FAQ
- What are Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps?
- What instruments are appropriate for jazz?
- How do I know if I'm good enough?
- What will I be doing during the week?
- What are the facilities like?
- What should I bring?
- How can I get more information?
- Why do tuition prices differ among camps?
What are Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps?
Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps are designed specifically for jazz players who want to spend a week playing, learning, talking, living and breathing jazz. They're jam-packed weeks of playing in small ensembles, big bands, and jam sessions, plus whatever informal groups you'd like to put together in the off-hours. They're places to learn jazz improvisation, theory and history, and to get better acquainted with your own instrument. And they're places where you'll be sharing music stands with people like you, who've decided to get away from their everyday cares to spend a little time doing what they love.
What instruments are appropriate for jazz?
Hey, if Steve Turre can win jazz awards playing conch shells, who are we to say? Specifically, we're looking for saxophonists, trumpeters, pianists, vibists, trombonists, clarinetists, flutists, guitarists, bass players and drummers. Vocalists, too. Bagpipers may want to think twice.
How do I know if I'm good enough?
The camp is open to any musician 21 or older. Campers of all ability levels have had a great time (our faculty are fine musicians and sensitive educators). You'll gain something from the camp regardless of your ability, and we'll work hard to place you in groups with others of similar ability and experience level. Reading music helps, especially for playing the "heads" of jazz tunes and for big-band playing. If you can keep your place in a typical A-A-B-A jazz tune, you'll be fine. If you can blow a decent solo along with an Aebersold CD, you'll thrive.
What will I be doing during the week?
A typical day goes something like this:
- 9:00 am - Rhythming
- 9:30 am - Jazz Theory and Aural Training
- 10:30 am - Big Band Rehearsal & Singers with Rhythm Section
- Noon - Lunch
- 1:30 pm - Jazz Small Groups & Singers with Faculty Piano Accompaniment
- 3:00 pm - Vocal & Instrumental Master Classes
- 4:00 pm - Special Topic Sessions
- 5:00 pm - Dinner
- Evenings - Jam Sessions, Guest Artist Concerts, Camper Concerts.
What are the facilities like?
Tritone At Nazareth College in Pittsford, New York (suburb of Rochester). A gorgeous suburban campus with air-conditioned classrooms and dorms and beautiful performance spaces. An ideal setting for focusing on jazz with other like-minded souls.
Tritone At Bjorklunden in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Picture an estate spread over 400 acres overlooking Lake Michigan in Door County, Wisconsin. Now picture yourself with your instrument, swinging like crazy. Bjorklunden is a gorgeous location for a week of jazz.
What should I bring?
Your instrument(s), staff paper, pens, pencils, clothing and personal effects. Digital recorders are optional but nice to have if you own one. Linens and towels are provided. Nazareth dorms are air-conditioned, but some dorms lack individual climate controls, so you may want to bring a sweatshirt for additional sleeping comfort. Although the dorms are suites, NO cookware or dishes are provided, not even a drinking cup. Bjorklunden provides just about everything you'll need except an iron and ironing board.
How can I get more information?
Call Bob DeRosa at (585) 377-2222 or e-mail.
Why do tuition prices differ among camps?
It’s simple. Tuition prices are determined by the cost of running the camp. The cost of transporting a great faculty and necessary equipment to a desirable location differs from camp to camp, with locations off the major airline routes tending to be more costly than transportation to larger cities.