Spring 2026 Course Search

This course serves as an introduction to rhythms, songs, and musical practices from Africa and the African Diaspora, including Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Students will learn these traditional folkloric rhythms using indigenous percussion instruments from these territories and provinces. Class discussions will convey history, culture, language, and dance from these regions. Students will also have opportunities to create rhythms and arrangements in collaboration in our “break-out” segments.

This course serves as an introduction to rhythms, songs, and musical practices from Africa and the African Diaspora, including Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Students will learn these traditional folkloric rhythms using indigenous percussion instruments from these territories and provinces. Class discussions will convey history, culture, language, and dance from these regions. Students will also have opportunities to create rhythms and arrangements in collaboration in our “break-out” segments.

The BC American Jazz Combo explores jazz standards that have become signature works by some of America’s most innovative and enduring composers within the jazz lexicon. Students will explore works by Ornette Coleman, Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Chick Corea, Charles Mingus, and others. Students will develop their sight-reading, improvisation, interpretation, and arranging skills while building community through collaboration and expression. Additional exploration of Broadway and Film themes that have become classic additions to the jazz lexicon will be considered.