Jazz Track

Track Description
The Jazz Program at the Young Musicians’ Camp is open to middle school and high school students. Middle school or high school students at the Intermediate level do not need jazz experience to participate. The Pre-College/Honors Jazz Program is open to high school level instrumentalists and vocalists with jazz experience.

All students study Improvisation, an important component of jazz. Horn players are placed in an improv class based on their level of experience (level 1 is little or no improvising experience to level 3 – advanced improvisers). Pianists, bassists, guitarists, and drummers participate in our unique Rhythm Section Workshop Ensemble. In these classes, students also learn how to prepare for an audition.

Jazz Program participants play in a Small Group. Placement in the Small Group is determined by an audition held prior to the class. Intermediate jazz students also perform in the Jazz Band. In the Pre-College/Honors Program, students receive intensive coaching in the various jazz styles – BeBop, Swing, Latin, and Funk. Guitarists and pianists perform in their own ensembles.

Music Theory
Music Theory is part of the curriculum for all levels and a pre-test is given at the beginning of camp for placement purposes. Not a lecture class with worksheets, the Young Musicians’ Camp theory classes incorporate playing experiences for a hands on music theory class. Older students who are inexperienced music readers will be enrolled in our Boot Camp Music Theory ( THIS is the summer to learn how to read!!!) and advanced students will be placed in advanced Jazz Theory.

All Jazz Program students participate in our jazz jam sessions. Pre-College students stay for an extended day and may choose to study jazz composition or jazz history. Intermediate students may opt to play in an additional jazz combo or study composition. Honors Program students specialize in Classic Jazz or Latin Jazz and participate in an extended and intensive jazz curriculum with our honors jazz faculty and guest artists.

Faculty
(Partial list): Jackson Bunn(piano), Felix Gomez(piano), David Feinman (guitar/guest artist), Antoine Khouri (double bass), Aaron Lebos (guitar), Lisanne Lyons (voice), Ed Maina (woodwinds), Brian Murphy (piano), Nicky Orta (bass), Sandy Polterack (guitar), Ira Sullivan (guest artist, woodwinds,brass)

For a complete listing of the classes, please go to the program at your level: Elementary, Intermediate, Pre-College, Honors.