History informs creativity. Originality is defined by its relationship to that which has come before. Our understanding of the past brings relevance to what we hear and create today. In this ensemble we experientially explore the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic approaches during the 1920’s through the 1940’s in America. Through listening, aural learning, and performance of the music of this period, students will discover, articulate, and incorporate the defining characteristics with regards to rhythm, and “feel” of this period into their own style and voice. Musicians studied can include but is not limited to Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Mary Lou Williams, Jimmy Lunceford, Bessie Smith, Count Basie, Dinah Washington, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Ben Webster, “Sweets” Edison, Roy Eldridge, Papa Jo Jones, Jimmy Blanton, Freddie Green, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Al Grey, Jay McShann, Earl Hines, Billie Holiday, Jimmy Rushing, and Nat King Cole. All music will be learned and memorized by ear from selected recordings. Students are required to compose a composition using the approach and characteristics of this period. Students will be selected through an audition process.