All that jazz… camp

James Wright is preparing to jazz up the Carleton campus. In August, he and fellow music professor and musician, Mike Tremblay are hosting the university’s first jazz camp for budding and experienced musicians.

The week-long camp will offer students 14 years of age and up an opportunity to fine tune both their skills and their instruments. After receiving lessons in jazz theory and ear training, students will have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills in informal jam sessions and through participation in both large and small combos and ensembles. They will also begin each day with masterclasses and private lessons taught by some of the finest jazz musicians in Canada.

Wright is enthusiastic about the camp.  “Jazz students of all ages want to grow and be challenged in their playing,” he said. “We have put together an extraordinary team of jazz experts who will not only inspire the students on a daily basis, but will assure that the students leave the camp playing, listening, and thinking about jazz on another level.”

Each day will conclude with a concert performed by Carleton faculty members and guest musicians in the Kailash Mital Theatre.  The week will culminate with a student concert. Tickets to each of the concerts will be available to the public.

Wright hatched the plan during a meeting with Tremblay, a well-known Canadian saxophonist, during a meeting to discuss possible new directions and initiatives for the performance division of the School for Studies in Art and Culture’s Music program.  When Tremblay outlined his vision for a summer camp dedicated to instruction in jazz, and listed some of the outstanding professional jazz musicians who had agreed to participate, Wright suggested Carleton sponsor and host the initiative.

“The camp is also guaranteed to be loads of fun – I know that lifelong friendships will be made here,” said Wright. “We’re pretty excited about launching the Carleton Jazz Camp project this year.  I am confident that it will be the first of many!”

The jazz camp will run from August 8 – 13, 2010. For more information visit http://www.carletonujazzcamp.ca/