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 2014 as a part of Blue Lake’s International Exchange Program. The 2013 International Jazz Ensembles will be under the direction of David Jensen 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 2013

Session 1:  June 26 - July 7
Birdland Combo - James Sawyer, Kentwood, MI
Gold Jazz - Glenn Williams, Downers Grove, IL
Blue Jazz - Max Colley,  Grandville, MI
Red Jazz - James Hughes, Berkley, MI

Session 2: July  10 - July 21
Birdland Combo - Tim Froncek, Muskegon, MI
Gold Jazz - Mike Hunter, Traverse City, MI
Blue Jazz - Scott  Anderson, Chicago, IL
Red Jazz - Eric Koppa, Arkdale, WI

Session 3:  July 24 - August 4
Honors Combo - Walter Harris, New York, NY
Gold Jazz - Jim Cooper, Fennville, MI
Blue Jazz - Michael McLeod, Kentwood, MI
Red Jazz - Jeff Uban, Champaign, IL

Session 4:  August 7 - August 18
Honors Combo - To Be Determined
Gold Jazz - Rich Fanning, Bethlehem, PA
Blue Jazz - Walter Harris, New York, NY
Red Jazz - Phillip Burkhead, Cincinnati, OH

High School
Grades 9-12 next school year

Session I: June 26 - July 7, 2013
Session II: July 10 - 21, 2013

 

Intermediate
Grades 7-9 next school year

Session III: July 24 - August 4, 2013
Session IV: August 7 - 18, 2013