Summer Jazz Camp

Summer Jazz Camp Hero Image

Sunday – Thursday

June 23-27, 2024

A joint program of Furman Music and the non-profit Greenville Jazz Collective, the camp is a unique experience designed to encourage High School students of all levels to fuel their jazz performance skills. Current 6th and 7th grade students considered by teacher recommendation.  Students will take daily classes in jazz theory, improvisation, and jazz history, and perform in a big band and/or jazz combo. The camp includes evening faculty recitals, social events, improvisation sessions and a final student concert. Students of all instruments can apply. Board or Commute.

Location: Furman University performing arts complex – Daniel Music Building, McAlister Auditorium, Nan Trammell Herring Music Pavilion.

Typical Day

  • 7:00 Breakfast
  • 7:45  Warm-up
  • 8:00  Camp Meeting
  • 8:30  Big Band Rehearsal / Rhythm section special topics class
  • 10:00 Jazz History / Listening class
  • 11:00 Improvisation Class
  • 12:00 Lunch / free time / lessons
  • 1:30   Combo rehearsal
  • 3:30   Master classes (separated by instrument)
  • 4:30   Big Band rehearsal / Rhythm section special topics class
  • 6:00   Dinner
  • 7:30 – 8:30pm Evening Recital
  • 8:30pm Jam Session
  • 10:00pm Dorm Meeting on each hall
  • 11:00pm  Lights out

Closing concert: 3pm, Thursday.  Free Admission.  Public invited.

Clinicians

The camp director is Dr. Olson, Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Saxophone at Furman University.  All instruction at the camp is provided by members of the Greenville Jazz Collective, a renowned non-profit organization that promotes jazz education and performance in the Upstate. Through its big band, original music series, guest artists, camps, school visits, and festivals, the GJC is the premier jazz organization in Greenville.

Fees and Registration

Register below starting February 1!

  • Residential Camper: $575
  • Commuter: $455
  • Complete the on-line application at the bottom of this webpage.
  • Check or Money Order: Complete the on-line application. Mail checks to address below, payable to Furman University Music.  Registration is not complete until payment is received.

Refund Policy

  • $100 non-refundable after April 1.
  • $200 non-refundable after May 1.
  • All fees due by April 30
  • No refunds after June 1.

G.J.C Scholarships & Other Scholarships

Need a bit of financial assistance?  The Greenville Jazz Collective would like to help. Contact Brad Jepson for more information jazzcamp@greenvillejazzcollective.com or call 864-214-6810.  See note below about how to register if you are applying for a scholarship. A minimum $100 deposit is required to hold your spot. In addition to the Greenville Jazz Collective, local music clubs, state music associations, school districts, booster clubs, churches and civic organizations offer competitive scholarships to study music during the summer. Investigate the options in your city – start by asking your teacher/director.

A $100 deposit is required to hold your spot until the scholarship funds arrive.  Select the ‘pay-off-line-by-check’ option when you register and mail your $100 check to the address below or call the music office to pay the deposit with card by phone 864-294-2118.  When the scholarship award is confirmed and funds in our hands, we will either refund the difference or invoice you for balance owed. All fees must be paid by April 30. Scholarship funds may be used for registration and on-campus housing/meals (room and board).

Checks payable to Furman University Music.

Mail checks to:

Summer Jazz Camp
Furman University Music
3300 Poinsett Hwy
Greenville SC 29613

Contact Us

Camp Director:

Dr. Matt Olson, 864-294-3284
matt.olson@furman.edu

Greenville Jazz Collective:

Brad Jepson, 864-214-6810
JazzCamp@GreenvilleJazzCollective.com

Administrator:

Emily Sweezey, Director of Administration and Operations,
Furman Music Department, 864-294-2118
furmanmusicadmin@furman.edu

Registration and Payment