This course offers an introduction to the world of American musical theatre. It includes the study of musicals such as Show Boat, Porgy and Bess , and West Side Story , while tracing the rise of this popular form of entertainment to its eventual decline. Other forms of musical theatre, such as British Music Hall and Opera, are also in the curriculum. Jazz and its development are studied. The working definition for jazz is broad, including American-originated ragtime, blues, ballads, work songs, church music, and popular song, as well as such developments as swing, Dixieland, and bebop.
Attention is given to recent research in the activities of jazz women.
Offered in alternate years. The development of jazz from the period of bebop us studied. Trends include hard bop, free jazz and fusion, as well as traditional blues and spiritual idioms that continue to modernize. Attention is given to recent research in the activities of jazz women. Offered in alternate years.