June 10-13, 2024
Jazztopia is a fun day camp that offers the opportunity for high-school musicians to explore and develop their jazz skills in a combo setting. Activities will focus on improvisation, jazz history, instrument technique, and combo performance. Students who are currently in high school or about to enter high school are eligible to attend. No prior combo or improvisation experience is necessary. Advanced students completing 7th grade will be considered with director recommendation.
Class 1 Combo Rehearsal
Class 2 Jazz History/Listening Class
Class 3 Master Class on Individual Instruments
Lunch Break
Class 4 Improvisation Class
Class 5 Combo Rehearsal
Class 6 Performances/Entertainment
Monday 1pm–4:30pm Classes
Tuesday 9am–4:15pm Classes
Wednesday 9am–4:15pm Classes
Thursday 9am–3pm Classes
Thursday 3:30pm Final Concert featuring Jazztopia students (free concert)
Directions to Camp
Jazztopia is held in the Moss Performing Arts Center on the southeast part of campus (on 12th street near the corner of 12th Street and North Avenue). Cars may pay to park in pay lots or parking garage. Free parking is also available on nearby streets across 12th Street. CMU Parking Map
Check–In and Audition
Please check in between 1-1:30pm on Monday, June 10 near Love Recital Hall in the Moss Performing Arts Center. Then you will audition in order to be placed in a combo with students of similar abilities; auditions begin at 1pm. You may warm up in any of the practice rooms throughout the building.
Audition Material
For the audition, students should bring a jazz etude or an excerpt from their school jazz band literature that is representative of their playing level. Improvisation is optional.
What to Bring
All students should bring a notebook and pencil. Percussionists should bring sticks, brushes, and mallets for vibraphone (drum sets will be provided). Bass and guitar players need to bring their instrument and a patch cord in good condition (amps will be provided for bass and guitar players). Pianos will also be provided. Other instruments must be provided by the student. If you need to borrow an instrument from your school, please check with your band director before school lets out. Saxophone players need to bring extra reeds. Brass players need to have a valve or slide oil and may wish to bring various mutes.
T-shirt
Each participant will receive a camp t-shirt, which will be worn for the final concert.
Meals
For those who purchased lunch, lunch will be served Tuesday-Thursday. Students who did not purchase lunch and who wish to eat off campus must provide written parental permission.
Cell Phones
Students are allowed to have cell phones during Music Camp, but they will need to be turned off during rehearsals or classes. No texting during class or rehearsals!
Final Concert
Thursday, June 13, 3:30pm. Moss Performing Arts Center Robinson Theatre. Free and open to the public.
Important Contact Information
Dr. Darin Kamstra, Camp Director – 970.248.1088 (office), [email protected]
Lyn Ross, Administrative Assistant – 970.248.1233, [email protected]
Concert Dress
Black pants or shorts and camp t-shirt.
Special thanks to the Western Colorado Community Foundation and City of Grand Junction Colorado Commission on Arts & Culture for scholarship grants.
