Sunday - Friday, June 8 - 13, 2008

An entire week of jazz studies for middle and high school students featuring the Jim Widner Big Band and some of the biggest names in the business.  Camp participants will have daily master classes, jazz improvisation and theory classes, jazz combos and big band rehearsals and reading band sessions.  Jim Widner Big Band will perform nightly. Download the Jazz Camp Poster.

Application

Students who are 13 years or older, with a minimum of one year of study on their primary instrument, are encouraged to apply.  Applications are available by calling 515-961-1575, by e-mailing Dr. Dave Camwell, Jazz Camp Director, or you may download an application form or apply online.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition of $340 includes all classes, rehearsals and performances.
Tuition of $410 includes all classes, rehearsals, performances and 16 meals in Pfeiffer Dining Hall.
Tuition of $480 includes all classes, rehearsals, performances plus five nights lodging in air-conditioned residence halls and 16 meals in Pfeiffer Dining Hall.

 

2008 Jazz Camp Photo

Daily Schedule

8:30 am        Jazz Theory
9:30 am        Big Band Rehearsals, Sectionals
11 am           Master Classes
Noon             Lunch
1 pm             Improvisation Classes
2 pm             Big Band Rehearsals, Sectionals
3:30 pm        Student Combos/Free time
5:30 pm        Supper
7:30 pm        Camp Meeting
8 pm             Evening Concert

Camp Directors
Dr. Dave Camwell, Executive Director, Simpson College Jazz Studies Director
Jim Widner, Artistic Director

Big Band Members and Camp Instructors (2007 Camp)

Saxophone
Kim Richmond, alto- Stan Kenton, Louie Belson, Les Brown
Dave Pietro, alto - Toshiko Akiyoshi, Maynard Ferguson
Dave Camwell, tenor - Kristian Alexandrov, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
Pete Gallio, tenor - Woody Herman
Gary Anderson, baritone - Woody Herman

Trumpet
John Harner - Stan Kenton, Louis Bellson
Mike Vax - Stan Kenton, Clark Terry
Jim Oatts - Stan Kenton
David Scott -  Clark Terry, Gerry Mulligan, Bobby Shaw

Trombone
Paul McKee - Woody Herman, Louis Bellson
Brett Stamps - Stan Kenton, SIU Edwardsville
Tom Matta- Ray Charles, Frank Mantooth Jazz Orchestra, Woody Herman
David Stamps -  St. Louis area band, Randy Brecker, Lou Marini

Rhythm
Ken Kehner, piano - Louis Bellson, Bobby Shaw, Buddy DeFranco
Jim Widner, bass -  Stan Kenton, Buddy DeFranco
Gary Hobbs, drums - Stan Kenton, Chic Corea
Bob Borgstede, guitar - Southwestern Illinois College, St. Charles Commuinity College

  

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When will I receive a confirmation letter in the mail?
   You will receive a letter APPROXIMATELY June 1st.
2. Where do the students stay?
   The students stay in the beautiful Simpson College dorms of Barker Hall. Rooms are typically two per a room, although there are a few three, and four-person rooms. Plan on rooming with one other jazz camper.
3. Can I pick my roommate?
   You can ask to room with someone, although no guarantees are provided. However, every effort will be made to accommodate the request. If you have not requested rooming with any specific person, roommates are typically selected based on sex (there are no girl-boy roommates), age, and instrument.
4. How much spending money do the students need?
   There are not many opportunities to spend money at the camp, with the exception of the social night (typically $5-10 on a trip to the movies) and on a wide selection of jazz resources, such as CDs and books. It is recommended to bring $10 specifically for the jazz camp jazz theory book.
5. Are the students watched in the dorms?
   Yes, there are jazz camp counselors/chaperones on each dorm floor to make sure no one gets into any trouble. At no time may girls enter boys’ rooms, and vice-versa.
6. How much free time do the students have?
   This camp has a lot of activities during the day that keep the students occupied. However, in the late afternoon there is a break, and the students are free to relax in their rooms after the nightly concert.
7. Is it too late for my son/daughter to attend Jazz Camp? 
   While certain instruments tend to fill up quickly, we are often able to find space for students even close to the camp's first day. However, it all depends on the instrument in question. I recommend applying online, and if there are any problems you will know shortly via email or phone.  We make every effort to accommodate every jazz camp application.
8. When is tuition due?
   You are welcome to pay the full tuition amount at any time prior to the camp, but we require full payment to be made no later than the first day of camp. For the 2008 jazz camp, tuition is typically collected at Registration, which is 12-noon, Sunday, June 8.
9. You haven't cashed the $50 deposit check yet. Does this mean my son/daughter may not be registered for camp?
   Due to administrative reasons, we don't cash individual deposit checks until we get a certain amount. This means that your check for $50, depending on when you send it in, may not be cashed for a few weeks. In no way does this mean that there is any problem with your son/daughter attending the camp. If there is any reason upon first registration that we do not have sufficient space in the camp, Dr. Camwell will let you know IMMEDIATELY.