This January, dozens of keen and talented young jazz musicians will descend on Katoomba for the annual JWA Summer Jazz Camp 2023 edition. The venue will be the Stay KCC convention site in a picturesque setting at the edge of the Jamison Valley and the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. This amazing location is close by the famous Three Sisters and Scenic World. Led by inspirational musical director John Morrison and camp leader Dr Saul Richardson, with a faculty of top jazz educators, and a stunning program, this camp is not to be missed.
About Jazz Camp, Bob Montgomery, master trumpet player and one of the USA’s foremost jazz educators, said
This is a wonderful workshop for young musicians wishing to learn the art of Jazz Improvisation. I highly recommend it for all levels of learning. One of the great programs in Australia.
John Morrison, Australia jazz drumming legend and one of this country’s most inspirational teachers said
Jazz Camp has played a significant role in the lives of aspiring young musicians for over three decades. Described by many students as a major turning point in their playing, the Jazz Camp experience is about discovering the real joy in self expression through music.
Clare, the mother of a recent jazz camper told us that her son
absolutely loved camp. He was very nervous going into it… He went knowing absolutely no one there and was really conscious of the fact that he didn’t have much experience in Jazz ensemble playing.
He has come home really enthusiastic and inspired. He said everyone was really positive and inclusive. He feels like he’s met many many people who are like him.
Similarly, Amanda wrote that her daughter
had a truly special time at Jazz Camp building strong friendships and making leaps and bounds with her improvisation on the sax.
We invite young musicians aged 10 to 20 to join us at Katoomba from Monday 2 to Friday 6 January. Players of pretty much every instrument are welcome (if unsure, just ask!). Singers are welcome: they work with Jacki Cooper through a special vocal program and also have the opportunity to sing with bands.
Summer Jazz Camp is the perfect size. It is large enough that students can play and socialize with peers in the same age-group or experience level. It is also small enough to create a nurturing community spirit where everyone is included.
Jazz Camp caters to students at every level of experience. There are groups for those who’ve never played jazz before right through to extremely advanced emerging professional players. Everyone’s welcome no matter where they are up to on their jazz journey.
The Summer Jazz Camp program is carefully designed so that every camper can benefit, be extended, and have fun. It’s not for complete beginners – campers should be able to play their instrument enough to join a school band or similar. And it is a jazz camp, so campers should be keen for a week of immersion in jazz music.
Registration for Summer Jazz Camp 2023 is open now. To read more details about the camp, click here. Booking will close when the camp is full or early November, whichever comes first.
If you are ready to book now, you can also go here to register now for Summer Jazz Camp.
