SMK ____________________________

ENGLISH LANGUAGE CARNIVAL

NAME OF ACTIVITY : JAZZ CHANTING COMPETITION

TEACHER –IN-CHARGE :

What is a Jazz Chant

Jazz chants are poems with repeating beating. The beat may vary
depending on the idea of the recite.

Concept

“Jazz Chant is a rhythmic expression of natural language which links

the rhythms of spoken American English to the rhythms of
traditional American jazz. Jazz Chants are defined poems with
repeated beats. The beat may vary depending on the idea of the
reader. A jazz chant is a fragment of authentic language presented
with special attention to its natural rhythm. It is important to
remember that jazz chanting is not like rapping, nursery rhymes, or
Brief description
songs, which distort the spoken language for poetic effect. The
rhythms, stress and intonation pattern of the chant should be an
exact replica of what the student would hear from an educated native
speaker in natural conversation. Echols (1996:327) states that chant
means simple and short songs. So Jazz Chants technique is the
technique to practice the English utterances in short jazz beats that is
easy to be followed by the pupils. As we know that the teaching and
learning process is a complex phenomenon that involves many
components and competencies, including words, mind, and our
action. Through attractive learning, learning process can be effective.
The jazz chants model is a way to build an effective learning. The
implementation of jazz chants is suitable with the principle of
quantum teaching in classrooms that drives pupils in a happy
atmosphere while learning.”

This activity aims to encourage pupils to present texts or stanza in

certain rhythm. The text is to be presented in groups. The text
Aim should be presented in different tone, rhythm and style that are
appropriate to the choice of text.

1. To encourage pupils to speak by stressing on correct tone,

expression, rhythm, and pronunciation
Objectives 2. To help build pupils’ confidence in speaking English
3. To enhance pupils’ pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, fluency
and comprehension in English language
 1. Each competing team should consist of a minimum of 12 members
to a maximum of 20 members.

2. Each competing team is free to choose a piece of jazz chant of their

choice. It can be an adopted or adapted piece or even originally
composed.

3. Each team is given a maximum of 5 minutes to present. For every

increment of one minute overtime, 1 point will be deducted from the
group overall score.
Mechanics/
Guidelines 4. Costumes and props are encouraged.

5. Contestants may bring and use their own material (non-

electrical/non-electronic only) for sound effects purposes.

6. All entry forms must reach the organizing committee on or before

the due date.

7. The jazz chant presented must not touch on sensitive issues on

race, religions, ideologies or person.

A. Delivery (Mastery of the piece, pronunciation, intonation,

expression and interpretation) (40%)

B. Stress and rhythm (voice projection, volume) and emotional

connection (facial expression and facial projection) ( 30%)

Judging Criteria C. Choreography (10%)

D. Costume, Props and sound effects (if any) (10%)

E. Overall performance and Impact/audience response (10%)

The decision of judges is final.

Trophy and Food Hampers for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for both
categories (primary & secondary schools).
Prizes
Consolation prizes and certificates for all participating teams.
JUDGING FORM

HIP ACTIVITY : JAZZ CHANTING COMPETITION

CATEGORIES : PRIMARY SCHOOL / SECONDARY SCHOOL

DATE : ______________________ JUDGE’S NAME : _______________________

JUDGING CRITERIA
DELIVERY Stress & Choreography Costume, Overall TOTAL
(mastery of the Rhythm Props and performance SCORE
piece, sound & impact
GROUP/ pronunciation, effects (if
TEAM intonation, any)
expression &
interpretation)
(40%) (30%) (10%) (10%) (10%) (100%)

JUDGING FORM FOR THE CHIEF JUDGE

CATEGORIES : PRIMARY SCHOOL / SECONDARY SCHOOL

OVERALL MARKS AND WINNERS

DURATION OF
AVERAGE GRAND SCORE POSITIONS
TEAM/GROUP PERFORMANCE
(J1 +J2+J3 = /3 = ____%)
(Maximum – 5 min.)
CHIEF JUDGE’S NAME : ________________________

SIGNATURE : ________________________

SCHOOL’S NAME : __________________________ TOTAL SCORE : __________ %

GUIDELINES FOR JUDGES (JUDGING BAND AND CRITERIA)

1. Delivery (40%)

Excellent 40-31 Good 30-21 Moderate 20-11 Weak 10-0

 Mastery of the piece, pronunciation, intonation, expression and interpretation

 Certainty and sureness in delivery is observed
 Words are pronounced clearly and correctly
 Good diction and intonation are observed

2. Stress and rhythm (voice projection, volume)and emotional connection

(facial expression and facial projection) (30%)
Excellent 30-23 Good 22-13 Moderate 14-8 Weak 7-0

 Voice is modulated and loud enough to be heard by the audience

 Voice projects confidence
 There is excellent blending of voices
 Facial connections are proper and emphatic
 Facial projection complement the “piece”

3. Choreography (10%)

Excellent 10-9 Good 8-6 Moderate 5-3 Weak 2-0

 Smooth transition in movement and steps is observed

 Formation and routine are synchronized and well organized.
4. Costume, Props and sound effects (if any) (10%)

Excellent 10-9 Good 8-6 Moderate 5-3 Weak 2-0

 Costume, props and sound effects complement the “piece” chanted

 Creativity in the sound effects, costume and props is noted

5. Overall performance and Impact/audience response (10%)

Excellent 10-9 Good 8-6 Moderate 5-3 Weak 2-0

 Points are made in a very creative and effective way and held the
audience’s attention throughout
 A strong impact to the audience is observed

JUDGE’S NAME : _________________________________________