ECM/Free Jazz
The ECM/Free Jazz ensemble studies and performs the music of ECM luminaries such as Kenny Wheeler, Marilyn Crispell, Dave Holland, John Abercrombie, and Keith Jarrett. Other artists studied in the course include Ornette Coleman, Geri Allen, John Hollenbeck, and Dave Douglas. Students in this ensemble develop free improvisation/real time composition skills using solo, duo, and larger group formats. The course includes in-depth study of motivic development, extended techniques, textural techniques, group communication, and form creation in the context of improvisation. Throughout the semester, the focus is on stylistic integrity, integration of electronics, group interaction, and melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic creativity. The culmination of this work is the end of semester concert.