Blue Lake’s Jazz Program is designed to challenge young artists of all proficiency levels by exploring the world of Jazz through a well-balanced curriculum focusing on ensemble work, studying the masters of the genre, and improvisational studies. Daily classes include full ensemble rehearsals of standard jazz band instrumentation, sectionals, technique class, and an improvisation and listening lab. Students are encouraged to refine their jazz improvisational skills throughout all classes.
The jazz program, offered Sessions 1 – 3, is open to intermediate and advanced jazz students, as well as less experienced musicians who are new to this uniquely American art form. Students will be grouped by experience and ability after submitting a placement video prior to arrival.
During High School Sessions (1 and 2), the most advanced students will be placed in the Jazz Combo. This small ensemble will challenge members to refine their improv styles and techniques within a combo format as students prepare for their final performance. Daily jam sessions as well as seminars on a range of jazz-centric and music business topics compliment their daily schedule. The student jazz combo will also experience a recording session in the studios of Blue Lake Public Radio near the conclusion of the session.
Students can complete their instructional day by choosing a Minor, allowing them to experience another area of interest while at camp. Students also have the opportunity to attend Summer Arts Festival performances, as well as participate in recreation, camp activities, and attend arts-focused educational events in the evening.
Blue Lake International
During the summer season, each jazz student will have the opportunity to apply for the International Jazz Ensemble, which will tour Europe during the following summer as part of Blue Lake’s International Exchange Program.
Jazz Conductors 2026
Session 1
Birdland Combo – Dr. David Detweiler, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Vanguard Jazz Band – David Jensen, Royal Oak Schools, Royal Oak, MI
Blue Note Jazz Band – Dominic Bierenga, McCourt’s Music Instructor, New Baltimore, MI
Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Kerry Moffit, retired USAF, Newport News, VA
Session 2
Vanguard Jazz Band – Kerry Moffit, retired USAF, Newport News, VA
Blue Note Jazz Band – Walter Harris, NYC Department of Education, New York City, NY
Preservation Hall Jazz Band – David McCormick, USAF Band of Flight, Centerville, OH
Session 3
Blue Note Jazz Band – TBA
Preservation Hall Jazz Band – TBA
David Jensen
Jazz Department, Chair
David Jensen received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Central Michigan University and a Master of Music Performance Degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music in Trombone Performance. Currently on staff at Royal Oak High School, Mr. Jensen has been in Royal Oak for twenty-seven years and has taught at all levels in the Instrumental Music Program. Mr. Jensen serves the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) on the District IV Executive Board, as well as state level committees. In addition to teaching, Mr. Jensen maintains an active performing career. He has performed at every major venue in the Detroit area and extensively throughout the state in commercial groups, regional orchestras, chamber groups, and jazz groups. Currently, he plays trombone and trumpet with “Skyline and the Backstreet Horns,” a premier R&B “Horn Band” in the Detroit area, and lead trombone in the award winning Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra. When given the chance to “take five,” Mr. Jensen is likely in the kitchen “improvising” his next culinary masterpiece, on the golf course “swinging” for the green, or taking a “ride” on one of Michigan’s beautiful cycling trails. Mr. Jensen has been on the Jazz Faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for nearly two decades and is the Jazz Department Chair. The summer of 2024 was his seventh tour as the Blue Lake International Jazz Band Director.