Woodwind players need to know 5 major scales well (C, F, Bb, G, D). If they are internalized, that’s best. If you know more, you’ll have an even better time at camp since you’ll have more tools in your jazz toolkit. The faculty works with all levels simultaneously.

Keyboard players need to know 5 major scales (C, F, Bb, G, D) and be familiar with 5 dominant chord symbols: C7, F7, Bb7, G7, D7. If you see C7, for example, this means the notes C-E-G-Bb (Dominant 7th chord). If you don’t know this, there is still time to study up. If you already know dominant chords, you could brush up on minor 7th chords, etc.

Guitarists need to know 5 major scales (C, F, Bb, G, D) and be familiar with 5 dominant chord symbols: C7, F7, Bb7, G7, D7. If you see C7, for example, this means the notes C-E-G-Bb (Dominant 7th chord). If you don’t know this, there is still time to study up. If you already know dominant chords, you could brush up on minor 7th chords, etc.

String Players: We encourage violin, viola and bassists to attend Jazz Camp. You’ll need to know 5 major scales well (C, F, Bb, G, D). If they are internalized, that’s best. If you know more, you’ll have an even better time at camp since you’ll have more tools in your jazz toolkit. The upper String Teacher, Katie Wreede, will be teaching through Friday. After that, you’ll join the larger ensemble or Bill Douglass’ bassists.

Drummers need to have a good sense of rhythm. Drum kit players need to bring their own set unless special arrangements are made. Drummers, please listen to the great drum masters of jazz. The drum is the central instrument in jazz! And listen to the relationship of drums and bass.

Vocalists can either use the songs Brady McKay, our new vocal teacher, will bring or you can bring your own favorite tunes (also bring the sheet music in your key).
If you want to email Brady with a question, (please put Sierra Jazz Camp in the Subject Line).

THE JAZZ CAMP DAY

The Faculty will play a few tunes to get listening and us warmed up.

Then we’ll work on a couple of simple jazz tunes (mostly the blues which has a simple form), guiding each person to simple and effective basic improvisation.

We may split into sectionals depending on what instruments and how many people attend camp, Guitarists with the Guitar Teacher, violinists with the String Teacher etc.

Lunch is provided and is part of the tuition. It’s always delicious and healthy. A typical lunch would be lasagna (both meat and vegetarian) and a salad bar, with dessert and drinks. Lunch can be eaten at the tables outside, or inside.

After lunch, we gather in the Music Room again to hear Open Mic (if you’re ready and willing) or a guest Musician play with the Faculty. Then the group again works on the jazz tunes introduced in the morning. We end the day at 3:30.

SUNDAY JULY 24 IS CONCERT DAY
Sunday we’ll all meet at the Horseman’s Clubhouse 10600 Bubbling Wells Road, Grass Valley. (It’s in Brunswick Basin). We’ll set up for our Concert at 1:30 and have a rehearsal. Lunch is at noon and the Public Concert is at 1:30. If you don’t want to participate in the concert, that’s okay, but you might find you want to by the end of camp. The Concert is always well attended by the community and is lots of fun. Young, old, seasoned musician or jazz beginners all love Jazz Camp. You can read their comments here.

See a photo album of the 2010 Jazz Camp and the Public Concert