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In many ways, music helps define and shape lives. It comforts people in times of need,
and really allows for people to express themselves. Style of music is also very important to
consider when you want to express yourself. For me, I express myself in my jazz ensemble by
playing standup bass. From soloing to walking bass lines, there are just so many different ways
to express your observation of the piece. In this essay, I will be discussing what jazz means to me
and how it relates to Swales Six Characteristics.
The first of Swales Characteristics is common goals. Every project has a common goal.
Jazz Ensemble is very similar to a project. Some common goals include making a piece sound
musical, staying together, having correct intonation and Rhythm, all the way to showing up for
rehearsals and listening to the conductor. The most important common goal is preparing a piece
to be able to successfully perform in front of a group of people. Why perform if you will never
get to play in front of people? Common goals are important for most things to be successful,
which is why they are needed in everything you do, including music.
The second Swales Characteristic is intercommunication. Communication is by far one
of the most important parts of a jazz ensemble. After playing the main melody, you have to pass
around solos. Once you start to wrap up your solo, you que the ensemble and either someone else
begins soloing, or you go back to the melody to wrap up the piece. Without intercommunication,
you will not be able to successfully perform, and the musicianship and quality will lack. Also,
intercommunication does not have to be for only playing. It could be communicating with the
director why you missed a rehearsal, or letting the outside world know when and where you are
performing. It is just like a business because you have to communicate in order to be successful.
All in all, the culture of jazz is very relaxing and fun. In fact it is just so many emotions
all piled into one style of music. It is one of the best types of music and is just so relaxing and
enjoyable to play. I did not realize how big our culture was until doing this paper, and I now feel
very knowledgeable about the department and our jazz ensemble.