Blues Alley “Summer Jazz Camp”
St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in SW Washington, DC
July 27 -August 7, 2026
9:30 am – 3:30 pm
subject to change
Greetings! My name is Michael Bowie, and as the Musical Director for the Blues Alley Jazz Youth Orchestra, I am excited to introduce you to our unique and innovative Jazz Language Camp. This camp is designed for students aged 11-18 who have a basic understanding of major and minor scales and are interested in exploring the world of jazz music.
At our camp, students learn through the oral tradition of jazz, focusing on listening and replicating rhythms and pitches used by jazz masters. The curriculum combines workshops, ensemble rehearsals, and individual study sessions, encouraging active participation and personal exploration of jazz music.
During the camp, students will participate in engaging workshops focused on jazz theory and improvisation, followed by ensemble rehearsals where they will collaborate on selected pieces. Individual practice sessions will allow for personalized exploration of jazz standards, complemented by daily listening exercises to reinforce their learning and deepen their appreciation of the genre. The week culminates in a final concert, showcasing the progress made by each student.
We look forward to an enriching and enjoyable experience for your child.
Daily Activities:
Combos
Students will use their devices and earbuds to listen to, and copy, melodies and solos from our list of jazz standards. They will utilize that which they have learned in practice with their combos.
Theory
We will take examples from what the students learned and examine how it fits over the structure of this song, also identifying the scales used in its construction.
Master Classes
Top professionals will give instruction on technique and share their stories as practitioners in the field of music.
Student Concert
August 7 4pm Saint Augustine’s church
What to Bring:
- Instrument and necessary accessories (amplifiers, cables)
- Pen and pad for notes
- Device to play music and earbuds
- Lunch (refrigerator available on-site)
- Portable music stand
- “Real Book” of jazz standards (6th edition)
- Backpack to organize materials
- Water bottle for hydration
- Study book of scales for their instrument
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In-Person (2 weeks) = $700.00
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In-Person (Week 1 only) = $400.00
Program Length: – 2 weeks Program Dates: Mondays through Fridays
July 27, 2024-August 7, 2026. Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm