Jazz

2024 Calendar

HIGH SCHOOL
Grades 9-12 next school year

Session 1 June 26 – July 7
Session 2 July 10 – July 21

INTERMEDIATE
Grades 7-9 next school year

Session 3 July 24 – August 4

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.

New for 2024 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 next tour Europe during the summer of 2026, as part of Blue Lake’s International Exchange Program.

Jazz Conductors 2024

Session 1
Birdland Combo – Dr. David Detweiler, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Vanguard Jazz Band – Timothy Burke, Ferndale Middle School, Allen Park, MI
Basie Jazz Band – Kerry Moffit, retired USAF, Newport News, VA
Ellington Jazz Band – Dr. Thomas Polett, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI

Session 2
Birdland Combo – Greg Dudzienski, Chicago Academy for the Arts, Chicago, IL
Vanguard Jazz Band – Kerry Moffit, retired USAF, Newport News, VA
Basie Jazz Band – Dominic Bierenga, McCourt’s Music Instructor, New Baltimore, MI
Ellington Jazz Band – Stafford Hunter, independent & international musician, Denver, CO

Session 3
Basie Jazz Band – Walter Harris, freelance musician, New York, NY
Ellington Jazz Band – Kyrstin Jensen, Royal Oaks Middle School, Royal Oak, MI