Come play in the ensemble, improvise in small group settings, and learn from professional jazz musicians and instructors. These camps are a great opportunity to accelerate your knowledge of jazz music, and your abilities on your instrument. Students will develop their sectional and listening skills, gain new ideas for improvisation, and learn how to apply these skills on stage. Special guests will also be appearing at the camp to give presentations and perform with the students.

WEEK 1: beginning (July 5-9): Interested in jazz music but don't know where to start? The Jazz Academy at The Shedd is a perfect place to get your feet wet, and maybe soaked, in the fundamentals of jazz. Students will work with jazz standards such as, “Killer Joe” by Benny Golson, “All Blues” by Miles Davis, and “C-Jam Blues” by Duke Ellington. Be sure to bring your instrument as we cover the basics of jazz history, form, theory, and even make some music ourselves. With help from some fantastic local jazz musicians, you'll hear and experience first-hand what this music is all about. Come join us and you'll be jamming in no time.

WEEK 2: intermediate/advanced (July 18-22): Want to take the next step as a jazz musician? Come to the Jazz Academy Week 2 at The Shedd and we'll provide the tools and methods to take your playing up an octave. Through activities such as focused listening, studying jazz theory, and improvising in the ensemble. Students will accelerate their playing skills and knowledge of jazz music with great, well known, jazz songs such as, “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin, “Blue Bossa” by Kenny Dorham, and “All The Things You Are” by Jerome Kern. Local professionals will appear throughout the week to provide specialized expertise during this intensive jazz experience. Join us and let's make some music!