The Maine Jazz Camp since 1979 has been introducing jazz to students from all over Maine and beyond. Each week over 50 students participate in Maine Jazz Camp in an atmosphere of campus living and jazz music, quickly assimilating its program of ensemble playing, improvisation and theory. Students are housed in a dormitory setting on the campus of the University of Maine at Farmington, located in the beautiful hills of western Maine, approximately a two-hour drive from Portland.
Ensembles - Upon arrival, students (after registration) are auditioned by faculty. On the following morning, all student ensembles are posted in the dorm lounge. Each ensemble is directed by a faculty member. As many as 8 or 9 ensembles of approximately 6-9 musicians each make up the jazz camp. Ensembles meet three times daily, working on jazz repertoire, improvisational concepts and ensemble playing.
Master Classes - All students attend a master class each day for one hour, working with student musicians who play the same instrument under the direction of appropriate faculty.
Clinics - In the afternoons, students will have a choice between ear training class and vocal ensemble. Also at this time there will be a jazz literacy class which may include a panel discussion, video/film on the history of jazz or faculty may discuss their personal musical experiences with the students. Additionally, students may have time over the course of their week to schedule a private lesson with an instructor at their mutual convenience.
Faculty Concerts - Every evening a concert featuring a different faculty member takes place on campus.
Student Concerts - On Friday evening and Saturday afternoon of each week, all student ensembles are featured in performance for family, the camp population and the general public. All concerts are video-taped and made available for purchase.
The faculty at Maine Jazz Camp are among the finest jazz musicians in the country and the world. They bring their musical expertise and share it within ensembles, master classes, and live performances. Frequent faculty includes...
Alan Ferber - Trombone
John Hebert - Bass
John Hollenbeck - Drums
Pete McCann - Guitar
Vardan Ovsepian - Piano
Ben Waltzer - Piano
Bill McHenry - Tenor Saxophone
John O'Gallagher - Alto Saxophone
Jeremy Udden - Soprano Saxophone
