Summer Jazz Camp 2023

Our 7th annual ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp offers exciting opportunities:

jazz combos and big bands
– learn jazz theory and improvisation
– experience cool workshops
personalized instruction
– faculty & student concerts
– grand finale performances by our amazing campers!  

With a large bands, small combos, theory, improv, elective courses (marketing, budgeting, social media, etc.), masterclasses and performances, our premier summer jazz camp is a blast for all-levels and instruments. Tuition includes a daily lunch & all daytime activities, masterclasses, and 2 complimentary tickets for your family & friends to the finale performance.

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ CAMP     

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GENERAL SCHEDULE
MONDAY – FRIDAY, JUNE 5 – 9
9am – 4p

FRIDAY, JUNE 9
2p-5p – Grand Finale Concert

See FULL SCHEDULE

LOCATION
Dreher High School
3319 Millwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205

*Wonderful facilities to practice, learn, hang and play JAZZ. Convenient and FREE parking, easily accessible, this location serves us well.

colajazz camp with dave leibman
USC ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CAMP SCHEDULE (JUNE 5 – 9)     

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MONDAY, JUNE 5
8:30am – 9am ARRIVALS
9am – 9:50am WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS, FACULTY CONCERT
10am -10:50am INSTRUMENT SECTIONALS
11am – 12pm JAZZ COMBOS
12pm – 1pm LUNCH & JAZZ LISTENING (12:30p)
1pm – 2:20pm JAZZ COMBOS
2:30pm – 4pm BIG BANDS
TUESDAY, JUNE 6
8:30am – 9am ARRIVALS
9am – 9:50am THEORY CLASSES
10am -10:50am INSTRUMENT SECTIONALS
11am – 12pm JAZZ COMBOS
12pm – 1pm LUNCH & FACULTY CONCERT (12:30p)
1pm – 1:50pm JAZZ COMBOS
2:00pm – 2:50pm ELECTIVES (marketing, budgeting, etc)
3:00pm – 4pm BIG BANDS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7
8:30am – 9am ARRIVALS
9am – 9:50am THEORY CLASSES
10am -10:50am INSTRUMENT SECTIONALS
11am – 12pm BIG BANDS
12pm – 1:20pm LUNCH & FACULTY CONCERT (12:30p)
1:30pm – 2:30pm JAZZ COMBOS
2:40pm – 4pm BIG BANDS
THURSDAY, JUNE 8
8:30am – 9am ARRIVALS
9am – 9:50am ELECTIVES (marketing, budgeting, etc)
10am – 10:50am INSTRUMENT SECTIONALS
11am – 12pm JAZZ COMBOS
12pm – 12:50pm LUNCH & FACULTY CONCERT (12:30p)
1pm – 2:20pm JAZZ COMBOS
2:30pm – 4pm BIG BANDS
FRIDAY, JUNE 9
8:30am – 9am ARRIVALS
9am – 10:15am JAZZ COMBOS
10:30am – 11:45am BIG BANDS
12pm – 1:50pm LUNCH & GET READY FOR CONCERT
2pm – 5pm GRAND FINALE ALL-CAMP CONCERT

Frequently Answered Questions     

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Why this SC summer jazz camp?
The R1 Summer Jazz Camp powered by ColaJazz is for any middle and high school aged student who wants an exceptional summer jazz camp experience! If you want to learn jazz, play in combos and big bands, discover how to improvise, develop as a musician, explore jazz theory and its rich history in America, grow your creativity and social skills, this camp is for YOU!

The ColaJazz Foundation is a 2021 Governor Award-winner nonprofit Jazz organization with an established and exciting history of producing world-class jazz events and outreach throughout South Carolina. Based on formal evaluations of the most renowned and prestigious Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camps and decades of professional experience in jazz education and performances throughout the world, Executive Director Mark Rapp, created and launched the very first annual summer jazz camp in Columbia, SC in 2017. ColaJazz has years of refining our summer jazz camps to be the most engaging and fun summer jazz camp in the Midlands.

The ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp teachers are the most accomplished and highly regarded Jazz educators and performers around. As an example, Dr. Mitch Butler, Director of Jazz Education for the ColaJazz Foundation, received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Performance from East Carolina University. Dr. Butler is also a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Doctor of Music Arts degree in Music Performance with an emphasis in Jazz Studies.

The ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp will leave you invigorated, feeling accomplished and walking away excited about your next steps in music.

What will I get out of it?
You will have the opportunity to play in small and large jazz ensembles, learn about jazz theory, to creatively improvise, explore special electives such as marketing, publicly perform, learn about jazz history and its role in America, experience the sounds of world-class jazz presented by our faculty, make new friends, grow as a musician and person, and so much more!

Where and when does it take place?
The 2023 R1 Summer Jazz Camp powered by ColaJazz takes place Monday through Friday, June 5 – June 9 at Dreher High School in Columbia, SC.

Arrival and departure times?
Please arrive between 8:30am and 9am ready to participate promptly at 9am.
Please plan on departing and/or picking up your camper at 4pm.
*It is a very fun jazz camp, so running a few minutes late should be expected.

Do we allow refunds?
Yes. Payment in full is required at the time of registration. Prior to May 31st, payment is fully refundable. From June 1st to June 5th, payment is refundable less 50%. After June 5th, payments are non-refundable.

ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp reserves the right to refuse a registration due to limited availability. The right is also reserved to decline, to accept, cancel or withdraw any camp participant prior to or during the camp.

Are there scholarships available?
Yes. We have limited financial assistance available thanks to our donors and sponsors. Please contact us to inquire about scholarship availability.

What should I prepare before I get to camp?
Short answer… nothing. This is the point of a summer jazz camp: to meet you where you are and leave you in a better place after. We got you!

Longer answer… We will contact you in advance of the camp with any preparatory information. Typically, we will ask you submit a simple video recording of you playing a couple scales and music we will send you. Nothing scary; easy-peezy.

What should I bring with me?
Your instrument, along with everything you need to play it! This means, amps, cables, power cords, mouthpieces, reeds, valve oil, etc. There are some pianos, amps and drum kits on location, but if you prefer your own keyboard and amp or your own drum kit, by all means, bring it. We will contact you in advance if there is anything special you may need to bring.

Here’s a list of items you may find handy to have at camp:
– snacks and drinks (lunch is provided)
– a recording device
– pencils
– manuscript paper
– charging sources for your phone, computer, iPad, etc.
– comfortable shoes
– any personal medicine that you require

What instruments are appropriate for jazz?
We’re looking for saxophonists/flutists, trumpeters, trombonists, pianists, guitarists, bassists, drummers, vibraphone players and singers. Violinists and harmonica players have also had a great time. Bagpipe players might want to think twice.

How do I know if I’m good enough?
The ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camps are open to all singers and instrumentalists. Our goal is to help you get to the “next level,” whatever that might be. Campers of all ability levels have learned a lot and have had a great time! Combos are arranged by ability level, and teaching methods vary — some instructors hand out charts, others teach by ear. If you can play some scales and read a little bit of music, you’ll do well; anything beyond that, you’ll thrive!

What kind of jazz will I be learning and playing?
Straight-ahead jazz and blues from the “Great American Songbook” contains the widest range of and the most popular jazz sounds in recorded history. From Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and others, we will draw upon the best in Jazz! We also accommodate traditional, fusion, funk, and avant-garde jazz styles, and in some cases, we use pop tunes as a launch pad for improvisation.

How can I get more information?
Contact us, here.

ColaJazz Summer Camp 2020

TERMS & CONDITIONS

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These terms and conditions apply to the 2023 ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camps for Middle and High School, as well as, our Adult Camp.

Bookings
All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions set out below. Registration and payment indicates acceptance of all the following:
All applicants accept the following on their own behalf, as well as, on behalf of the camper attending. You consent to release ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, ColaJazz Foundation and all ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp staff from any
claim or liability arising directly or indirectly from the Jazz Camp activities.

Indemnity
You indemnify ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, and ColaJazz against responsibility for any accident, loss or injury suffered by you or your child/children during the course of the ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp activities.

Medical and hospital treatment
If a representative of ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, or ColaJazz should at any time consider that you or your child/children require/s medical or hospital treatment, you consent to them obtaining this at your expense.

Fees (all prices are in US Dollars)
Payment is in advance in full unless otherwise stated, in writing, online or on ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp promotional material.
Payment will be accepted by credit card online at https://colajazz.com.

Refunds and due dates
Full advance payment is required to complete registration. Prior to May 31st, payment is fully refundable. From June 1st to June 5th, payment is refundable less 50%. After June 5th, payments are non-refundable. ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp reserves the right to refuse a registration due to limited availability. The right is also reserved to decline, to accept, cancel or withdraw any camp participant prior to or during the camp.

Medical conditions, allergies and special dietary requirements
If you or your child/children has/have special dietary requirements or a pre-existing illness or medical condition, you must provide full details via email: contact@colajazz.com.

Damage to property
You consent to pay for any damage, whether deliberate or accidental, caused by you/ your child to property owned by ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, and ColaJazz or used by ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp and supplied by alternate parties (e.g. equipment, accommodation, vehicles) or property owned by other program participants. All replacement and or repair costs are the responsibility of the individual/s responsible for the damage.

Individual responsibility for personal property
ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, and ColaJazz are not responsible for individuals’ personal musical instruments or property. Insurance is suggested for valuable instruments.

Students are to remain on site for the duration of the camp
Students are not to leave the ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp venue at any time during the camp without the knowledge and written consent of the Camp administrators, Mark Rapp or Dr. Mitch Butler. A student will be given permission to leave the venue only in exceptional circumstances. As a general rule every student must be on site for the duration of the camp. No other staff member is authorized to allow a student off site. Students aged 12 years or under will not be allowed to leave without a parent or guardian unless written permission is given by a parent or guardian.

Student misbehavior, including bullying
The following will, at the discretion of the camp administratora, lead to a student being sent home at their parent’s expense:
– Bullying, threatening or intimidating another student or member of staff
– Possession of illegal drugs or alcohol
– Refusing to cooperate with the instructions of a member of staff
– Deliberately disrupting any Jazz Camp activity or lesson
– Other dangerous, disruptive or illegal behavior
– This is a smoke free venue.

Waiver and Release of Liability
Further, in consideration for my Child being permitted to participate in the ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, I, on behalf of my Child, and as the natural parent and/or as the legally authorized guardian, do hereby for my Child, myself, my family, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns, agree to, and hereby do, release, waive, discharge, hold harmless and indemnify, and forever defend the State of South Carolina, the ColaJazz
Foundation, the members of its Board, individually and collectively, its officers, employees, servants, agents, representatives directors, students, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of the ColaJazz Foundation, from any and all liability, losses, claims, actions, suits, procedures, demands, rights, and causes of action of whatever nature, in law and equity, for any and all known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, bodily or personal injuries, death and permanent injury, illnesses, damage to property, or other losses, and any consequences thereof, including expenses, costs, and attorney’s fees, as may be sustained by my Child or me, or any person or entity acting on my or my Child’s behalf, arising out of, or in any way associated with, my Child’s participation in the ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp. I warrant I am the parent or authorized legal Guardian of the Participant in the ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, and I warrant that I am 18 years of age or older. I have carefully reviewed and I agree to the terms of this entire document.

Photo Release
Give ColaJazz Foundation, its agents, employees, servants, assigns, and successors, without expectation of value, permission to:
Record my Child’s likeness and appearance on video tape, audio tape, film, photograph or any other medium; and use my Child’s name, likeness, voice, and biographical material in connection with these recordings; and Exhibit, copy or distribute such recording in whole or in part without restrictions or limitation for any educational or promotional purpose or advertisement campaigns which the ColaJazz Foundation, and those acting pursuant to its authority, deem appropriate.

Privacy
Information supplied to ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, and ColaJazz will remain confidential and will not be made available to any third party. Photographs of camp activities may be taken by an authorized photographer and may be used in future promotional material or publications solely by ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, and ColaJazz.

Regarding COVID-19
We prefer everyone attending and working the camp to be fully vaccinated. If you are not, for your safety and for the consideration of those around you, please wear a mask, keep your distance, and follow the CDC recommended guidelines. For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov

FOLLOW JAZZ.

DON’T MISS A BEAT!

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25
1pm – 1:45pm Check-in
1:45pm – 2:15pm Camp welcome announcements & information
2:30pm – 4:05pm Combo session 1: let’s play!
4:15pm – 5:30pm Jazz theory
5:40pm – 7pm Combo session 2: gettin’ it together
SATURDAY, JUNE 26
10am – 10:20am Check-in, announcements
10:30am – 11:30a Jazz theory
11:40a – 12:30p Jazz improv: apply it
11:40a – 12:45p Guitar Players Unite for a special masterclass by Amos Hoffman
12:30p – 1:30p Lunch
1:30p – 2:30p Masterclass: Gino Castillo, Cuban Music
2:40p – 4:00p Combo session 3: diggin’ in
4:10p – 5:15p Sectionals
5:30p – 7:00p Combo session 4: playin’ the changes
SUNDAY, JUNE 27
1:30pm – 2pm Check-in, final announcements, Q&A
2:00pm – 4pm Combo session 5: makin’ it shine
5:30p – 6:30p Grande Finale Concert – Koger Center

LOCATION

Cornerstone Presbyterian Church
5637 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212

*We have wonderful facilities to practice, learn, hang and play JAZZ in at Cornerstone. Convenient and FREE parking, easily accessible, this location will serve us very well.

MONDAY, JUNE 28
NOON BEGINNER IMPROVISATION | WESS BEGINNER IMPROVISATION | Wess Warmdaddy Anderson
1pm THE ART OF BRUSHES | EDWIN HAMILTONTHE ART OF BRUSHES | Edwin Hamilton
4pm TAKE EXCELLENT CARE: HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR MUSICIANS | DON BRADENTAKE EXCELLENT CARE: HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR MUSICIANS | Don Braden
5pm JAZZ SCAT LANGUAGE | DR. TISH ONEYJAZZ SCAT LANGUAGE | Dr. Tish Oney
6pm UNDERSTANDING, PRACTICING AND EXPLORING THE II- V7 I PROGRESSION | DON BRADENUNDERSTANDING, PRACTICING AND EXPLORING THE II- V7 I PROGRESSION | Don Braden
7pm BUSINESS OF MUSIC: SHOW ME THE MONEY! | DON BRADENBUSINESS OF MUSIC: SHOW ME THE MONEY! | Don Braden
8pm IMPROVISATION AS COMPOSITION | AMOS HOFFMANIMPROVISATION AS COMPOSITION | Amos Hoffman
TUESDAY, JUNE 29
NOON Sharpen Your Audition Skills | Aimee NolteSHARPEN YOUR AUDITION SKILLS | Aimee Nolte
1pm HOW TO LEARN AND REMEMBER TUNES | SAM EDWARDSHOW TO LEARN AND REMEMBER TUNES | Sam Edwards
5pm PRACTICE PAD MEDITATION | JUSTIN VARNESPRACTICE PAD MEDITATION | Justin Varnes
6pm IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TIME FEEL | NICKI PARROTTIT’S ALL ABOUT THE TIME FEEL | Nicki Parrott
7pm JAMES BERRY
8pm MELODIES, FORMS, AND SOLO IDEAS FOR THE BASSIST | SHANNON HOOVERMELODIES, FORMS, AND SOLO IDEAS FOR THE BASSIST | Shannon Hoover
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30
NOON THE SONG IS YOU | JAY WARETHE SONG IS YOU | Jay Ware
1pm THE FLOW STATE | Travis ShawTHE FLOW STATE | Travis Shaw
4pm HOW TO PLAY BASS AND CHEW GUM AT THE SAME TIME | NICKI PARROTTHOW TO PLAY BASS AND CHEW GUM AT THE SAME TIME | Nicki Parrott
5pm MASTERING PIANO CHORDS AND VOICINGS | KEVIN BALESMASTERING PIANO CHORDS AND VOICINGS | Kevin Bales
6pm COMPOSING & ARRANGING | DICK GOODWINCOMPOSING & ARRANGING | Dick Goodwin
7pm ADVANCED RHYTHMIC/METRIC CONCEPTS | JAY WAREADVANCED RHYTHMIC/METRIC CONCEPTS | Jay Ware
8pm LAYERS OF REHARMONIZATION | Nicholas VlandisLAYERS OF REHARMONIZATION | Nicholas Vlandis
THURSDAY, JULY 1
NOON BASSLINE CONSTRUCTION | BRETT BELANGERBASSLINE CONSTRUCTION | Brett BelangerR
1pm LEARN YOUR RUDIMENTS, THEN SWING THEM | EDWIN HAMILTONLEARN YOUR RUDIMENTS, THEN SWING THEM | Edwin Hamilton
2pm BASS TRICKS | BRETT BELANGERBASS TRICKS | Brett Belanger
5pm THE THREE ESSENTIAL THINGS YOU SHOULD DO TO GROW AS A MUSICIAN | KEVIN BALESTHE THREE ESSENTIAL THINGS YOU SHOULD DO TO GROW AS A MUSICIAN | Kevin Bales
6pm TUNEZ, TUNEZ, TUNEZ... | TRENT AUSTINTUNEZ, TUNEZ, TUNEZ… | Trent Austin
7pm OVERVIEW OF BRAZILIAN AND AFRO-CUBAN STYLES | JAY WAREOVERVIEW OF BRAZILIAN AND AFRO-CUBAN STYLES | Jay Ware
8pm MASTERCLASS WITH DAVE LIEBMANMASTERCLASS WITH DAVE LIEBMAN

IN-PERSON CAMP & ONLINE COURSE FACULTY


GINO CASTILLO – FEATURED CLINICIAN
Gino is a true master in the Cuban percussion and vocal traditions. He is a touring and recording artist, a passionate educator and clinician who composes as well. His musical talent has been heard on many albums and live shows, as he has collaborated with many international artists, such as: Earl Klugh, Al Turner, Michael Mossman, Quentin Baxter, Etienne Charles, Horacio el Negro Hernández, Oscarito Valdés, Eddie Venegas, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Charleston Smooth Jazz
Orchestra, Lowcountry Latin Jazz Collective, Charleston Latin Jazz Collective, Jose Pepito Gomez, John Benítez, Pascoal Meirelles, Paulo Moura, Alex Alvear, Jessy J, Zacai Curtis, Ymelda Marie-Louisa, at al.

Gino has taught at the Berklee College of Music International Network. He has an honorary degree in percussion teaching from the George Gershwin Conservatory.

Gino is currently exclusively an artist of Bosphorus Cymbals, Pearl Percussion and Pro-Mark drum sticks.

WESS “WARMDADDY” ANDERSON – saxophone, TRENT AUSTIN – trumpet, KEVIN BALES – piano, BRETT BELANGER – bass, DON BRADEN – saxophone, DR. MITCH BUTLER – trombone, SAM EDWARDS – bass, DR. DICK GOODWIN – trumpet, EDWIN HAMILTON – drums, AMOS HOFFMAN – guitar, SHANNON HOOVER – bass, AIMEE NOLTE – piano, DAVE LIEBMAN – saxophone, DR. TISH ONEY – voice, NICKI PARROTT – bass, TRAVIS SHAW – bass, JUSTIN VARNES – drums, JAY WARE – drums


SAM EDWARDS
Sam Edwards is a Columbia native. He has studied jazz and classical bass with Craig Butterfield at USC, as well as, in the streets with Amos Hoffman. Sam has performed regularly with local luminaries such as Amos Hoffman, Ross Holmes, Jim Mings, and Dick Goodwin, as well as, nationally acclaimed artists such as Pasquale Grasso, Wycliffe Gordon, and Clifford Barbaro. He is a devout believer in no amplification.


EDWIN HAMILTON
Edwin G. Hamilton is professional musician, recording artist, and educator. Edwin earned a Jazz Fellowship to study with Herlin Riley in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has toured both nationally and internationally with various artists.

Edwin has performed, recorded and/or worked with notable names such as: Teddy Adams, Explorer’s Club, Chris Crenshaw, Michael Dease, Calvin Edwards, Delbert Felix, Mike Frost, Aaron Goldberg, Wycliffe Gordon, Niki Haris, Amos Hoffman, Enrique Hernandez, Charmaine Neville, Delfeayo Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Shannon Powell, Marcus Printup, Vinny Raniola, Eric Reed, Herlin Riley, Christian Sands, Tye Tribbet, Donald Vega, Frank Vignola, Christian Winther, Ben Wolfe and many more.


TRAVIS SHAW
Travis Shaw graduated from The Atlanta Institute of Music in 2000, and finished up a Bachelor of Music Performance from Augusta University in 2017 where he worked closely with Wycliffe Gordon.

Travis Shaw is an engaging and sensitive bassist, producer, and artist. Grounded in the discipline required to pursue the Art of Jazz Improvisation, his body of work defies the restrictions of genre because he is never afraid to take a musical risk in the name of intuitive growth. Not a perfectionist but instead a mindful explorer, Shaw maintains a reputation for quality, consistency, and free thinking. Placing value upon awareness and elegant simplicity, he easily balances between the worlds of independent musical artist and the supportive aesthetic inherent to the mind set of a bassist.


JAY WARE
Jay Ware is an award-winning performing artist, educator, arranger, and music advocate. He has performed or recorded with over 200 artists, including: David Liebman, Chris Potter, Donny McCaslin, Delfeayo Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, James Carter, Jason Marsalis, Jack Wilkins, Chuck Owen, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, David Baker, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Mary Wilson, Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame member Bob Becker, Pulitzer-Prize winner Gunther Schuller, Brazilian vocalist Liz Rosa Gomes, The Buselli/Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Broyhill Chamber Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, the New York Brass Quintet, and many others. Mr. Ware is equally active as an educator, having served on the faculty at The University of South Carolina and the Jazz Department of The Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University (IN), among others. Professor Ware is a two-time recipient of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, an endorsing artist/clinician for Remo, Yamaha, Innovative Percussion, Zildjian, and Latin Percussion and currently serves as the Coordinator of Percussion and Drum Set Studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.

Tish Oney


DR. TISH ONEY
Dr. Oney was honored in 2016 to win the Jazz Artist/Group of the Year award from the South Carolina Music Awards, and in 2015 her high school honored her among the inaugural five ‘Graduates of Distinction.’ She was lauded in the book The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide authored by jazz critic Scott Yanow. She was also honored as a USC Winter Scholar for her scholarly activity, and was named a Robert G. Boehmler Visiting Artist at Ithaca College School of Music. A recipient of The Diane Warren Award, Dr. Oney earned two initiations (by faculty at both IC and USC) into national music honor society Pi Kappa Lambda for her musical excellence. Dr. Oney earned her doctorate with honors from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, and a Master of Music degree with honors in Voice Performance from Ithaca College.


KEVIN BALES
Pianist, composer & arranger Kevin Bales is a passionate educator and highly accomplished touring artist. His work with trumpeter extraordinaire Marcus Printup has become a lifetime association that has included recordings on Blue Note/Capital records. Ten years touring and recording with vocal iconoclast Rene Marie culminated in a Grammy Nominated album. His most recent recording of music composed by Fred Rogers was selected as one of the top 10 albums of 2018 by Cadence Magazine and AllAboutJazz.com.

Kevin has amassed a long list of awards and a reputation as one of the finest jazz pianists performing anywhere. In 1994, less than a decade into jazz, he won the American Pianist Association’s Jazz Piano Competition. In addition to nearly every important jazz venue in the South, he has performed in some of the most acclaimed clubs and festivals in America and around the world: the JVC Jazz Festival in New York, The Bakery in Los Angeles, The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center jazz series, the Toronto and Edinburgh jazz festivals, and the Moscow Center for the Performing Arts.