Ensemble Requirements

All large ensembles, regardless of the actual number of weekly hours of attendance required, have an assigned unit value of one credit.

A semester profile requiring two credit hours of ensemble is met by enrolment in two separate ensembles.

Students terminating in the two-year diploma program may meet their ensemble requirements through the completion of any four ensemble courses.

Students enrolled in the four year Jazz Studies degree program are required to complete a combination of traditional and jazz ensembles to complete their requirements. The required combinations are as follows:

Instrumental Performance Ensemble Requirements

For all majors other than percussion, twelve large ensemble credits, including: Two terms of traditional ensembles. These can be met by enrolment in the Capilano University Festival Chorus or Capilano Singers, or by participation in another approved community ensemble.

Eight terms of jazz ensemble including Jazz Ensemble I (ENSJ 135), Jazz Choir (ENSJ 105), Instrumental Ensemble (ENSJ 136) and Guitar/Bass Ensemble (ENSJ 220) at the 200 level and above. (Note the Guitar/Bass Ensemble I/II, while providing diploma students with two large ensemble credits, is not acceptable for large ensemble credit in the degree program.) Two additional terms of either jazz or traditional ensembles.

Piano, guitar and bass performance majors can sometimes substitute other courses to complete their ensemble requirements. This is done through special arrangement with the coordinator of the program. Percussion students are expected to complete two terms of traditional ensemble, four terms of jazz ensemble, and eight terms of percussion ensemble, for a total of fourteen ensemble credits. Three of these percussion ensembles can replace the normal improvisation requirement (JAZZ 282/283).

Percussion students wishing to take JAZZ 282/283 must gain permission of both their percussion instructor and the improvisation instructor to audition.

PPMI Percussionists will need to complete an additional 3.0 credits in lieu of JAZZ 382 and 383 (Improvisation III and IV). These need not be ensembles.

Arranging/Composition Ensemble Requirements

Eight large ensemble credits, including:

Two semesters of traditional ensembles, four semesters of jazz ensembles, and two additional semesters of either jazz or traditional ensembles. (See Major in General Studies for lists of appropriate traditional and jazz ensembles.)

Vocal Performance Ensemble Requirements

Twelve large ensemble credits, including:

• Two semesters of concert choir: Capilano University Festival Chorus or the Capilano Singers (ENSM 100/150)
• Four semesters of jazz choir: Nite Cap or Capital Jazz (ENSJ 105)
• Four semesters of Jazz Vocal Ensemble: (vocal improv etc.)
• Two additional semesters of either Jazz or Traditional ensembles.

Major in General Studies Ensemble Requirements

Eight large ensemble credits, including:

• Two semesters of traditional ensembles. These can be met by enrolment in the Capilano University Community Choir or Capilano Singers, or by participation in another approved ensemble.
• Four semesters of jazz ensemble, including Jazz Ensemble I (ENSJ 135), Jazz Choir (ENSJ 105), Guitar/Bass Ensemble (ENSJ 220) at the 200 level or above and Percussion Ensemble (ENSJ 140).
• Two additional semesters of ensembles: for instrumentalists these may be Jazz or Traditional ensembles, for vocalists these will be ENSJ 305 and 306.
• In addition to the above, percussionists must participate in at least four semesters of percussion ensemble, three of which usually replace JAZZ 282, 283, Improvisation.

Major in General Studies (Education) Ensemble Requirements

Instrumentalists: Four semesters each of traditional and jazz ensembles.

Vocalists: Two semesters of traditional ensembles, two semesters of ENSJ 306/356, four semesters of jazz ensembles.

(See Major in General Studies for lists of appropriate traditional and jazz ensembles.)