The Cannonball/ Nat Adderley ensemble is a repertory ensemble for more advanced students at the school. Participants are chosen by audition. From blazing hard bop classics and major soul jazz hits to deep modal explorations and electric music, the group spanned one of the most consequential periods in jazz (1955-’75), changing with the times, yet staying true to their roots. Material from the group's book will be used to explore concepts first developed during the hard bop era, including the combination of bebop and gospel language with cleverly crafted arrangements. Modal tunes/arrangements introduced by the group in the mid-’60's allow students space to develop more abstracts or “out” musical concepts (e.g., superimposition, chromaticism, asymmetry, etc…) as well as soul jazz classics and the introduction of electric instruments. Taken as a whole, students will walk away from the course with an exceptional number of solo and group concepts that can be incorporated into their own music. By audition, at the instructor's discretion.