B I A N N U A L N E W S L E T T E R

the
USM JAZZ Times
N O. 1 ( VO L . 1 ) D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9

APPRECIATING JAZZ
On Improvisation
by Razif Mohd.
“How great musicians demonstrate a mutual respect and trust on the bandstand can alter your
outlook on the world and enrich every aspect of your life, understanding what it means to be a global
citizen in the most modern sense." - Wynton Marsalis  

One of the most exciting musical elements
in music-making is improvisation. In jazz, it
is the culmination point where the skills and
mastery of the performer shines. To begin
with, the art of jazz improvisation can be
very intimidating for many young musicians.
The Editorial Board: Actually many great composers are in fact
brilliant improvisers.
Editor: Fatin Osman
Asst. Editor: Carmen Ng Generally, to qualify as a fine improviser, the
Secretary: Cheow Pea Pea music played has to be spontaneous and
Design & Printing: Fatin Osman improvisational, better still if it is performed
Alice Teh ‘live’. In fact this activity is something we do
without giving much thought to what we do.
Dorothy Ma
It is safe to say that if you want to initiate at
Treasurer: Wong Zhen Yao improvising jazz you need to be involved in
Photography: Andy Siti Nurhidayah the art of music making which provide you
Zamri Salleh the platform to improvise - where one is able
Goh Foong Jing to put one’s improvisational ideas into
Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Razif Mohd. practice.
Very often many younger players do not
Supported by: have this platform for recreational and
artistic practice. One way is to create a circle
Assoc. Prof. Razif Mohd.
of musicians with similar interest to practice
Anni Tan Soon Chin
improvisation. Jazz musician spend a lot of
Anonymous Emma Dalyna
their experimental time on jamming.
Azizul Hakim Fatin Osman
Having a “jam session” benefits in many
Azlan Ishak Laila Syahriza
folds: 1) active musical interaction; 2) self
Eliza Maria Noora Shukor
confidence; and 3) promotes camaraderies.
It is also very crucial for all musicians
involved to share the same aspiration or
passion to achieve rewarding results. With a
lot of practices, listening, appreciating peers
and receiving encouragement from others,
any learners can acquire a reasonable
standard of musical achievement.
There are many method books and CDs on
jazz improvisation. Purchase one or two and
digest them well. One of the best way to
learn improvisation is by using a musical
canvas known as BLUES. The framework is
only about 12 bars in length - the harmony
can be repeated as much as one desire. Play
around the blue notes and chord notes with
a swing rhythm. Yes, only by plunging into it
that we make discoveries.
Ray Charles was forced to improvise on an
idea to complete his performing session and
he ended up with a song that became a hit.
That song was titled as “What I’d say!”
Vive la musique!
Razif Mohd.
Associate Professor of Music,
Conductor & Arranger USM Jazz Band,
Universiti Sains Malaysia.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: The Senior Years

Band practice after dinner till midnight, supper till wee hours. Where did we get the time to sleep and study? But those were for the love of music, for
the love of the Band. -Emma (Alto Sax, graduated 2001)
Jeep: Fatin, cover-up! -Fatin (Copyist, Keyboard, Violin, 1999)
I had never liked jazz until I knew USM Jazz Band. We listen to jazz, eat jazz, sleep jazz cos’ it's the way of life! -Laili (Trombone 2001)
Life is a lot like jazz - it’s best when you improvise. - Azlan (Drum, 2000)
What I like most about playing jazz is I never knew what’s going to happen. We play the same tune over and over but it’s never the same. Jazz is
an open-ended music for open minds - Soon Chin (Percussion, 2000)
 MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
In 1997, a group of music lovers decided to revive a brass band
after a student of House, Building and Planning, Teh Hock Lye
had stumbled upon a collection of brass instruments which were
leftover by USM's defunct brass band. Since Jeep had just returned
home from Paris, bringing along a cutting-edge musical
atmosphere, he was invited to be the conductor. Jeep suggested a
jazz band instead of a brass band and that was how USM Jazz
Band was born.
When I first joined the band sometime in 1997, there were some
members who had no musical background at all and they played
from scratch. We played rather relaxed repertoires like Moonlight
Serenade and Moon River. Later on the songs that make us jump
into festivity were Boogie Wonderland and Mambo No. 5. A year
after that we were upgraded with more challenging repertoires which
made us almost cry in grief. These were Sing Sing Sing and Sir
Duke. We learned. We played. With many incorrect pitches. But
that did not discourage us at all. In fact we played along, ignoring
the feelings of guilt but with jubilance sensations. That was what I
call musicking. entries (We accept entries all year through) Please enjoy your
I am contented to witness the milestones of the band and it is an
honour to be the editor of this debut newsletter USM Jazz Times,
initiated by Assoc. Prof. Razif Mohd. a.k.a Jeep. As musicians-
cum-academicians, this newsletter is a result from talented and
creative members of the USM Jazz Band. USM Jazz Times, name
USM JAZZ BAND goes
by Goh Foong Jing
One should more or less know what Facebook is. I am sure many
USM students have created their accounts on Facebook. In
Facebook, there are many kind of groups which anyone can
participate as a member of that particular group. Now you should
be able to guess what I’m going to write about! Yes, USM Jazz
Band is also in Facebook. Having more than 90 members to date, it
was created in June 2008 by alumni Fatin Osman and it is open to
public. If you want to find out what the group has to offer, do join
us in this group.
is inspired by Christina Wang, is a new form of documentation of
events through out the years since the establishment of the band.
The views expressed by the contributors are based on their
learning experience and observation. In essence such participating
efforts reflect the dynamic team effort in par with USM’s
aspiration.
Highest gratitude goes to the contributors and subscribers of this
newsletter. I am also indebted to the editorial board and a group
of alumni who have helped in the accomplishment of USM Jazz
Times. A special acknowledgment goes to Tang Yong Kwang who
gave her insights and opinion towards the completion of this
newsletter. As a returning member of USM Jazz Band, I would like
to convey my heartiest thanks to the band which makes me alive
with a come-back mood! I returned for the sake of music and for
the love of the band.
We will ‘excavate’ poco a poco the past events in words in the
coming issues. Anyone who is interested to contribute towards the
success of this newsletter is warmly welcome to send in their
readings and we welcome criticism as a tool of improvement.
Fatin Osman.
fatin.osman@yahoo.de
USM Jazz Band Alumni 1999.
As a new member in this band, I joined
this group on Facebook after performing
in the 40th USM Convocation 2009
when the seniors told us about the
existence of Jazz Band group in
Facebook. Videos and photos are among
visual materials exhibited in this site.
When you go through the photos and
videos, you can see the spirit of
‘craziness’ and the relationship or
bonding between the members.
In addition, you can get acquainted with
other band members and share or
exchange experiences. Not only pictures,
we also give our responses and opinion
about performances held. Those
feedbacks reflected on what we see, feel
and think. Through Facebook, we are
able to convey our thoughts and share
our views with readers. These include, dancing performance, a
conductor who used pink whistle, Syok sendiri all the time and
sometimes Syok ramai-ramai.
Besides that Jazz Band group in the Facebook also acts as a notice
board to update all the members and fans with current
information. I find that this is an effective channel to
communicate. Come and explore this group if you want to know
more. Join us and let us SRR. It’s just a mouse click away!
*Goh Foong Jing, 20 studies Biology.
He plays the violin and percussion.
 MUSIC CAMP
by Deidre J. Galasius
Over the years, USM Jazz Band
(USMJB) has strived to present
truly great collection of Jazz
music as well as remarkable
performances including famous
film scores and unforgettable
contemporaries songs. As new
members enroll signaling a new
epoch for the band, old and new
alike call for a refinement in their
skills, to polish new talents in
addition to create a forte between
members of the band. Thus,
music camp does just that.
Phase 1
Covering three days as of July 17,
2009 began with registration for
new members and a welcoming
speech by the advisor Assoc. Prof.
Razif Mohd concerning the
matter of how learning music is
time consuming and that it is
essential for members to have
perseverance. Wasting no time,
sounds of the hypnotic piano, of
xylophone stretches and fuses
overtones like bells cascading
from the sky and also the drums
looking for expressive moments to
jump out and hit the audience
with a loudly memorable note or
two was the time when members
were given the chance to roam
around to choose the instruments
of their choice. Some found their
calling with ease, while others
struggled to make a choice and
settles with percussion. With that,
first practice began.
On the next morning members
were jabbed with aerobic exercise
led by Alice. After that, the group
was then divided into two groups.
Siva who tutored on percussion
and rhythm; and Mr. Ronald on
Woodwind Workshop held a
‘ R h y t h m a n d Wo o d w i n d
Workshop’ in separate rooms. Mr.
Ronald and his two sons. Such
young age managed to make
their bass and drums pound and
yodel beyond comprehension got
us rendered speechless by their
talent. Then, we were treated to
the movie Drumline to portray
how significant is teamwork and
practice plays rather a big role in
a band. This followed by a durian
eating session as it turns out;
durian is a good icebreaker as
everyone quickly war m up
towards each other.
On the last day, a jam session
with Assoc. Prof. Razif saw the
room bustled with laughter as
every wrong notes and mistakes
were played. The last practice
after dinner for the camp ended
with another durian eating
session, marked a positive and
uplifting piece that send
everybody back on a good note.
Phase 2
Second phase of Jazz Band camp
ran over the course of two days
commencing from 31 July to 31
August 2009 as to amplify and to
sustain the skills of the members.
Onset 5pm, the members took
note of Mr. Hansen Yong on the
history and origins of Rock n
Roll, a little bit of Jazz and a
whole lot of listening to music.
Explaining this, Mr. Hanson took
us on a journey back in time on
progression of jazz music while
playing a sample of each era.
Afterward, a session with our
very own composer Azmeer
taught us about the general
terms used today in the music
business itself. From the names of
the people who are in the
business industry to the
differences between a hit and a
popular song, much a better way
to learn than to hear it first-
handed from an established
composer.
Music technology session was
probably the focal point for the
whole camp as we were
transferred into the realm of
fantasy as the magical
composition entitled “War of
Gods” that was played from a
single synthesizer and got
everyone flabbergasted; as if the
sun was setting over the water
and full harvest moon was rising
in its place that sets the motion of
a forthcoming war had
transported us into Lord of The
Rings Trilogy. What an in-depth
session about the technologies of
today’s music-making!
Later on, a presentation with our
very own Assoc. Prof. Razif took
place. The room roared with
laughter as we concentrated to
learn Curwen Solfege hand signs
and we sang ‘Lenggang
Kangkong’ in canon, which
created gesticulation texture that
thrust straight into our spinal
cord, a brilliant way to end the
camp on a warm and serene
perfect evening.
Deidre Justin Galasius, a Year 2
student of Communication,
plays the violin and percussion.
A NEW BEGINNING
by Bee Jik Jane
Sept. 3 – USM Jazz Band
marks a new beginning of fiscal
ye a r 2 0 0 9 / 1 0 u n d e r t h e
leadership of it’s new elected
president, Gan Lih Ying and
her board of committees.
The annual general meeting
was held in 1.1 room, Dewan
Budaya with the presence of
the advisor Assoc. Prof. Razif
Mohd and tutor Miss Alice
Teh. The previous president,
Christina Wang Siew Yik
started off by giving a short
speech followed by a report on
USM Jazz band activities for
fiscal year 2008/09 by its
s e c r e t a r y. A l i c e T e h ,
representing the treasurer who
was unable to attend on time
for the meeting, presented a
report on the band’s income
and expenditure throughout
the year. Enquiries were made
by few of senior members
about the expenses which was
later made clear by Alice.
Assoc. Prof. Razif, however
made comments on the way
money were spend. He
comments on the delay of
payments for the speakers who
were invited during the music
camp. Assoc. Prof. Razif said
this matter should be taken
seriously as it could tarnish the
band’s image and urge to the
committees to be more cautious
when it comes to monetary
management. He enquired
about the band’s expenditure as
it was very high compared to
t h e p r e v i o u s ye a r. A l i c e
explained that most of the
expenses were on the allowance
for the members. Assoc. Prof.
Razif later reminded the
members to manage the fund
carefully and thriftfully in order
to keep the organization going.
The agenda than proceed to
the election of new
committees. Gan Lih Ying was
elected with majority vote from
the members as the new
president with Carmen Ng
Mae Yi and Andrew as vice
presidents. Unlike the previous
year, more changes were
introduced to the band. The
post of an auditor was
introduced in the bands effort
to keep track on finance and
was held by the previous
trea s ure r, L i m Pe i M in .
Furthermore, a new committee
will be set up for every
occasion to ensure everyone
has a chance to play their role
and to promote teamwork
among members.
Assoc. Prof. Razif touched on
the matter of how to increase
j a z z b a n d ’ s p u b l i c i t y.
According to him, the band
should stay visible to public
and public should be well-
informed about the activities
carried out by the band. He
suggested that the band should
have a newsletter or a bulletin
and this suggestion was well
accepted by the members. A
new committee was set up to
run this bulletin under the
supervision of Alice and Fatin
Osman. Suggestions were
made on the time interval for
each bulletin and everyone
came out with an agreement
on one bulletin per semester as
the starter.
The meeting ended with ex-
president Christina Wang,
representing the whole band,
expressed the feelings of
gratitude to Assoc. Prof. Razif,
Miss Alice and for 2 USM Jazz
Band seniors, Siva and Azreen
for their help and guidance.
Members then sat for a theory
test (see photo) which was part
of jazz band requirement
before we called it a day.
Bee Jik Jane, 20, plays the violin
and percussion. She is a first year
student of Communication.
 4oth Convocation Ceremonies
by Cheow Pea Pea and Ng Siew Kee

Universiti Sains Malaysia held their 40th Convocation

Ceremony from 12th to 16th of August 2009. Jazz Band had the
privilege to be invited to perform in their prestigious ceremonies
for five consecutive days. The members had gone through various
practice sessions and two Music Camps in order to prepare for the
performance during Convocation.
It was our first performance since joining Jazz Band as first year
members. Majority of us whom are beginners in music joined the
rhythm section as percussionists. Needless to say, anxiety was what
we felt on the first day. Though mistakes were made every now and
then, the seniors had been very helpful in guiding us the right way
to play. We had learnt a lot in playing the seemingly easy
instruments such as clave, triangle and maracas. Keeping track of
the right tempo became our prime concern throughout every Razif conducted “Disco Medley” on the last day of the
session. convocation. Our spirits remained high until the last session
Our anxiety gradually faded and replaced with high spirit to make without any feelings of tiredness and exhaustion. We managed to
music as we performed through each session together. Each day make “Mission Impossible” possible and it was dedicated to the
we played better than the day before. The saying, “practice makes Vice Chancellor of USM.
perfect” definitely described our improvement in making music In conclusion, the performance during convocation was a
during the convocation week. wonderful and fun learning experience. Especially for the first
Towards the end of the ninth sessions, we became more musical year members, we felt really proud to be able to attend
as quoted by Assoc. Prof. Razif. However, we certainly couldn’t convocation in advance. Nevertheless, a strong bond between
be as musical as Assoc. Prof. Razif as he played “Winter Sonata” each member was built as well as teamwork since we had been
solo in one of the session, leaving us in awe. performing together everyday for the convocation. No doubt that
it is the most important element when we are playing in a band.
The most essential part of all was that each and every members of After all, we are ‘One Band, One Sound’.
Jazz Band had fun despite the long hours of performing. We
swayed along with all the music that we played. We sang to some Cheow Pea Pea and Ng Siew Kee, both 20, first year students of
of the music such as “Antara Anyir dan Jakarta” and “Careless Mathematical Sciences, and Management respectively. They play the flute,
Whisper”. Percussionists even became dancers as Assoc. Prof. violin as well as percussion.

SHORT COURSES MARKETPLACE

UPCOMING EVENTS
DEC 28, 2009
Concert Promo Ensemble:
Opposite Dewan Budaya
DEC 30, 2009
USM Jazzband Annual Concert:
Dewan Budaya, USM.
JAN 20, 2010
USM Jazzband
Small Ensemble Recital:
Katasila, School of Arts, USM.
FEB/MAR 2010
USM Jazz Band Annual Dinner.
FEB 17, 2010
Jazz Trio Recital II
Balai Pesiban,
School of Arts, USM.
MAR 17, 2010
Ragtime Piano
Balai Pesiban, School of Arts,
USM.
1. Jazz Arrangement &
Orchestration FOR SALE
Clavinova CVP 86
February & March 2010
(Date: Will be informed) Price: RM 1,800
4 Sessions (8pm - 11pm) Good condition
Fee: RM 300
Ideal for beginners
YZ
Tel: 012-407 3540
2. Jazz Piano School of Arts
April & May 2010
YZ
(Date: Will be informed)
4 Sessions (8pm - 11pm)
FOR SALE
Fee: RM 300
Used books
Inquiries and Registration:
Assoc. Prof. Razif Mohd Violin Studies
Violin Sonatina (Dvorák)
Tel: 019-666 8494
YZ
TO BUY
D String
(Classical Guitar)
Tel: 012-407 3540 Tel: 017-4236458
School of Arts v.piruznia@yahoo.com
For more information or feedback on USM Jazz Times, please log in to Facebook (USM Jazz Band) and
leave your message. This newsletter is made on a .