Mac Jazz:
MacJazz is an 18 piece big band, with singer, directed by Joan Griffith, performing classical and contemporary big band jazz. MacJazz performs on campus, on tour and at festivals in and out of state. MacJazz has performed a number of times at the Elmhurst and Eau Claire Jazz festivals, as well as at the Twin Cities small college jazz festival. Membership is by audition at the beginning of the Fall semester.
MacJazz often features new composition by present and past band members. New works premiered by MacJazz over the past few years are:
>05/06: 5-movement Jazz Mass by junior lead trumpet, Josh Whitney-Wise.
>04/05: La Salle de Salsa by Guitarist Nick Grondin ('05) combining gospel, salsa and funk.
>03/04: MacJazz premiered the big band version of Macy's "Dreams Deferred", a jazz song cycle based upon the poetry of Langston Hughes.
>01/02/03: works by Chris Marianetti, Mac Jazz pianist. MARRISA, WITH MINGUS ROOTS. Chris' piece was performed at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival.
>2002: Mac Jazz collaborated with the Macalester Festival Chorale in a performance of Duke Ellington's Sacred Concert.
>2000: MOXNIX by senior pianist David Winski.
>1999: tour repertoire included a new work by Macy, along with student compositions by Senior lead alto, Charles Burdick, and junior violinist, Joe Dolson.
>1998: DOXY AT THE CIRCUS by senior jazz guitarist, Brian Whiton.
>1997: commissioned Shaw for a special version of CARAVAN.
>1996: Mac Jazz commissioned Nate Shaw, pianist with the Motion Poets, to compose MARCH AND MURMUR;
Four of our instrumental studio instructors specialize in teaching jazz improvisation: besides directing MacJazz, Joan Griffith teaches jazz guitar and bass; Kathy Jensen teaches saxophone and instrumental improvisation; Benny Weinbeck teaches jazz piano; Dave Jensen teaches jazz trumpet. All instructors include theory with their lessons. Phil Hey is our specialist on jazz drum set. All instructors are active in the happening Twin Cities jazz scene.
Auditioning
auditions begin on the Monday prior to the first
day of classes. A sign-up sheet will be posted either on the music
department bulletin board or near Dr. Macy's office, room 108. Auditions
will be in room 108. You will be asked to play the following:
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Something you know. This can be in any style from a classical piece to a prepared improvisation to an excellent rendition of "Happy Birthday", just so long as you are rather comfortable playing it.
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A two-octave B-flat or C scale to demonstrate your range.
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A short sight-reading, which Dr. Macy will first hear you read, and then coach you on to see how well you can pick up style.
Listen to
MacJazz:
Here are the MP3s of the October 14, 2005 concert
Here are the MP3s of the December 9,
2005 concert