KUUMBWA SUMMER JAZZ CAMP 2009

The annual Summer Jazz Camp was held from June 15–25 on the campus of Cabrillo College. The 43 participants, grades 8-12, represented 20 public, charter, and private schools throughout Santa Cruz County. These aspiring and dedicated young musicians studied and listened to jazz for nine days under the direction of Santa Cruz County music educators and professional musicians, Steve Wilson and Terrel Eaton. Assisting were rhythm coaches: Tom Bockhold, Barbara Lopez, Zack Olsen, Marshall Otwell, Gino Raugi, with a special appearance from Artist in Residence, Murray Low. Nick Bianchini and Emma Richter assisted as interns. Jazz Camp concluded with a joyfully successful, standing room only concert at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center attended by enthusiastic family, friends, and community supporters.

In their own words…

“Many, many thanks to you (Steve Wilson) and all the amazing teachers at Jazz Camp this year, who totally inspired Max. He probably soaked up more education and love of life in those two weeks than he did all of last year in 9th grade.
– Jazz Camp Mom

What was your favorite part of Jazz Camp?

 “Well, it ís all enjoyable, but I think my favorite part is just being able to play in the band setting, and perform the songs...tha tís probably my favorite part of it. ... I was inspired to go home and practice every day. I think I really improved a lot.” - Chris Youmans (Guitar, Grade 11)

“It was a lot of fun, singing, learning and doing harmonies. I really enjoyed learning about Jazz history and listening to different artists, but I pretty much enjoyed the whole time because I learned a lot. “ – Miri Becker (Vocals, Grade 10)

“The cookies were good, and then I really enjoyed listening to their [the faculty] jams. That was a real treat. You’d show up like, yeah! because they blew me away every time. It was really great.  – Simon Marino (Guitar, Grade 10)

Jazz Camp is generously supported by William and Cloy Codiga Family Foundation, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, Silent Gong Fund, Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County and Kuumbwa Jazz contributors. All the jazz campers send a special thank you to Pacific Cookie Company for their tasty donation of cookies.