Webster University Camp Swings With All That Jazz

Jazz music grabs some musicians and never lets go. If jazz is your bag, Webster University is calling all cool cats to a jazz combo camp for high school, college and adult students starting Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 15, at its campus in Webster Groves.

The intensive curriculum includes master classes for specific instruments, ensemble rehearsals and classes in music theory and jazz styles. Seminars will also delve into big band techniques, rhythm section playing, music technology, composition, music business, Latin music and jazz history.

That's a lot of education and experience packed into five days with a cost of only $225. “It's a fair price,” said Paul DeMarinis, director of the camp and Webster's director of jazz studies, associate professor of music and an accomplished saxophonist.

Local jazz fans are most likely familiar with DeMarinis. He plays gigs around town with several groups and performs with the St. Louis Symphony as well as with the orchestra at the Fox Theatre. In addition, DeMarinis has performed in ensembles backing up big names such as Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Doc Severinson and Nancy Wilson.

The concept of holding camps to teach jazz skills in not an unfamiliar one. “We've been doing this at Webster probably for 20 years,” DeMarinis said. “There's a precedent. Other schools have jazz camps. It's for anyone who wants to learn.”

There are some requirements. You must be able to read music and have your own axe—that's an instrument for you non-hipsters—and drummers must bring their kits and guitarists must bring their amplifiers. If you're going to be a freshman in high school in the fall of 2011, you need a letter of recommendation from your primary instructor. Jazz vocalists are also welcomed.

What is it about jazz that makes it such a vital American art form? "I think it's the openness of emotion and the improvisational element,” DeMarinis said. “The rhythm. That's what defines the way it swings. It's open. It's vigorous.”

DeMarinis said that jazz is particularly well suited to the structure of combos. “It's an informal music, but it can thrive in small combos,” he said.

The goal of the camp is to improve improvising skills and overall musicianship of participants, as well as develop a greater awareness of a variety of jazz styles. Students also have the unique opportunity to perform with jazz combos, a mini big band and a jazz choir in a gala concert Friday, July 15 at 7pm.

The instructors at the camp include most of the Webster University jazz teachers, experienced musicians in their own right who are active in the local jazz scene and have received national recognition and various awards. The camp also features guest instructors, yet to be announced.

Students must reserve their place by Friday, July 8, with a non-refundable deposit of $25. Rhythm section instruments—pianists, guitarists, bassists, and drummers—are encouraged to reserve their spots as early as possible to avoid duplication of instruments in any combo. Reservations area accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Educational material, as well as a limited number of scholarships are provided by the St. Louis Jazz Club, and the Webster Jazz Studies Program is also offering a limited number of scholarships. Students who need financial assistance should have their primary music instructor contact DeMarinis at 314-968-7039.

For complete information, including a list of classes and all instructors, you may view, download and print the Webster University 2011 Combo Jazz Camp brochure on the school's website.