SIUE Jazz Camp Teaches Creativity and History through Music
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Whether or not students become or want to become great musicians, the Jazz Camp at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is designed to teach self-esteem, imagination and music appreciation.
The Jazz Camp will conclude Friday with a concert from Noon-2 p.m. in Dunham Hall room 1109. The concert is free and open to the public.
“We want to build confidence and encourage students to think innovatively and creatively,” said SIUE Director of Jazz Studies Rick Haydon, who is a professor of jazz guitar.
Thirty junior high and high school students participated in the weeklong Jazz Camp at SIUE.
The students auditioned at the start of the camp and were placed in groups according to their skill level, ranging from beginner to advanced. In addition to Haydon, other SIUE faculty members instructing camp students included:
- Former SIUE Director of Jazz Brett Stamps, trombone
- Professor of Jazz Saxophone Jason Swagler
- Professor of Jazz Drums Miles Vandiver
- Professor of Jazz Trumpet Garrett Schmidt
- Professor of Jazz Bass Zeb Briskovich
- Professor of Jazz Piano Adaron Jackson
- Adam St. Clair, SIUE senior and jazz assistant instructor
“We have students who want to pursue a career as a jazz musician and some who are
here just for fun,” Haydon said. “What we try to do is educate the students on where the music came from and instill a sense of pride.
“Jazz is a national treasure,” he continued. “If some of these students get interested and support it, we can keep jazz alive.”
A sample of other camps and events available at SIUE this summer:
- Theater and Dance Summer Camp, June 1-12
- Engineering Camp week of June 7-12, June 21-26 and July 5-10
- Percussion Institute, June 8-11
- Children’s Writing Day Camp, June 8-19
- Cougar Showcase, June 12-14
- SIUE String Academy, June 15-19
- Comedy of Errors, June 19-21
- SIUE Healthcare Diversity Camp, June 22-26
- Band Camp, June 22-26
- Music Technology and Composition Camp, July 7-10
- Shrek the Musical, July 10-12, July 17-19
- Musical Theater Workshop, July 13-17
- Kindermusik Camp, July 13-16
- Odyssey Science Camp, July 20-31
- STEAM Camp (STEM + Art & Design), July 20-31
For more information:
siue.edu/artsandsciences/theater or call (618) 650-2774
siue.edu/artsandsciences/music or call (618) 650-3900
siue.edu/artsandsciences/art or call (618) 650-3071
College of Arts and Sciences: Central to SIUE’s exceptional and comprehensive education, the College of Arts and Sciences has 19 departments and 85 areas of study. More than 300 full-time faculty/instructors deliver classes to more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty help students explore diverse ideas and experiences, while learning to think and live as fulfilled, productive members of the global community. Study abroad, service-learning, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities better prepare SIUE students not only to succeed in our region's workplaces, but also to become valuable leaders who make important contributions to our communities.
Photo:
SIUE Director of Jazz Studies Rick Haydon plays a jazz piece with his students. From left to right: Chris Bishop of Swansea, Owen Cole of Granite City, Zane Balleydier of St. Charles, Mo.; and Chris Lott of Edwardsville.
