Rehearsal and performance of standard percussion ensemble literature. Instruction of appropriate playing techniques for standard and exotic percussion instruments.
1
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeWill you learn the fundamentals of jazz? Yes. Will you enjoy it? Unless you're a masochist, absolutely not. Jazz used to be a fun break from my other classes, though this quarter it became something that added more stress.
At first, Jon seems like a likable and charismatic professor, this is a misconception. He is uncongenial and monotonous to interact with on a weekly basis. Jon seems to think that UCSB is the Julliard School of Music. I believe he has watched the movie Whiplash one too many times and taken on the personality of Terence Fletcher (probably his hero).
The lectures are pretty boring but the class itself is very easy. If you do all the work and show up to class, you're pretty much guaranteed an A. Nathan does seem to care a bit too much about jazz but at least he's passionate.
Not great, seems very set in his ways and unwilling to respect the diversity of his student's opinions. Willing to name-call his students, witnessed him calling an ensemble student of his a "tall glass of water" in front of an entire audience to her visible discomfort.
Save yourself. This guy really likes jazz
Switched to classical studies after how sour my experience w/ Nathan was. Initially seemed tough but fair, but realized he's just a milder version of Fletcher from Whiplash minus the part where the students actually get better after being yelled at. He created a hostile environment that produced the most deflated & discouraged group I've ever seen.