Offerings at camp include performance, improvisation, jazz history, music theory, composition, music business, big bands, ear training, sightreading, piano for
non-pianists, and jam sessions. New this summer -- a college prep course taught by Doug Munro (Professor of Music at SUNY Purchase College and founder of their Jazz Program) and lecture series entitled “Contemporary Jazz and Its Cultural Roots.” This course will enhance the Camp’s current educational offerings by providing a cultural context for the music our students are studying and playing.

Students ages 13 to adult are welcome at any achievement level. Placement evaluations take place at registration. Private lessons are also available.

On Wednesday, July 25 from 7-9 PM, the camp will offer, free of charge to all interested parties, it’s 5th Annual Jazz College Fair with representatives from Berklee College of Music, Chicago College of Performing Arts, Eastman, Hartt, Manhattan, NEC, New School, Oberlin Conservatory, SUNY Purchase, WestConn and others. The program allows students to explore higher education options.

Performance opportunities abound. Students perform publicly at the end of each weekly session and are invited to perform on the second stage at the Litchfield Jazz Festival which returns to its stomping grounds at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen, CT August 10–12. Campers attend the festival and clinics with festival stars. They also appear in various Kent Venues under the banner of Kent Has That Jazz from now through August 8.

This is a non-competitive program for instrumental and vocal students. All skill levels are welcome. The program runs for five weeks, July 8 –August 10, in five weekly sessions, and students may enroll for one or more sessions. More than 400 students are currently registered, but limited places are still available for Sessions 2 (July 15 – 20), 3 (July 22 – 27) and 4 (July 29 - August 3). Tuition ranges from $960 for a one-week day student stay to $3650 for a 3-week boarding student which is what would still be available at this time.

*Photo Credit: Greg Laird.

As a bonus, we have a 4 pack of tickets to give away for the Litchfield Jazz Festival. Yep, that's right, we are giving away tickets again! In case you didn't know, The Litchfield Jazz Festival returns to the Goshen Fairgrounds in the Northwest Corner on August 10th-12th. The weekend includes a Gala, Jazz Party & Live Auction, three days of music, fine art and handmade crafts, fantastic food, wine and beer, Litchfield Jazz Camper performances and After Parties & Jams. The line-up features The Four Freshmen, Vine Giordano & The Nighthawks, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Miguel Zenon and much more. Pick a seat under the tent or picnic on the lawn. Special kid’s activities this year include a Kids Craft Tent, a movement class and simple instrument making.

The Prize: 4 adult lawn tickets to the Litchfield Jazz Festival held in Goshen at the Goshen Fairgrounds. August 11th or 12th - you pick the day. Children under 12 are free on the lawn. Value: $116.

How to Enter: To enter the contest you must subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and be a facebook fan. Leave a comment on our facebook page under the giveaway post OR under this post. Comments must be entered by 12pm on Sunday, July 15th. Winner will be drawn at random and notified the same day. Please leave your contact information when you email. If you do not respond to our email notification within 24 hours, another winner will be drawn. Email addresses of entrants will not be collected, sold or otherwise abused.

P.S. Go ahead, enter, you really do have a good chance of winning!

Find out more about the festival on the Litchfield Jazz Festival website which includes the line up schedule.