Consider jazzing up kids' summer camp experience
BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:36 AM EDT
| |
| Solveig Olsen rehearses with the Foxboro High School Jazz Band last spring. The school is hosting a jazz camp this summer. |
When it comes to summer camp, standard equipment most often includes a sleeping bag, sneakers and a bathing suit. But at jazz camps around the country this year, youngsters will be bringing along their guitars, trumpets and saxophones.
And at several locations, adults will also be able to get into the act and learn improvisation techniques from top-level jazz performers. A few even offer participation in a festival where students get to play for live audiences juxtaposed with accomplished professional players and bands.
The Litchfield Jazz Camp in Litchfield, Conn., caters to both teenagers and adults, with students grouped by age and ability. of course. The camp, headed by saxophonist, composer and educator Don Braden, offers four one-week sessions from July 6-Aug. 1 and supplements its faculty with residencies by famous recording artists, which have in the past included Diana Krall, Sonny Rollins and Ray Charles. Jazz vocalist Karrin Alyson will be among those in residence at this year's camp.
Jazz Vermont offers an adult jazz camp for players of a wide range of abilities July 13-18 at the Killington Grand Hotel. Special guest artists will include Jerry Bergonzi and Mark Van Cleave. Just outside Washington, D.C., Maryland Summer Jazz offers a similar program in Rockville, Md.
Of course, aspiring Amanda Carrs and Chris Bottis need not necessarily travel far from home to build their jazz chops this summer.
A number of high school music programs offer their own camps, specifically aimed at players and vocalists of middle- and high school-age.
Foxboro High School's outstanding music program is holding its 29th annual Jazz Improv Workshop July 23-27, taught by a cadre of 17 teachers including both educators and working jazz musicians. Students are divided into three levels by age and experience. Instruction includes all instruments as well as vocals.
Tips:
Both students and adults thrill to be in the company of professionals like Bergonzi. But don't discount camps that are primarily academic in nature, with less emphasis on star power. By and large, jazz camps are serious about delivering on classroom and practice-room instruction regardless of big names.
Adults, even those whose jazz improvisation skills are basic, needn't feel bashful about jazz camp. Most camps catering to adults have room for both serious amateurs and learners, and both will progress at their own paces.
Fees vary, especially among the residential camps. But for youngsters, close-to-home, school-based camps offer a great value and frequently cost less than $500 for a one-week session. Depending on the program, expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $1,600 for a week's instruction.
For more information:
Foxboro High School jazz camp. Contact Julia Haney, 508-543-4363 or email haneyj@foxborough.k12.ma.us.
Maryland Summer Jazz - www.marylandsummerjazz.com.
Jazz Vermont - www.jazzcamp.com.
Litchfield Jazz Camp - www.litchfieldjazzfest.com.
RICK FOSTER blogs on jazz in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Go to thesunchronicle.com and click on blogs.
