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Harper College Jazz Band, Dir. Kirby Fellis

Course Description

The Jazz Ensemble is a traditional big band of 15 to 20 players who perform under the direction of Kirby Fellis, an accomplished performer, educator, composer, and arranger. Open to all Harper students regardless of major, faculty, staff and community members, the band performs a range of jazz music, from standard to contemporary hits. This course focuses on the study of the standard Jazz ensemble. It is an overview of various techniques and interpretation as applied to Jazz ensemble and performance. Each semester, the band performs a concert in the Performing Arts Center.

The group participates in community events and tour performances and frequently features professional guest artists from the Chicago area. A limited number of combo performance opportunities are available to members.

Increase your proficiency on an instrument or as a singer while enjoying the opportunity to learn and perform music from the classic jazz repertoire. Utilize sight reading and musicianship while enhancing your skills, musical understanding and enjoyment. An audition is required and is held at the first rehearsal of each fall and spring semester.

Sight reading at an intermediate (High School Jazz Band) level is required.

For more information and audition music, contact Kirby Fellis at fk05933@harpercollege.edu or call 847.925.6568

All music and practice material will be provided to the students.

 

Learner Outcomes

Students will learn and practice ensemble skills, utilize the jazz performance routine, and apply jazz theory, scales, chord voicings, jazz rhythms, and song styles.  Students will perform a 1.5-hour concert and make a recording in a professional recording studio. 

 

Notes

Ages 16+

You are expected to play and improvise on as many songs as you possibly can.  Please remember not all students are on the same level.  Students are expected to practice assigned songs outside of class.  It is recommended that students take private lessons, click here for more information.

If you're a new student who wishes to take private lessons with one of our instructors, click here to fill out the new student form.

No audition is required for this class.

 

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
Jazz Ensemble
Type
In-Person
Days
M, W
Time
7:00PM to 9:30PM
Dates
Jun 02, 2025 to Jul 23, 2025
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
40.0
Location
Course Fee(s)
Tuition and Fees non-credit $119.00 Click here to get more information
CEUs
4 CEUs
Instructors
Reading List / Textbook
Section Notes
Also offered for Credit as MUS145-C02
Section Title
Jazz Ensemble
Type
In-Person
Days
M
Time
7:00PM to 9:15PM
Dates
Aug 18, 2025 to Dec 08, 2025
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
36.0
Location
Course Fee(s)
Tuition and Fees non-credit $119.00 Click here to get more information
CEUs
3.6 CEUs
Instructors
Reading List / Textbook
Section Notes
Also offered for Credit as MUS145-002

Kirby Fellis, Instructor ► Instagram 

No class on Mon, 01 Sep 2025, Labor Day

Section Title
Jazz Ensemble
Type
In-Person
Days
W
Time
7:00PM to 9:15PM
Dates
Aug 20, 2025 to Dec 10, 2025
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
36.0
Location
Course Fee(s)
Tuition and Fees non-credit $119.00 Click here to get more information
CEUs
3.6 CEUs
Instructors
Reading List / Textbook
Section Notes
Also offered for Credit as MUS145-C06

Kirby Fellis, Instructor ► Instagram 

No class on Wed, 26 Nov 2025, Thanksgiving Break

 

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