Jazz Camp Online
July 11-16, 2021 Grades 8-12 (grade completion)
About
At jazz camp this summer you will improve your understanding of jazz while increasing performance and improvisation skills on your instrument. Designed for enthusiastic musicians of any skill level, the camp is full of opportunities for performing, listening and learning. Activities are primarily led by NIU jazz faculty and alumni in a relaxed online forum where you can interact, ask questions, join the conversation and get to know our jazz studies professors. You'll benefit from:
- Workshops on jazz improvisation, jazz theory, jazz history, music business and more.
- Instrument master classes.
- An introduction to historical jazz artists and recordings through focused listening sessions hosted by faculty and staff.
- Evening activities including a faculty concert, talent show, jazz movie night and more.
- Friday student performance showcases.
- Optional private lessons with NIU jazz faculty and staff.
- Meeting other jazz musicians and making new friends.
- All campers will receive a camp t-shirt.
Private Lessons
Required Materials
- All instrumentalists are expected to provide their own instruments for camp.
- Campers will need access to the internet and a computer, tablet or laptop with both camera and microphone capability.
- Camp content will be delivered via Zoom, an online video-conferencing platform.
- Zoom training will be provided on the first day of camp.
- Campers will also need a quiet, music-friendly space in which to work for classes and studio sessions.
Registration
Registration fee: $350
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2021
Returning camper and family discount: $25 (for campers who have previously attended Jazz Camp, and the children and grandchildren of NIU students, staff and faculty members)
Space is limited for certain instruments, so register early! You can register online or by mail. You'll pay a $100 deposit when you register (unless applying for a summer camp scholarship). The remaining balance is due on June 15.
Need-based scholarship assistance is available.
Music
Bye Bye Blackbird: C Bb Eb Bass
How High the Moon: C Bb Eb Bass
Song for My Father: C Bb Eb Bass
Stella By Starlight: C Bb Eb Bass
Staff
Staff for Jazz Camp Online is comprised of NIU jazz studies faculty and alumni:
- Geof Bradfield - saxophone and camp director
- Bobby Broom - guitar
- Nick Roach - trombone
- Marlene Rosenberg - bass
- Franchesca Romero - piano and keyboard
A native of Miami, Florida, Franchesca Romero began her piano studies at the age of
five. She began her piano studies in the classical realm until she entered New World
School of the Arts High School where she began her jazz studies. She is an alum of the
National YoungArts Foundation, Florida All-State Jazz Ensemble, Essentially Ellington
Competition & Festival, and the Thelonious Monk National Performing Arts High School
All-Star Sextet in which she toured the San Francisco Bay Area with renown trumpeter,
Ambrose Akinmusire. She is also a recent alum of the prestigious Sisters in Jazz
Collegiate Combo. Through Sisters in Jazz, Franchesca has had the opportunity to
perform and give masterclasses in front of several audiences at the Jazz Education
Network Annual Conferences.Franchesca holds both a bachelor's and master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan
State University and Northern Illinois University, respectively. During her studies, she
has had the opportunity to tour nationally and internationally performing alongside the
likes of Ron Carter, Tim Warfield, Michael Dease, Rodney Whitaker, Anat Cohen, Carl
Allen, and Jeff Hamilton, to name a few.Currently, Franchesca is an active performer and educator based out of Miami. She has
developed her own private piano studio where she has numerous students. In addition
to her private students, Franchesca holds a teaching position at Broward Community
College. Franchesca is considered an up-and-coming musician in the South Florida jazz
scene as she performs regularly at reputable venues across South Florida. - Rodrigo Villanueva - drums and percussion
- Pharez Whitted - trumpet
Schedule
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Group Tech Sessions with camp staff |
| Sunday | 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. | All Camp Welcome/ Staff Introductions |
| Sunday | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Soundchecks and placement for improv classes in breakout sessions hosted by camp staff |
| Sunday | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Campers select workshops (everyone takes improv plus 2 electives) |
| Mon-Thur | 10:00 - 10:15 a.m. | All camp daily check in and lstening session preview |
| Mon-Thur | 10:20 a.m. - noon | INSTRUMENTAL MASTERCLASSES |
| Mon-Thur | noon - 2:00 p.m. | Lunch Break / Private Lessons |
| Mon-Thur | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | LISTENING SESSIONS • An introduction to historical jazz artists and recordings through focused listening sessions hosted by faculty and staff. |
| Mon-Thur | 3:15 - 5:00 p.m. | WORKSHOPS • Campers take two days of improv (M-W or T-Th) and two electives on the alternate days. |
| Mon-Thur | Music Business | |
| Mon-Thur | Jazz Ear Trainng | |
| Mon-Thur | Building Repertoire | |
| Mon-Thur | Developing a practice routine | |
| Mon-Thur | Rhythm Intensive | |
| Mon-Thur | Jazz History | |
| Mon-Thur | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Dinner Break / Private Lessons |
| Mon-Thur | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Evening Activities: Faculty Concert, Jazz Movie Night, Jazz Video Night, Talent Show |
| Friday | 10:00 - 10:30 | All camp check in and final day overview |
| 10:30 a.m. - noon | Jazz Quiz Bowl | |
| noon - 2:00 p.m. | Lunch Break | |
| 2:00 - 4:00 pm | Student showcases |
Contact Us
College of Visual and Performing ArtsOffice of External Programs
Music Building 132
Kristin Sherman
815-753-1450
ksherman2@niu.edu
Online Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(lunch from noon – 1 p.m.)
To protect the safety of our staff, students and families, we will operate remotely until further notice. Our staff will be available at their remote offices during normal NIU business hours and can be contacted via phone or email.
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