Middle School Jazz Camp (July 6-10) 1-4pm


Middle School Students rehearse in combo class
Middle School Students rehearse in combo class

The Middle School Jazz Camp is an exclusive workshop for Middle School students to discover or explore Jazz. From Monday to Friday, young instrumentalists and vocalists will learn jazz from expert educators, approaching music from both reading and playing by ear.

 

All instruments are welcomed, and all levels of talent/experience are accepted. Students will perform in a concert on the Monday evening after the session for family and friends and will be able to demonstrate some of the skills they learned over the week. Outstanding students will be honored. Currently there are no scholarships offered by the MDJW for the Middle Session, but many band programs offer financial assistance through band-boosters / choir-boosters for students to attend workshops.

 

Elementary students going into Middle School can attend provided they have been playing their instrument for at least a year. Students over 13 years old are encouraged to attend the High School Session. Students should be able to handle themselves in a reasonably mature manner, respecting faculty, staff, and other students.

 

Drummer/educator John Hill will helm the middle school camp with assistance from student mentors, the best and brightest college students in jazz studies programs, regionally and nationally. Other faculty members will also contribute.

 

"...they have the option of adding on, an Audit of the high school session."

Cormac rehearses with other Middle School students
Cormac rehearses with other Middle School students

If students are exceptionally interested in jazz or if parents wish them to have a full-day experience,

they have the option of adding on, an AUDIT of the High School Session. They will get to hang out and witness and take limited participation in afternoon Improvisation clinics and Guest-clinician master-classes. They will also be able to observe combo rehearsal . They are free to come and go during this time, 2-5:30pm, provided they are being picked up by a guardian or an approved ride. The tuition for this enhanced experience is $399. Parents can wait up until July registration to ultimately decide if they want to add the audit. Either way, they will still perform in their middle school combo at Cliff Bells, and do every activity available.

"...a great place to study music."

Nicolina takes a solo @ Cliff Bells performance
Nicolina takes a solo @ Cliff Bells performance

The facilities at the MSU Center are perfect for our needs. Besides being located downtown, multiple classrooms are offered, with grand and upright pianos, drum sets, dry erase boards, and music stands. There is a waiting area for parents, or they can walk across the street where coffee, food, and comfortable lounges are offered.  Security guards are stationed at both exits and in the parking lot to ensure safety of the students. There is also plenty of shopping in the area.

 

Cliff Bells Performance

 

Performance at Cliff Bells Jazz Club on Monday July 13, 7pm

 

A complete schedule will be given to students weeks before the workshop.

 

The MDJW Middle School Session is well-supervised with a faculty and staff to ensure that every student is able to enjoy what the workshop has to offer. By the end of the week, your student will be a better musician, with greater knowledge in how to play jazz music and appreciation in this unique American art-form.

 

The fee for your student to attend the Middle-School Session is $249.00 (not including application fee). The addition of the High School audit will be $399.00 (not including application fee)

 

Students of all levels are accepted, but space is limited. At a certain point when instrument capacity is filled, students will be assigned to a waiting list. In other words, first come, first serve. Submit your application early and reserve your student's spot in this great summer musical experience. Inquire for more details.

Young jazz trumpeters at work @ Cliff Bells
Young jazz trumpeters at work @ Cliff Bells