JOEL W. SPENCER
Music
Educator
Professional
Musician
Curriculum Vitae 2006
JOEL W.
SPENCER
Music
Educator
Professional
Musician
Curriculum
Vitae 2006
Table of
Contents
1-2………….Education,
Professional Teaching
3……………Areas of
Instruction
4-5…………. Curriculum Development
6-15………... Related Teaching Activities
16-17……….Teaching
Highlights
18-20………. Club Performances
21-29………. Performance Highlights
30-33………. Recordings
34………….. Television Appearances
35………….. Studio Recording, Honors and Awards
36………….. Interviews, Lifetime Organizations,
Endorsements
JOEL W. SPENCER
847-251-4021 (Home) 847-682-3404 (Cell) |
60 Arts Circle Drive j-spencer4@northwestern.edu |
Education
Graduate Studies
in Music
1977-1978
Bachelor of Science in
Music Education
1977
Instrument Drum Set and
Percussion
Professional
Teaching
2001-present
Northwestern University,
Rank: Artistic
Coordinator and Lecturer, Jazz Studies Program
Director, Jazz Ensemble I
Coordinator and Director, Jazz Combo Program
Lecturer, Graduate Jazz Pedagogy Degree
Program
Lecturer, Jazz History
Instructor, Studio Jazz Percussion
1999-present
National High School Music Institute- Summer
Session
Northwestern
University,
Rank: Coordinator,
Jazz Studies Program
Jazz Ensemble Director and Coach
Studio Percussion
Clinician
Northwestern
University Summer Master’s Program
Director, Jazz Ensemble I
-2-
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING (continued)
1986-present
Rank:
Lecturer
Percussion Studio/Drum Set Studies
Small Jazz Ensemble Conductor
Jazz History Lecturer
Clinician
Jazz Studies Program
Professor Robert Lark, Director
1978-1980
Rank: Lecturer
Percussion Ensemble Director
Studio Percussion and Drum Set
Jazz Ensemble, Assistant Conductor
Lecturer of Music Literature 101
Clinician
General Music Program
Professor Gerald Lewis, Director
1977-1978
Rank: Graduate
Teaching Assistant
Jazz Ensemble Director
Clinician
Jazz Band Department
Professor John Garvey, Director
1973-1981
Ensemble Coach, Jazz Camp
Clinician
Professor John Garvey, Director
-3-
Areas
of Instruction
Administrative
Artistic Coordinator, Jazz Studies Program
Coordinator, Jazz
Combo Program
Jazz
Ensembles- Conducting/Coaching
Combo
Large
Ensemble
Classroom
Jazz
History
Undergraduate
and Graduate Studies in Jazz Pedagogy
Undergraduate and Graduate Studies
in Music Education
Professional Music Business
Studio
Instruction
Drum
Set Studies
Contemporary Snare Drum Studies
Clinician
Combo
Jazz Ensemble
Drum Set
Curriculum
Development
I have created two jazz history courses that I currently instruct
at Northwestern University
The Great
Jazz Drummers
This course discusses the
evolution of the Jazz Drummer in relation to the development of Jazz in the
20th century. Students are required to identify and describe the playing styles
of fifteen innovative and influential jazz drummers in the history of the
music. The main objective of the course requires students to elaborate on the
development of Jazz as an art form in regard to the ever-changing social
climate of the 20th century.
The History of Big Band Jazz
This course traces the evolution
of Big Band Jazz in the 20th century in relation to compositional style and
development. The main objective of the course requires students to discuss and
elaborate on the evolution of Big Band Jazz and it’s
relationship to the war years and the phenomenon of “swing” as a popular music.
The course features ten innovative Big Bands that historically represent each
era of Jazz
Course Design
Each course is augmented with a
course "guide book" that I have created. Chronologically, each
guidebook consists of a brief biography, interviews, articles and required
listening of each artist that is featured throughout the course.
In the classroom, the progress of
each lecture is coordinated with historical video footage and selected
listening examples. Outside the classroom, over two hundred listening examples
can be accessed on-line which can be found on the “NU Blackboard Site”. Each
course has been assigned a web page on the site where assignments, course
directives and all listening examples are easily accessible. Students have
found the Blackboard Site to be an invaluable source for learning.
-5-
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT (continued)
The Jazz Combo Program and Ensemble Coaching
Rehearsals focus on experiencing
and learning Standard and Jazz Repertoire. Students are highly encouraged to
compose original material to add to the repertoire as well. The individuals in
each group are coached to develop the qualities of creativity and individuality as a jazz improviser along with the
additional goal of creating a musically cohesive ensemble. The next step
involves programming a repertoire for performance coupled with the study and
development of professional performance skills.
Performance and recording
activities are the central focus for inspiring motivation and overall
development throughout each school year. These activities not only provide
invaluable experience and growth for each musician but also serve to develop
musical and social communication between the school of music, the greater
student body and the surrounding communities.
Studio
Percussion/Drum Set Instruction
Studies in Drum Set encourage
technical mastery of Jazz, Latin, Fusion and additional popular styles. The
course of study requires that each student demonstrate coordination and
improvisation that exemplify each style.
Although not required, each
student is encouraged to become an active member of a performance ensemble
(Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, etc.). Further technical and creative development takes
place when private instruction is paired with an active rehearsal and
performance schedule.
Graduate
Seminar in Jazz Pedagogy
The ongoing process of development
as a conductor and instructor is dependent upon the active experience of
directing and coaching ensembles. As part of my instruction in Jazz Pedagogy
Seminar, each student is assigned to coach Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble while
being filmed. Upon completion, video footage of each conductor is
constructively reviewed and discussed. This experience not only encompasses the
study of rehearsal and conducting techniques, but also addresses the art of
communication skills between instructor and student.
Additional methods of instruction
include the study and discussion of:
-Program Curriculum Development
-Program Budget
-Performance Techniques
-Documentation (recording)
-6-
Related Teaching Activities
Joel Spencer- coordinator, clinician, performer,
conductor, lecturer
5/24/05-5/26/05- Studiomedia Recording,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Recording Session
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
5/15/05-
The International Custom and Vintage Drum Show
Clinician-
sponsored by Premier Drums
3/22/05- Northwestern University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
Jazz Ensemble
Clinician
2/21/05- Chicago Mart Plaza Holiday Inn
Action for Children Incorporated
Guest Lecturer
2/18/05-2/19/05- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest with Guest Artist Chip McNeill, saxophonist
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
2/14/05-2/16/05-
Michael Kocour Jazz Faculty Recital
Guest Clinician
and Performer
2/7/05- Prairie State College,
The Prairie State College Jazz Festival
Guest Clinician
and Performer
11/15/04- Northwestern University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
11/8/04- Northwestern University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
5/22/04- Northwestern University, Pick-Staiger
Hall,
Northwestern University Jazz Festival
Guest Faculty
Conductor
Northwestern University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Conductor
-7-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
5/17/04- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
5/15/04-
The International Custom and Vintage Drum Show
Clinician-
sponsored by Premier Drums
5/10/04- Northwestern University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo Program
4/19/04-
Guest Clinician
and Performer
Mark Bettcher, Director
4/15/04- Northwestern University, Pick-Staiger
Hall,
Jazz Invitational
Guest Faculty
Performer
Northwestern University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Conductor
2/5/04- Prairie State College,
The Prairie State College Jazz Festival
Guest Clinician
and Performer
12/11/03- Northwestern
University, Kellogg
BP International Corporate Meeting
Guest Lecturer and Performer
British
Petroleum Oil Company
11/25/03- Lake
The
Guest Clinician and Performer
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Daniel Farris, Guest
Conductor
11/23/03- Pete
Miller’s Steak House,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
-8-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
11/22/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Night II
Northwestern University Jazz
Ensemble
Guest Performer
Professor
Don Owens, Director
11/17/03- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/24/03- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
10/18/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Night I
Guest Conductor
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
10/13/03-
DePaul Day of Music
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Robert Lark, Coordinator
10/5/03-
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Joan Hickey, piano
Professor Chip McNeill, Director
10/2/03-
Jazz Studies Department Clinic
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Chip McNeill, Director
10/2/03-
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Chip McNeill, tenor and soprano saxophones
-9-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
9/22/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Michael Kocour, piano
7/19/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
National High School Music
Institute
Guest Performer
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
7/1/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
National High School Music
Institute
Faculty Musicale
Guest Performer
Professor
Michael Kocour, piano
6/1/03- Pete Miller’s
Steak House,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
5/31/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Northwestern University Jazz
Festival
Guest Performer
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
5/21/03-
DePaul Jazz Combo Concert
Guest Conductor and Performer
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
4/25/03- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Invitational
Guest Performer
Northwestern
University Jazz Ensemble
Professor Don Owens, Director
4/10/03-
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Robert Lark, trumpet
-10-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES
(continued)
3/9/03-
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Eric Hollenbeck, Director
3/4/03-
DePaul Jazz Combo Concert
Guest Conductor and Performer
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
3/2/03- Pete Miller’s
Steak House,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
3/2/03- Chicago
Recording Company,
DePaul Jazz Combo Recording
Sessions
Guest Conductor and Performer
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
2/24/03- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
2/17/03- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
2/17/03- Northwestern University, Regenstein
Hall, Evanston, IL
NU Percussion DM Auditions
Adjudicator
Percussion
Program
Professor Michael Burritt, Coordinator
1/23/03-
University of Illinois Jazz
Studies Department
Guest Clinician
Professor
Chip McNeill, Director
1/23/03-
Faculty Recital
Guest Performer
Professor
Chip McNeill, tenor and soprano saxophones
-11-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
11/26/02-
Tone Zone Recording,
Graduate Audition CD
Guest Performer
Jeffrey
Gutierrez, tenor saxophone
11/25/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/24/02- Studiomedia Recording,
Graduate Audition CD
Guest Performer
Aaron Kotler, piano
11/18/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/17/02- Pete
Miller’s Steak House,
Northwestern University Jazz Night
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
11/10/02- Chicago
Recording Company,
DePaul Jazz Combo Recording
Sessions
Guest Conductor and Performer
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
11/7/02-
DePaul Jazz Combo Concert
Coordinator
DePaul
Jazz Combo Program
Professor Peter Ballin, Coordinator
10/5/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Faculty Jazz Recital
Guest Performer
Michael
Kocour, piano
6/4/02-6/6/02- Studiomedia Recording,
Northwestern University Jazz Combo
Program Recording Sessions
Coordinator
-12-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
6/3/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
5/28/02- Northwestern
University, Regenstein Recital Hall,
ComboFest
Coordinator
Northwestern
University Jazz Combo Program
5/19/02- Cultural
Center,
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Robert Lark, Director
5/27/03- Studiomedia Recording,
Northwestern University Jazz
Quintet Recording Session
Coordinator
4/22/02-
Guest Clinician and Performer
Mark Bettcher,
Coordinator
4/11/02-
Jazz History Lecture Class
Guest Lecturer
Professor
Robert Lark, Instructor
4/25/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Northwestern University Jazz Band
Guest Conductor
Professor
Daniel Farris, Director
4/25/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Invitational
Northwestern University Jazz
Quartet
Coordinator
4/22/02-
Guest Clinician and Performer
Mark Bettcher, Coordinator
-13-
RELATED TEACHING ACTIVITIES (continued)
4/18/02- Northwestern
University, Pick-Staiger Hall,
Jazz Invitational
Guest Clinician and Performer
Professor
Don Owens, Coordinator