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Compositional Elements in the Music of Ken Schaphorst: A Detailed Analysis of Four Works for Jazz Ensemble
by Robert Sears

This dissertation highlights the compositional elements found in four original compositions by Ken Schaphorst: Jobim, Uprising, Mbira 2, and How to Say Goodbye. Detailed analysis sheds light on extensive motivic and thematic development, the interpretation of sonata form in big band jazz composition, the mechanics of creating extended solo features, effective groove changes that aid development, unique voicings and instrument pairing choices, and other innovative musical devices. This research aims to prove informative and useful for both the aspiring and seasoned composer and arranger and is accessible on both IDEALS and ProQuest.

Audio excerpts are divided by chapters in the following links below. 
 
Chapter 2 Audio Excerpts - The Art of  Development and the Power of Simplicity

Chapter 3 Audio Excerpts - Timing is Everything: Sonata Form and Effective Groove Changes 

Chapter 4 Audio Excerpts - How to Co-exist: An Extended Solo Feature and Ensemble Partnership

Chapter 5 Audio Excerpts - The Schaphorst Sound: Voicings and Other Musical Devices

Please let me know if you have any difficulty accessing them. 
Be In The Know: Classical vs. Jazz Style and Articulation
by Robert Sears

This presentation was given at the 2021 virtual International Trumpet Guild conference for the Non-Pro Player Committee. While this presentation does not take the place of extensive deep listening, it is designed to cover big picture principles that will help musicians understand the differences between classical and jazz articulation and style. Have fun!
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