Jazz Camp
Each year, SCC is proud to host our summer Jazz Camp, which introduces promising musicians to big band sound and some of the top jazz performers and educators in the country. Our program features classes in improvisation and ear training, instrumental master classes, and big band rehearsals with rhythm sectionals and combos. Participants will enjoy lunch-and-learn sessions with guest faculty as well as performances each afternoon.
Students of all ages learn the musical styles and technique of big band sound.
Afternoon concerts by the program's renowned faculty are one of the highlights of summer.
Jazz Camp is open to students grades 7 and up—including high school and college students and community members—who have at least one year of training in their instrument. Participants should bring their own instruments, including amps & cymbals (excluding drums).
We are also excited to offer a Jazz Camp-Educator Track program, led by Dr. Christopher D. Azzara. Learn more below.
- Tuition: $449
Group rates are available please contact performingarts@stchas.edu. - Scholarships: A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Contact Jim Martin, SCC Jazz Camp Director for more information.
- Lunches: You may pre-order lunch for the week for an additional $60. Select options are offered and must be ordered by June 3.
June 9-14, 2024
Sunday, June 9: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday, June 10-14: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
End of Camp Concert: Friday, June 14 at 4:00 p.m.
Family members, teachers, and friends are encouraged to attend the end of camp concert on Friday, June 14. Support our students as they demonstrate their skills and share the stage with some of today's hottest jazz musicians!
This summer's Jazz Camp-Educator Track program will be led by Dr. Christopher Azzara, the Eisenhart Professor of Music Teaching & Learning at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. Azzara's musical practive focuses on the role of improvisation and creativity, whether in jazz or classical styles.
Participating educators will observe Dr. Azzara instructing SCC Jazz Camp students in two 75-minute sessions, which will be followed by two 75-minute faculty Q&A sessions addressing specific pedagogical ideas that he uses in his groundbreaking teaching. Participants can earn up to five professional development hours (with district approval).
Participants are also welcome to attend all afternoon concerts by the SCC Jazz Camp Faculty each afternoon.
Sessions: Wednesday, June 12 & Thursday, June 13, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuition: $200
2024 Jazz Camp Faculty
Bijon Watson
An internationally renowned, Grammy-winning trumpet artist, Watson's work spans television, film, and many notable performing arts groups, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the Cincinnatti Pops Orchestra and San Diego Symphony.
Mary Fettig
A retired member of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Fettig teaches at St. Mary’s and Diablo Valley Colleges. She has recorded and toured with such greats as Stan Kenton, Marian McPartland, Tito Puente, Flora Purim, and Airto.
Christoper D. Azzara
An innovator in the art of music teaching and learning, Dr. Azzara is the Eisenhart Professor of Music Teaching & Learning at the University of Rochester. He has taught and performed extensively across North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and the Caribbean.
James A. Martin
An associate professor at SCC and a member of the St. Louis Brass Ensemble., Martin has played with the Buddy Rich Big Band, Orchestra del Maggio Musical, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and others.
Gary W. Brandes
Co-director of the Route 66 Jazz Orchestra, Brandes taught for many years at Lindenwood University and UMSL, where he served as Director of Bands. He was inducted into the Missouri Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 2019
Rick Haydon
A professor emeritus and former director of Jazz Studies at SIUE, guitarist Rick Haydon has served on the summer faculties of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Band Director Academy and performed widely across the country.
Brett Stamps
A professor emeritus of at SIUE, trombonist Brett Stamps founded the university's Jazz Studies program. He has performed worldwide with the Stan Kenton Orchestra and the U.S. Army Field Band and recorded three albums.
Dustin Shrum
The director of bands at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School and trumpet and jazz studies faculty at Jefferson College, Shrum has performed with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Jazz St. Louis Big Band, and others.
All programs are held on the SCC campus in the Shook Theatre Building. For more information, email James A. Martin.