KUUMBWA SUMMER JAZZ CAMP 2007

The annual Summer Jazz Camp was held from June 18-28 on the campus of Cabrillo College. The 41 participants, grades 8-12, represented 18 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, Terrel Eaton and Steve Wilson. Assisting were rhythm coaches: Barbara Lopez, Bill Bosch, Zack Olsen, Gino Raugi, Emily Intersimone and horn coach Alex Kikuchi. 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:
 
“This is my first year of jazz camp and it’s been really cool because I have met all these new people. I’ve learned a lot about my instrument, how to play it and definitely how to improvise. It’s been a really great experience at jazz camp!” –Darby Bukowski - Saxophone, 11th grade, San Lorenzo High School

“This is my third year doing jazz camp. I think the most enjoyable part about it is every year I come back and learn something new. I am able to expand on my theory. I don’t listen to a whole lot of jazz unfortunately, but every time I do it gets me more inspired to try and work on it. It’s just a great experience. Steve and Terrel are great guys, great band directors, and Zach, and Bill, and Barbara, and Gino, and it’s just really fun working with such talented people. There are a lot of really great musicians that work here. It’s just a fun time!” –Austin Nickel - Guitar, 11th grade, Aptos High School

“For me it would have to be the soloing part... Like if you are in a school band, you’re probably not going to ever get a solo. Also, in these types of bands, everyone shines and everybody gets their own turn. The best way to learn jazz is to play it, and listen to it.” –Shamik Mascharak - Drums, 9th grade, Santa Cruz High School

“It was the best experience of my life, even better than last year!” –Nick Smiley - Saxophone, 9th grade, Baymonte Christian School