Calling All Instrumentalists!
This exciting camp is for enthusiastic jazz musicians of all skills levels, who want to focus on a creative approach to improvisation and ensemble playing. Campers attend classes, rehearsals, seminars, master classes, and optional private lessons with renowned NIU jazz faculty, students, and alumni. Jam sessions, concerts, and recreational activities fill the evening hours.
Campers participate in classes on jazz improvisation and jazz theory and attend instrument master classes that focus on how to play in jazz settings and styles. All-camp seminars include discussions on jazz styles and the business of music. Daily jam sessions begin at 3:15. Music for jam sessions is now available.
Campers audition on Sunday and are assigned to a big band, a combo, or the percussion ensemble. These groups rehearse twice a day and perform at the final concert on the last day of camp.
Jazz Bands: Interpret, stylize, and perform big band music from the 1930's to the present, playing the music of Basie, Ellington, Woody Herman, and others.
Jazz Combos: Play in the small group chamber setting for jazz. Get a feel for different approaches to improvisation and arranging techniques by playing the jazz standards of many different artists.
Percussion Ensemble: Play in a large jazz chamber group using the jazz rhythm section and the entire percussion family to perform jazz, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and various fusion styles.
Space is limited for certain instruments. We recommend early registration for this camp.
For more information about fees, need scholarships, discounts, housing, meals, refunds, etc, see the general information section. Click here for a registration form to print, complete, and mail or fax.
Jazz campers get together with campers from the visual art and theatre camps for a memorable evening of exploring and experiencing other arts.
Learn more about camp director Ron Carter and his staff.
Check-in is on Sunday at the residence hall between 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. After check-in, campers and parents drive with the campers' instrument to the Music Building for a short orientation meeting with camp staff at 2:00 p.m. The final concert is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday in the Music Building. Campers and parents will pick up campers' belongings at the residence hall immediately after the concert at about 5:00 p.m.
Note: All times are subject to change. Please check the camper letter that you will receive about one month before the start of camp to confirm the information.