Our 8th annual ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp offers exciting opportunities for Middle & High School jazzers:
– 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.
GENERAL SCHEDULE
MONDAY – FRIDAY, JUNE 17 – 20
9am – 4p
THURSDAY, JUNE 20
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.
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CAMP SCHEDULE (JUNE 17 – 20)
| MONDAY, JUNE 17 | |
| 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 18 | |
| 8:30am – 9am | ARRIVALS |
| 9am – 9:50am | THEORY CLASSES |
| 10am -10:50am | INSTRUMENT SECTIONALS |
| 11am – 12pm | JAZZ COMBOS |
| 12pm – 1pm | LUNCH |
| 1pm – 1:50pm | JAZZ COMBOS |
| 2:00pm – 2:50pm | ALL-CAMP MASTERCLASS (JAY WARE), AUDITORIUM |
| 3:00pm – 4pm | BIG BANDS |
| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 | |
| 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 20 | |
| 8:30am – 9am | ARRIVALS |
| 9am – 10:15am | JAZZ COMBOS |
| 10:30am – 11:45am | BIG BANDS | 12pm – 1:50pm | LUNCH & ALL-CAMP MASTERCLASS (DR. MITCH BUTLER), CHORUS ROOM |
| 2pm – 5pm | GRAND FINALE ALL-CAMP CONCERT |
Frequently Answered Questions
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 2024 R1 Summer Jazz Camp powered by ColaJazz takes place Monday through Thursday, June 17 – June 20 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.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These terms and conditions apply to the 2024 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
BEGINNER IMPROVISATION | Wess Warmdaddy Anderson
THE ART OF BRUSHES | Edwin Hamilton
TAKE EXCELLENT CARE: HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR MUSICIANS | Don Braden
JAZZ SCAT LANGUAGE | Dr. Tish Oney
IMPROVISATION AS COMPOSITION | Amos Hoffman
SHARPEN YOUR AUDITION SKILLS | Aimee Nolte
HOW TO LEARN AND REMEMBER TUNES | Sam Edwards
PRACTICE PAD MEDITATION | Justin Varnes
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TIME FEEL | Nicki Parrott
MELODIES, FORMS, AND SOLO IDEAS FOR THE BASSIST | Shannon Hoover
THE SONG IS YOU | Jay Ware
THE FLOW STATE | Travis Shaw
MASTERING PIANO CHORDS AND VOICINGS | Kevin Bales
COMPOSING & ARRANGING | Dick Goodwin
LAYERS OF REHARMONIZATION | Nicholas Vlandis
BASSLINE CONSTRUCTION | Brett BelangerR
TUNEZ, TUNEZ, TUNEZ… | Trent Austin
MASTERCLASS WITH DAVE LIEBMAN
