Jazz Camp
July 19-24, 2026
Grades 8-12 (grade completion)
About
This camp will help you improve your performance and understanding of jazz. Designed for enthusiastic musicians of any skill level, the camp is full of performing, learning and listening. You'll benefit from:
- Classes on jazz improvisation and jazz theory
- Instrument master classes
- Jam sessions, private lessons, and group classes
- Discussions on jazz styles and the music business
You'll stay in Gilbert Hall during camp. Your experience will end with a concert open to your friends and family. All campers will receive a camp t-shirt!
Additional Information
Private Lessons
Each camper will receive a private lesson from a Jazz Camp instructor. Lesson times will be assigned after campers arrive on the first day of camp.
End-of-the-Week Concert
On the final day of camp parents and friends are invited to hear the camper combos and big bands perform in the Music Building. The groups begin performing at 3 p.m. and will continue until about 5 p.m. Campers will be assigned to a combo or big band after the Sunday auditions.
To learn which group your son or daughter has been assigned to, during camp week, call the office or contact your child. Parents - remember to pick up a camp schedule on Sunday, as this will have the performance schedule for the combos and bands. Those unable to attend the concert may meet their camper at Gilbert Hall at about 5:15 p.m. Campers' luggage will be secured in a room during the day at the residence hall for pick-up at the end of the concert.
What to Bring Checklist
- Comfortable/sturdy walking shoes or sandals.
- Note: flip-flops are not allowed in classes and should be worn only in the residence hall
- Umbrella or rain gear
- Mosquito repellent
- Sweatshirt
- Alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Sheets and pillowcase (standard twin size)
- Blanket, pillow, towels
- Small amount of money for souvenirs and snacks
- Dress during the week is casual
- Concert clothes will be required for performances. Concert dress will be: nice top/button-down shirt with nice pants or skirt or a dress. (Ties/jackets are optional)
- Headphones, MP3 player for jazz music listening (recommended, not required)
Instruments
All instrumentalists (except pianists and vibraphonists) are expected to bring their own instruments to camp. This includes drummers, guitarists and bassists. Call 815-753-1450 as soon as possible to let us know if you have concerns about this.
Drummers
Bring no more than a five-piece drum set with three cymbals. Bring your throne and a rug or small piece of carpet.
Guitarists and Bassists
Bring your amp, patch cord(s) and an electrical extension cord as well as your instrument.
Those players who listed a second instrument on the registration form are asked to bring both instruments to camp. Included are doubles, mutes, etc. All woodwind players should bring your doubles and trumpet players should bring your flugels.
Registration
2026 registration will open in late October.
Early bird registration fee: $995 (received May 1 or earlier)
Registration fee after May 1: $1095
Registration deadline: June 10, 2026
Call 815-753-1450 to inquire about late registration.
Space is limited for certain instruments, so register early! You can register online. You'll pay a $100 deposit when you register. The remaining balance is due by June 15.
Need-based scholarship assistance is available.
Music/Auditions/Ensemble
We encourage campers to print out the music and practice in advance for the sessions. Sign-up sheets will be available in the Recital Hall lobby. During the jam session, each soloist will perform a maximum of two solo choruses on the 32-bar form tunes and a maximum of four choruses on the blues and the other short form tunes.
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
Take the A Train: C Bb Eb Bass
Ensemble
You'll audition for an ensemble on the first day of camp. Your audition will include:
- One piece that you have prepared.
- Sight reading.
- An improvised solo on blues or rhythm changes (optional).
You'll be assigned to one of these ensembles:
- Jazz bands: Perform big band music, including the music of Basie, Ellington and Woody Herman.
- Jazz combos: Explore improvisation approaches and arranging techniques by playing jazz standards.
- Latin jazz combo: Perform jazz, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and fusion styles.
Auditions
Auditions are scheduled to begin after orientation at 2:30 p.m. Campers are welcome to prepare a piece for auditions, but this is not necessary. Sight-reading is part of the audition. Audition and evaluation results will be used to assign campers to classes and ensembles.
Drummers
Play swing, shuffle, funk, Latin, and ballad brush styles, and read an intermediate big band chart.
Winds
Sight-read an intermediate jazz arrangement, improvise on an F, B♭ blues, or B♭ rhythm changes, if comfortable, not required.
Pianists/Basses/Guitars
Sight-read written parts and chord symbols and play in swing, Latin, and ballad styles. Improvise F or B♭ blues and B♭ rhythm changes, if comfortable, not required.
After Auditions
When campers finish their auditions, they should go to the Recital Hall to participate in a jam session.
Staff
Our Jazz Camp staff is composed of talented NIU faculty and students, alumni, guest artists and area teachers. The ratio of campers to staff members is about 12:1. Staff members are assigned to each residence hall floor and accompany campers to all meals and activities.
- Geof Bradfield - saxophone and camp director
- Paul Barrilles – drums/percussion
- Bobby Broom – guitar
- Ben Crino - guitar
- Marybeth Kurnat – saxophone, head counselor
- Nat Lin – bass
- Spencer Mackey – trombone
- Austyn Menk - piano
- Lenard Simpson - saxophone
- Morgan Turner – bass
- Gabriel Wade - trumpet
Schedules
A general overview of the camp schedule is below.
| Date and Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Noon-2 p.m. | Check-in |
First, take your luggage to Gilbert Hall. Next, go to the nearby Music Building to pick up camp materials. Free parking is available in front of Gilbert Hall and in the lot south of the Music Building. |
| Sunday, 2:15 p.m. | Orientation |
Boutell Memorial Concert Hall (Music Building) Parents are welcome at this orientation session with the camp director and staff. |
| Sunday to Friday | Camp activities | Music Building |
| Friday, 3 p.m. | Final concert |
After the concert, pick up your luggage from Gilbert Hall. |
Jam Sessions
We will have signup sheets in the Recital Hall lobby for the jam sessions scheduled for 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Campers are encouraged to prepare in advance for these sessions by downloading the jam session music in PDF format from this site. You are also encouraged to find and listen to recordings of the tunes.
During the jam session, each soloist will perform a maximum of two solo choruses on the 32-bar form tunes and a maximum of four choruses on the blues and the other short form tunes.
Free Time Options
Other daily options during the 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. period include board games and sports, in addition to a private music lesson.
Talent Show
Campers are invited to participate in the jazz camp talent show on Thursday night. Bring your skits, imitations, tap shoes, and yes, your musical instruments. The time limit per performance is three minutes.
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.)
