The WJEC Summer Jazz Camp is a week-long intensive program for students ages 12 to 18, who are eager to learn about the jazz genre and refine their skills as young jazz improvisers. Never improvised before? Not a problem! Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk all had to start somewhere! The program offers learning opportunities for all levels of improvisers, whether it is your first time or if you are a seasoned soloist. The program focuses on immersing students in the tradition of Black American improvised music, meeting mentors, and making lifelong music friends. It is a safe space to try new things, take chances, and ask questions.

PROGRAM APPLICATION

On Sunday, August 17th, students will take part in placement auditions where they will be required to perform an improvised solo for an educator and be assessed on their ear training. After completing the audition, students will write a short theory assessment. All students will be accepted into the program. The purpose of these assessments is for us to guarantee the optimal learning
experience for each individual student!

Repertoire

Students need only perform one piece for the educator they are paired with. Not sure what to play? ‘Sonnymoon For Two’ is a great choice! Students may alternatively select a jazz standard of their choosing. Please refrain from playing an excerpt of a piece you are working on in your school jazz band: we are looking to hear your voice as a jazz improviser!

Click Here:Sonnymoon For Two Chart (all keys/clefs)

Backing Track | Backing Track | Swing Groove

Brass & Woodwinds: Horns will be asked to perform the melody to a jazz standard, along with two choruses of solo.

Vocalists: Vocalists can choose to scat an instrumental melody or prepare a jazz standard with lyrics, along with a chorus of scat soloing. Students may be assessed on their range during the audition.

Note: If you are unsure if a song choice would make a good fit, feel free to email us to inquire about a song choice!

Guitarist/ Pianist: Comping instruments will be asked to demonstrate a chorus of comping on their instrument, along with
melody and two choruses of solo.

Bassists: Bassists will be asked to demonstrate a chorus of walking bass on their instrument, along with melody and two choruses of solo.

Drummers: Drummers may be asked to demonstrate a swing, rock, and Latin groove during the audition, along with 2 choruses of solo.

*Additional Assessments- During your audition, your instructor may ask you to demonstrate scales, technique, or additional materials, to gain a better understanding of your experience with jazz, improvising, and your instrument.

**Students may choose to audition on two instruments.