Summer Music Camp

This camp is for the following instruments:

• Flute 
• Bass Clarinet 
• Clarinet 
• Euphonium (Classical and Jazz)
• Horn 
• Bass Trombone (Classical and Jazz) 
• Jazz Bass 
• Jazz Drumset 
• Jazz Guitar 
• Jazz Piano 
• Oboe 
• Percussion
• Saxophone (Classical and Jazz)
• Trombone (Classical and Jazz)
• Trumpet (Classical and Jazz)
• Tuba (Classical and Jazz)
• Jazz Combo Bb 
• Jazz Combo Eb 
• Jazz Combo Concert Key 
• Jazz Combo Requirements 

Musescore is a free professional music notation software that is accessible with NVDA and can be accessible with JAWS, with additional script installation. Campers who need assistance may download Musescore for free, open sheet music, and use the screen reader in this program to read the sheet music. Musescore has an accessibility handbook and guidelines for people using screen readers available here.

Electives are subject to change.

Classical Improvisation – Classical performers were the first to improvise! This course is for woodwind, brass, and percussion campers who want to learn how to create and improvise melodies on their instrument. Improvisation is not just for jazz! Campers will learn how to be creative and play their instruments WITHOUT having to rely on printed music. 

Conducting – This class gives students the opportunity to develop confidence on the podium and learn the basics of conducting and communicating with an ensemble. Students will learn to conduct the main beat patterns and will study representative works to hone their conducting skills.

Jazz Combo – This elective will be approved by completing a jazz combo audition upon arrival at camp. A combo is a small jazz group consisting of rhythm section (piano or guitar, bass and drums), and one to four horns. Jazz combo is for experienced players and strong improvisers. The audition consists of improvising on a prepared selection.

Jazz Improvisation – Learn practice techniques and jazz theory needed to successfully perform improvised solos. Campers will be placed in one of three levels based on their theory placement exam.

Jazz Jam Session – for students who don’t make a jazz combo but want to practice improvisation in a group setting with live musicians. Tunes will be learned, solos will be taken, FUN will be had!

Music Technology – Learn how to use music software to create sounds and compose music using samples, loops, and digital effects. Students will compose and record their ideas, leaving camp with a copy of their own creation. 

Saxophone Ensemble (NEW) – for years campers have asked to do more chamber music and ensemble pieces for saxophone, so here it is! In this elective campers will play small and large group saxophone pieces to work on intonation, blend, dynamics, style and phrasing.

World Drumming (NEW) – Learn about world percussion instruments and how to play them, while improving your overall sense of time and rhythm.

Sunday

1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.                Camper arrival, auditions, theory placement, and housing check-in

5:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.                Meeting for overnight campers

6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.                Dinner for overnight campers (parents and day campers welcome)

7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.                First Symphonic Band Rehearsal and Jazz Rhythm Section Class                                                                           (required for all campers)

Monday-Thursday

7:30 a.m.- 8:20 a.m.                Breakfast (overnight campers)

8:30 a.m.- 9:25 a.m.                Symphonic bands; Jazz Rhythm Section class

9:30 a.m.- 10:20 a.m.              Music Theory

10:25 a.m.-12:25 p.m.             Jazz bands; Classical Chamber groups

12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m.               Lunch (all campers – included)

1:30 p.m. -2:25 p.m.                Masterclasses (all instruments)

2:30 p.m.- 3:25 p.m.                Symphonic bands; Jazz Rhythm Section class

3:30 p.m.- 4:25 p.m.                Jazz Improv; Classical Improv

4:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.                Jazz combos; Music electives

5:30 p.m.- 6:15 p.m.                Dinner (extended day and overnight campers)

6:15 p.m.- 7:25 p.m.                Free Time

7:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.                Evening concerts (overnight and extended day campers):

Monday: Classical Faculty; Tuesday: Jazz Faculty; Wednesday: Camper Talent Show; Thursday: Camper Chamber Groups and Jazz Combos

Friday

8:30 a.m.- 9:55 a.m.                Symphonic bands Final Rehearsal/Jazz Rhythm Section class

10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.             Jazz Bands Final Rehearsal

11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.             Concert Prep/Dorm Packing

12:05 p.m.-12:50 p.m.             Lunch

1:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.                Final Camp Concert

Flute – Dr. Sarah Jane Young, UNF

Clarinet – Dr. Sunshine Simmons, UNF 

Double Reeds – TBD

Saxophone – Dr. Michael Bovenzi and Prof. Todd DelGiudice, UNF

Percussion – TBD

Trumpet – Dr. Randall Tinnin and Prof. JB Scott, UNF

Horn – TBD

Trombone – Dr. Clarence Hines, UNF

Euphonium, Tuba – Dr. Marc Dickman, UNF

Jazz Piano – Prof. Lynne Arriale, UNF 

Jazz Guitar – TBD

Jazz Bass – Prof. Dennis Marks, UNF 

Jazz Drumset – TBD

Symphonic Conductors: Dr. Erin Bodnar and Dr. Timothy Groulx

Jazz Band Conductors: Prof. JB Scott, Dr. Marc Dickman, and Dr. Clarence Hines

Jazz Improvisation: Prof. Barry Greene, Prof. Lynne Arriale, Dr. Marc Dickman 

Jazz Combos: Prof. Lynne Arriale, Prof. JB Scott, TBD 

Click the link below to access the Acknowledgelment, Indemnity, Waiver and Release of Liability for Participation in a Univeristy of North Florida Event for Minors form. 

Summer Camp Waiver*

*Check back in the coming week for an updated link. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Who is eligible to attend camp?

Students who have been playing symphonic and/or band instruments for at least one year and who are entering 8^th grade through high school graduates. This year we will have a one week of camp, and participants will be expected to perform the listed prepared material from the auditions page for their instrument and all 12 major scales.

Will I have to audition at camp?

Yes. All students attending the UNF Summer Music Camp will audition upon arrival for band chair placement and jazz band placement if applicable. All campers can participate in both types of large ensembles. Advanced improvisers may also audition separately for the camp Jazz Combos Classical small groups are also available on the registration form.

Why do I have to audition?

All students will be placed in an ensemble with other students at or near their level of playing ability. This will make the ensembles sound better and also helps the director to select appropriate music.

What will I play on the audition?

All students will be asked to play major scales and to sight-read. We want to hear that you know your scales and listen to your tone quality and range. You will be given a short excerpt to sight-read. All campers will play the required pieces located on the camp website audition page.

What else will I do at camp?

All campers will have daily masterclasses for their instruments and will take music theory class. Campers will also choose from a host of electives including: conducting, music technology, chamber music (small groups), jazz improvisation, and beginning piano. Each evening, extended-day and overnight campers will be treated to a faculty concert and will have the opportunity to perform for their fellow campers as well.

Is this a safe environment for my son/daughter?

Absolutely. All camp faculty and staff go through a rigorous screening process and campers will be monitored at all time. Camp staff will also be available by phone for parents to call should a problem arise.

How’s the food?

The food is awesome! Campers will dine at the Osprey Café, a buffet-style dining facility on campus that caters to all dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, etc…

Can I room with somebody I know?

Yes. If you know who you plan to room with in advance, list your desired roommate on your camp application. You may also e-mail Dr. Bovenzi with your roommate request.

Do I have to play in a jazz band?

No. You will indicate your ensemble preferences on the camp registration form and will be asked your preference again at auditions.

Do I have to play in a band/large ensemble?

Yes. Performing in a large ensemble is an important part of musical development. If your camper does not play a band instrument (jazz rhythm section only) then they will be exempt from playing in a large ensemble in the camp and will participate in jazz rhythm section class instead.

Do I have to take a music theory placement test?

Yes, the camp offers three or more levels of music theory. We want to place you with other students at or near your level of theory ability.

I play first chair at home and I was placed in a lower band. What gives?

Ensemble selection and chair placement rely a great deal on sight-reading. Because of time constraints we cannot spend a large amount of time with each student. The auditions are fair because each student is given the same amount of time and the same excerpt to read. The bands have a short amount of time to prepare for Friday’s concert and we need players of similar ability to make up each band.

I am in a class that is too hard/easy. Can I change classes?

Yes. We want you to feel comfortable. Once you attend your first classes, you will have the opportunity to make changes to theory and electives only.

I am in a band that I feel is too hard/easy. Can I change bands?

It is not easy for us to place you in a different band because of the instrumentation requirements of the ensembles. It is unfair to the other players to shift students who earned their chairs via audition.

What is a jazz combo?

A combo is a small jazz ensemble typically consisting of piano, bass, drums, guitar, trumpet, trombone and saxophone. It is for advanced players with jazz improvisation experience.

Can I play in a jazz combo?

There are a limited number of combo positions available. We are limited by the amount of rhythm sections attending the camp and playing ability. We do not feel it educationally sound to pair beginning rhythm sections with advanced horn players or vice versa. Combo is for advanced players and improvisers. See the Jazz Combo audition requirements on the camp website.

Why can’t I play in a band or a combo with my friends from my school?

To be fair to you and the other students, we have to rely the judgment of the faculty member that listened to the audition. Part of the fun of the camp is getting to know students from other schools. Lifelong friendships are made each year at the camp.

Can I leave campus to have dinner with a friend?

No. You can only leave with a parent or immediate family member. You must also check out with the camp director or head counselor.

Can I invite non-camper friends to hang out with me at the evening concerts?

Non-campers have no business being at UNF during the week of camp. They will be asked to leave.

What do I do if I play more than one instrument?

Unlike other music camps, we allow students to play more than one instrument. You will need to audition on each instrument that you want to play. Since jazz bands meet at the same time, you need to decide which instrument you prefer for jazz band. If you notify us in advance, you can attend different master classes on different days. For example; if a student plays saxophone and clarinet, they may attend saxophone class one day and clarinet class on another. They will play saxophone in a jazz band and clarinet in symphonic band. They can bring either instrument to improvisation class. Be sure to list both instruments on your camp application!

Can I bring my cell phone with me to camp and use it during the day?

Yes and no. You may bring your cell phone to camp and use it before and after daily activities. Cell phones are not permitted during camp courses and ensemble rehearsals. If you have a problem at camp, tell a counselor, don’t call someone far away!