pm – 5:45pm)
Combos (director, Wade Beach – MW 1:30pm – 2:45pm)
Latin American Ensemble (director, Juan Megna – MW 1:30pm – 2:45pm)
Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble (director, Dr. Darden Purcell TR 4:30pm- 5:45pm and W 6-7pm)
Steel Pan Ensemble (director, Victor Provost – T 7:20pm – 10pm)
No audition required for the Steel Pan Ensemble at this time. Please contact Professor
Provost at vprovost@gmu.edu for information regarding this ensemble.

Jazz Ensemble Auditions

Ensemble auditions take place the first week of fall and spring semester in front of a faculty
panel. These auditions will include a prepared piece, improvisation and sight-reading. Please
refer to the School of Music web site (music.gmu.edu/resources/students/seating-placement-
auditions/ for specific requirements and to sign up for an audition time.

All ensemble placements will be determined by the Director of Jazz Studies and Mason Jazz
faculty. Placement in an ensemble is contingent upon a successful audition, your schedule, and
available rehearsal space. Students may be assigned to two or more ensembles based upon
audition, student interest, and departmental need.

All students are responsible for rehearsals and performances for the duration of the
semester. DO NOT accept professional engagements during these times. This includes
Mason Music Production performances. In the case of unusual circumstances, schedule
conflicts will be resolved at the discretion of the ensemble director and Director of Jazz Studies.

Mason Jazz Handbook 5 Updated 8/2021

MASON JAZZ FACULTY

We have an incredible faculty of experienced performers and educators. They are here to guide
your musical development and prepare you for a career in the professional music world. Take
advantage of your time with them. Do not be late. Go above and beyond their expectations.

Wade Beach: Piano, Combos

Graham Breedlove: Trumpet, Braddock Road Brass Band
Regan Brough: Bass
Jim Carroll: Mason Jazz Founder, Mason Jazz Ensemble, Jazz History, Introduction to Jazz
Improvisation, Advanced Jazz Improvisation, Topics in Jazz
Glenn Dewey: Bass, Mason Music Productions
Aaron Eckert: Trombone
John Kocur: Saxophone, Jazz Workshop, Jazz Studies, Theory for Pop and Jazz, Jazz History,
Fundamentals of Rock, Blues and Jazz
Dr. Kevin McDonald: Percussion and Drum Set
Xavier Perez: Saxophone
Victor Provost: Steel Pan, Steel Pan Ensemble, Improvisation I & II
Dr. Darden Purcell: Director of Jazz Studies, Voice, Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Jazz History,
Jazz Pedagogy, Teaching Internships
Dr. Shawn Purcell: Guitar, Jazz Arranging, Jazz Pedagogy
Rick Whitehead: Guitar

APPLIED LESSONS AND JURIES

Applied Lessons
Students (music majors and non-music majors) may register for applied lessons with Jazz
Studies faculty, provided the faculty has room in their studio. It is the students’ responsibility to
reach out to faculty to discuss their proficiency on their respective instrument and to schedule
weekly lessons. It is the responsibility of both student and faculty to complete all lessons each
semester.

Applied Lesson Cards

It is the responsibility of the student and faculty to initial and date this lesson card in each weekly
(or bi-weekly) applied lesson once the lesson is complete. These cards are turned in to the
Director of Jazz Studies at the end of the semester for calculation in the final applied lesson
grade. Applied lesson instructors are responsible for maintaining these cards.

Mason Jazz Handbook 6 Updated 8/2021

Juries
Music majors taking applied lessons are required to perform a jury each semester. Music minors
and Jazz minors are required to perform a jury each semester.

Students exempt from performing a Jazz jury

 Non-music majors
 Non-music minors
 Students who have performed a degree recital that same semester

Requirements for juries are specific to each applied studio. Unless it is a lengthy transcription, all
music must be memorized. Students are responsible for bringing three (3) completed Jazz Jury
forms (no repertory sheet) to your jury. This form may be obtained online at
music.gmu.edu/resources/students/jury-information/

Upper Divisional Jury

The Upper Divisional jury is a requirement for all Jazz majors for admittance to junior level
applied lessons and Jazz courses.

The Upper Divisional is a twenty (20) minute jury performed at the end of sophomore year and
should include the following: two to three Jazz standards varying in style, transcriptions/etudes,
improvisation and scales. Vocalists must also show proficiency in a foreign language
(Portuguese, French or Spanish). All repertoire must be memorized.

It is your responsibility to meet with School of Music Academic Advisor, Director of Jazz
Studies and your applied music instructor, to plan ahead for this jury.

Jury comment sheets can be obtained in the School of Music office once all juries are complete.

RECITALS

All Jazz recitals must take place at George Mason University on-campus locations: De Laski
3001, Harris Theatre or the Choral Room. Musicians only are allowed to participate in degree
recitals. We cannot accommodate additional performers (dancers, speakers, actors, etc.). Only
music students and/or non-Mason musicians may perform on degree recitals.

No official members of the School of Music faculty, including professors or adjunct faculty, may
perform on Jazz degree recitals.

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Repertoire
You are responsible for meeting the repertoire requirements. Please coordinate with your applied
instructor to make sure you are on track. Failure to meet these requirements will be reflected in
your final grade.

Rehearsals
It is strongly suggested you schedule at least two (2) recital rehearsals (at least 3 weeks out from
your recital) with your musicians. One of those rehearsals should be with your applied professor
in attendance. Lack of ensemble preparedness will be reflected in your final grade.

Memorization
One half of your recital must be memorized. It is strongly encouraged that your entire recital is
memorized. Members of your ensemble may read from parts.

Technical Requests
Be reasonable, specific and detailed with your technical requests. Keep microphone requests to a
minimum. In School of Music Spaces (Harris, De Laski, Choral Room) the following suffices: 1
piano, 1 guitar, 1 bass (if not direct), vocal/horns/pan etc.

Due to the large number of requests and limited resources, please understand that not all of your
requests may be granted. Keep in mind the more you ask for, the more issues you may have.

Performance Dress
As outlined in the department policies, dark suit and/or coat and tie for men; dresses, skirts and
blouses or dressy pant suits for women. If wearing dresses or skirts, women must cover legs with
tights or hose. Your musicians (including non-Mason students) must also adhere to this dress
code otherwise it will be reflected in the final grade.

Time Limit
Due to the large number of recitals and limited amount of space, recitals are not to exceed the
required time limit. Failure to meet the minimum requirement or exceed the maximum time limit
will be reflected in your final grade.

Speaking on Stage
Unless otherwise noted, these recitals are performance recitals. They are not lecture recitals.
Therefore, speaking is not allowed in between pieces. You may say brief acknowledgements
before your last piece.

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RECITAL REPERTOIRE

Junior Recital
Length: minimum 25 minutes, maximum 35 minutes. No intermission.

Instrumentalists and Vocalists: Must include one (1) tune from each of the Early Jazz, Bop and
Hard Bop/Funky style periods played in the original style. Your recital should be diverse in
nature and one unaccompanied piece may be included.

Senior Recital
Length: minimum 50 minutes, maximum 60 minutes. No intermission.

Instrumentalists: One original composition arranged for at least two (2) horns. At least two (2)
compositions from the following composers: John Abercrombie, Ornette Coleman, John
Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Lee Konitz, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Wayne
Shorter. Your recital should be diverse in nature and one unaccompanied piece may be included.

Vocalists: One piece arranged for at least two (2) horns). One composition from the following
composers: John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Lee Konitz, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk,
Wayne Shorter. One piece must be performed in a foreign language (Portuguese, French,
Spanish or other, with permission of applied instructor). One piece must contain a vocalese.
Students may choose from the following: one piece may be performed by a vocal quartet/quintet
or one piece may be a solo piece (vocalist accompanying themselves). Your recital should be
diverse in nature.

Graduate Recital
Length: minimum 50 minutes, maximum 60 minutes. No intermission.

Instrumentalists: At least three (3) original compositions arranged in contrasting styles. Your
recital should be diverse in nature and one unaccompanied piece may be included.

Vocalists: Two (2) pieces arranged for at least two (2) horns). Two (2) compositions from the
following composers: John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Lee Konitz, Charles Mingus, Thelonious
Monk, Wayne Shorter. One piece must be performed in a foreign language (Portuguese, French,
Spanish or other, with permission of applied instructor). One piece must contain an original
vocalese. One piece must contain original lyrics or original lyrics/melody. Students may choose
from the following: one piece may be performed by a vocal quartet/quintet or one piece may be a
solo piece (vocalist accompanying themselves). Your recital should be diverse in nature.

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RECITAL PROGRAMS

Printed recital programs are required. Your program must be approved by your applied music
instructor and the Director of Jazz Studies.

Program templates: music.gmu.edu/resources/students/recitals/

Electronic Approval Process

1. Create your program using the templates found in the above link.
2. Junior programs are two (2) pages (front and back)
3. Seniors and Graduate programs (booklets) must be in multiples of 4 (4, 8, 12, pages, etc.)
No blank pages.
4. Attach your program to an e-mail and send to your Applied Instructor for approval.
5. Make necessary edits per your Applied Instructor
6. FORWARD your newly edited program (attached) with Applied Instructor’s approval to
the Director of Jazz Studies for final review.
7. Print on white paper and bring to your recital.

Your program WILL NOT be reviewed (under any circumstance) until approved by your applied
instructor.

Your recital program (with your applied instructor's approval) is due to the Director of Jazz
Studies NO LATER than one week prior to your recital date. Failure to meet this deadline will
be reflected in your final grade.

Biography
Your biography should include a recent photo and a detailed outline of your career thus far.
Items to include: degree you are pursuing, teachers, performing ensembles (school and others),
venues performed, awards, other career highlights, etc. Be specific.

Program Notes
For students writing program notes (Senior and Graduate recitals), an excellent reference is A
Manual For Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations, 8th Edition, by Kate L.
Turabian.

www.press.uchicago.edu/books/turabian/turabian_citationguide.html

Please find sources in addition to web sites. It is preferential to cite scholarly sources such
as official web sites, books, journals, liner notes, magazines, newspapers, interviews, etc. Please
feel free to check with our musicology faculty for questions regarding program notes, citations,
etc.

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DEPARTMENT POLICIES

Meetings & Jazz Events

The Mason Jazz Welcome Back Party is held at the beginning of each fall semester and is
MANDATORY for Jazz Majors (undergraduate and graduate). This meeting is strongly
encouraged for Jazz minors and those participating in Jazz ensembles. There will other Jazz
events scheduled throughout the year that will be considered integral for your curricular
development. Attendance will be required.

Mason Jazz Mondays

This is a weekly forum on Mondays (12:30pm – 1:20pm) dedicated to the Jazz Studies
department. This forum will consist of performances, professional development seminars and
master classes and is required for Jazz majors (undergraduate and graduate).

Jazz Rehearsal Spaces (217, 336, 338)

PAB rooms 217, 336 and 338 are dedicated Mason Jazz Studies rehearsal spaces and must be
locked and secure at all times. If you find these rooms unlocked for any reason, please report this
to Jazz faculty or School of Music office staff. These are YOUR spaces and we all must be good
stewards.

Rehearsal Deportment
1. BE ON TIME. Rehearsal and performance tardiness will be reflected in your final grade.
2. Use the “Leave it better than you found it” rule with regards to chairs and stands. Chairs
must be stacked and stands neatly put away.
3. Assume leadership roles.
4. No food and drink (other than water bottles) are allowed in rehearsal spaces. Period.

Use of Jazz Rehearsal Spaces by Students

Students may reserve PAB 336 and 338 for rehearsals if they are not in use by Jazz faculty. To
reserve a space, visit music.gmu.edu/mason-jazz-calendars/ and follow the instructions. You will
be provided a key by Dr. Purcell (during regular school hours) which you will return to the lock
box (in between 336/338) immediately following your rehearsal. Any violation of room policies
will cause this privilege to be revoked for everyone.

Performance Dress
Dark suit and/or coat and tie for men; dresses, skirts and blouses or dressy pant suits for women.
If wearing dresses or skirts, women must cover legs with tights or hose. No jeans or sneakers of
any kind.
Mason Jazz Handbook 11 Updated 8/2021
Work and Course Conflicts
Commitment to your education comes first. Check your university ensemble performance
schedule at the beginning of each semester and make sure to square away conflicts immediately.
It is YOUR responsibility to speak with your professors if you have a conflict with an ensemble
or class. Lack of proper communication will be reflected in your final grade.

Attendance
Unexcused absence in class and rehearsal is strongly discouraged. Your instructors and ensemble
directors will clearly outline their attendance policy in their syllabi. Read your syllabi carefully
and understand the consequences of an unexcused absence. For any missed ensemble rehearsal,
it is your responsibility to leave your music with the director as well as find a suitable substitute.
Official school performances are MANDATORY. In the case of emergency, official
documentation will be required by the Director of Jazz Studies.

EQUIPMENT
Students are welcome to use the existing inventory of amplifiers and drum sets for regularly
scheduled school rehearsals, classes and performances. School equipment must remain in
designated Jazz classrooms, and should not be removed for any reason. Students are responsible
for putting all equipment back in secured spaces after use.

Borrowing university owned equipment for personal gigs is NOT permitted. School of Music
owned instruments and equipment are for university classes and performances only.

The Mason Jazz Equipment Manager is Professor John Kocur. If equipment is in disrepair or
missing, notify Professor Kocur (jkocur@gmu.edu), immediately so repairs or replacements can
be made as time and budget allow. If you see anyone you do not recognize using Jazz equipment
or removing gear from spaces, please inform the Professor Kocur immediately. Students are
welcome to use their own equipment should the school inventory be inadequate for any reason.

Lockers
Students are not permitted to leave personal belongings or equipment in any Jazz rehearsal space
at any time. This includes PAB 327C (band room), 217, 227, 336 and 338. The School of Music
provides lockers for securing equipment.

Percussion
Drummers must provide their own cymbals, sticks and hi-hat clutches and keep their practice
spaces clean and organized. Please report any missing and/or damaged items to the Equipment
Manager, Professor John Kocur at jkocur@gmu.edu.

Mason Jazz Handbook 12 Updated 8/2021

MASON JAZZ REPERTOIRE LIST

Standards (40) Blues and Rhythm Changes (10)

1. Satin Doll 1. Billie’s Bounce

2. Stella By Starlight 2. Blues for Alice
3. There Will Never Be Another You 3. Tenor Madness
4. On Green Dolphin Street 4. Mr. PC
5. Donna Lee 5. Solar
6. The Girl From Ipanema 6. Anthropology
7. Wave 7. Rhythm-a-ning
8. Misty 8. Oleo
9. Someday My Prince Will Come 9. Steeplechase
10. All The Things You Are 10. Crazeology
11. Confirmation
12. Here’s That Rainy Day
13. Cherokee
14. Prelude to a Kiss
15. Days of Wine and Roses
16. Bluesette
17. Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)
18. Stablemates
19. Fee Fi Fo Fum
20. Body and Soul
21. Alone Together
22. Up Jumped Spring
23. Meditation
24. Beautiful Love
25. I Can’t Get Started
26. How High the Moon/Ornithology
27. Dolphin Dance
28. Giant Steps
29. You Stepped Out of a Dream
30. It Could Happen to You/Fried Bananas
31. But Beautiful
32. Soul Eyes
33. Once I Loved
34. Scrapple from the Apple
35. Emily
36. Triste
37. Along Came Betty
38. Freedom Jazz Dance
39. What is This Thing Called Love?/Hot House
40. Airegin

Mason Jazz Handbook 13 Updated 8/2021