What performance practice should be followed for a jazz fusion piece directed by a high school vocal jazz director?

The correct approach for a jazz fusion piece directed by a high school vocal jazz director is for the drummer to play in a rock style while the keyboard, horns, and voices perform in a swing style. This technique effectively merges elements of both jazz and rock, capturing the essence of jazz fusion, which is characterized by its blending of different musical genres.

In this context, the drummer's rock style provides a solid rhythmic foundation that can energize the performance, while the swing style exhibited by the other instruments allows for the characteristic jazz phrasing and improvisation. The combination of these styles not only emphasizes the hybrid nature of jazz fusion but also caters to the strengths of high school vocal jazz ensembles. This striking blend often resonates well in performance, creating a dynamic and engaging sound.

The other strategies would not provide the same effective combination sought in jazz fusion. For instance, having all instruments play in swing style might not incorporate the rock vitality that enhances the fusion aspect. Similarly, using a purely syncopated style across all instruments may overlook the foundational rhythmic pulse needed from the drummer to seamlessly unite the different musical influences. Additionally, limiting the jazz styling to only the voices would neglect the contribution of the instrumentalists, which is vital in a fusion context. Hence, the