Reflection: Week 8: 5 – 9 March 2012

Topic (Theory Class): 12 bar Blues Performance

Reflection Question: How the roles of blues in development of early jazz?

The term “the blues” actually refers to the “blue devils”, which means melancholy and sadness. Lyrics in blues often used to describe depressed mood. A transplanted New Orleans pioneer, Clarence Williams, was in charge in many jazz and blues recording in New York. It made the jazz center in the United States moved from Chicago to New York City in the late twenties. Along with the ragtime, blues popularized what was call syncopation. Syncopation refers to the placement of rhythmic stresses or accent where they wouldn’t normally occur. Syncopated notes and rhythms became so popular that even sheet music publishers included the word “syncopated” in advertising.

Instrument Class

My performance during rehearsal on theory class was very disappointing. The sound from the flute didn’t constantly come out and I was nervous when playing the notes so I messed it up. Thus, I started practice from the major scales and then 7^th chords. I also practiced playing blues scales. After that I practiced my 12 bar blues composition and showed it to my instrument teacher as well. He told me that I actually would be able to rehearse well during the theory class if I wasn’t panic and stayed calm. I should assure myself to always be calm during performing so I will achieve a good mark especially for the assessment.

Practice Videos
1. D blues scale

I tried to play the other blues scale, which is D blues scale. On this practice I didn't make any mistakes. I also followed the same tempo. It was quite an improvement since actually on this practice I was quite sleepy because it was late night. Since I did it well on playing D blues scale, I would like to try to improvise using D blues scale. It would be an exciting challenge.

2. Improvisation in Blues

Before I tried to apply improvisation, I played the C blues scale first. I did well in playing C blues scale. I was able to play it on the constant tempo and without any mistakes. However, I think that my improvisation on the practice is not that good to hear. I even think that the improvisation I did on the previous practice is way better. I think it was because on this practice I didn't really concentrate well since it was late night already.