2024 jazz camp
An upcoming camp will allow students to spend full days immersed in music.
Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz announced that its annual jazz camp will host youth from June 11 to 14, offering them a chance to learn from the best and jam with their peers.
The camp, which will take place at Messiah University, accepts students of all skill levels and with a variety of instruments, from saxophone to trombone, piano, guitar and several others.
“We really pride ourselves on the fact that it’s open to students of any ability,” said Camp Director Mark Hunsberger. “It’s really about helping to introduce young students to jazz.”
This year, students will learn from internationally renowned bassist and recording artist Rodney Whitaker, the camp’s spotlighted guest faculty member. Hunsberger described him as a “living legend” and noted that students will get to learn from him and attend his concert.
Additionally, students will take classes in music theory, jazz history and improvisation and participate in listening classes, rehearsals and jam sessions with peers.
High school student and saxophone player Ian Brookmyer has attended jazz camp for six years and sits on the Central PA Friends of Jazz board as a student representative. Brookmyer said that, when he first attended camp, he was in the beginner skill level group and now is in the top ensemble.
“It’s certainly helped me a lot in allowing me to advance,” he said. “You’re basically playing all day long for four days.”
Brookmyer plans to go to college to study music education, a goal that he said was further encouraged by his years at the camp.
The program is open to students ages 12 through 18.
Hunsberger said that the camp also helps connect campers to private lessons, further education and other opportunities. Many camp alumni have gone on to pursue musical careers and passions, he said.
“It’s incredible that we create space for them to be immersed in the jazz experience,” he said.
For more information on the Central PA Friends of Jazz camp, visit their website.
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