Blue Lake International Exchange Program

During the summer sessions, each jazz major will have the opportunity to interview for the International Jazz Ensembles, which will tour Europe in the summer of 2013 as a part of Blue Lake’s International Exchange Program. The 2012 International Jazz Ensembles will be under the direction of Richard Fanning and Bill McFarlin. For additional information on this exciting opportunity, see the Blue Lake International Program.

Blue Lake's Jazz Program is organized with ensembles of standard Big Band instrumentation, in addition to smaller combos, and is designed to challenge students of all proficiency levels. Students are grouped by ability with the most advanced assigned to the Jazz Combo or Gold Band, while others are divided equally among the remaining ensembles. Enrollment is limited to specific jazz instrumentation needs, and students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The daily schedule for jazz students includes large ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, technique classes, three levels of improvisation, and a listening course. Students can complete their instructional day by choosing a Minor, allowing them to experience another area of arts interest while at camp. See minors for a complete listing of courses. Students also have the opportunity to hear various performances presented as a part of Blue Lake’s Summer Arts Festival, as well as participate in recreational activities and other camp events.

Advanced Jazz Combo Ensembles
Consisting of a rhythm section (piano, bass, and drums) plus three horns (alto or tenor sax, trumpet, trombone), the jazz combos will offer advanced jazz students the opportunity to hone their improvisation skills by focusing on performance within a small, specialized ensemble. Daily courses include: full rehearsals, listening, theory and improvisation, and technique. Acceptance is by audition on opening day of the session.

Jazz Conductors 2012

Session 1:  June 27 – July 8
Honors Combo—Tim Froncek, Muskegon, MI
Gold Jazz— Glenn Williams, Downers Grove, IL
Blue Jazz— James Sawyer, Kentwood, MI
Red Jazz—James Hughes, Berkley, MI

Session 2: July 11 – July 22
Honors Combo—Tim Froncek, Muskegon, MI
Gold Jazz—Dave Jensen, Royal Oak, MI
Blue Jazz— to be determined
Red Jazz—Eric Koppa, Arkdale, WI

Session 3:  July 25 – August 5
Honors Combo—Tim Froncek, Muskegon, MI
Gold Jazz—Jim Cooper, Fennville, MI
Blue Jazz—Michael Hunter, Traverse City, MI
Red Jazz—Jeff Uban, Champaign, IL

Session 4:  August 8 – August 19
Honors Combo—Tim Froncek, Muskegon, MI
Gold Jazz—Matthew Leder, Greeley, CO
Blue Jazz—Michael McLeod, Kentwood, MI
Red Jazz—Phillip Burkhead, Cincinnati, OH

High School
Grades 9-12 next school year

Session I: June 27 - July 8, 2012
Session II: July 11 - 22, 2012

 

Intermediate
Grades 7-9 next school year

Session III: July 25 - August 5, 2012
Session IV: August 8 - 19, 2012