Curriculum/Activities

Vocal Jazz History
Discussion of various vocal jazz styles within the jazz tradition, including blues, mainstream, bebop, avant-garde and contemporary styles, with musical examples of representative artists.

Jazz Vocal Technique
The transference of fundamental singing technique (breath support, resonance, agility, etc.) into effective jazz vocal technique (ie,appropriate use of vibrato, phrasing, and articulation) to enhance performance and/or enlarge vocal capabilities.

Vocal Jazz Improvisation
Deals with various rhythmic, melodic and harmonic improvisation concepts and techniques utilized by the jazz vocalist, both with and without lyrics.

Artist Master Classes
Covers topics of relevance to all vocalists who function within the jazz idiom: ie, key selection and transposition, lead sheet preparation, microphone technique, working with a rhythm section, repertoire development, etc.

Music Theory
An approach to music theory specially tailored for use by the jazz vocalist. [3 levels]

Solo Performance Rehearsals
The application of skills and concepts acquired throughout the week to repertoire selected by the student for performance on the final concert; includes rehearsal time with the staff rhythm section.

Faculty Concerts
An integral part of the curriculum is a series of vocal faculty concerts presented  each evening, Monday through Thursday, during the camp.

Student Jam Sessions
Informal after-hours jam sessions give participants the opportunity to sing for one another with a student rhythm section.

Final Performance
The week's activities will conclude with a final concert at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, in which all camp participants will perform with the staff rhythm section.