Where, When, Who and How much?

Q:What are the dates of this years Sacramento Trad Jazz Camp?
A: The dates for the 2006 youth camp are July 30-August 5. This years dates of the Sacramento Trad Jazz Adult Camp are August 7-12, 2006.

Q: How much does camp cost?
A: Youth camp (ages 12-18) costs $525.00 if paid by June 15 $575.00 after that date; adult camp (19 or older) costs $650.00.

Q: What does this include?
A: This fee includes 3 meals per day in the school cafeteria (vegan options available), on-campus housing, all study materials and access to all classes. There are no other charges/fees.

Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: The STJS has a limited amount of scholarship funds for which you may apply . It is a good idea to check with your local traditional jazz society first. Write to STJS for a jazz society to contact in your area.

Q: Where is the Camp held? What is the first thing I do when I arrive?
A: The camp is held at The Sly Park Education Center (see map)at 5600 Sly Park Road, Pollock Pines, CA. 95726. From Sacramento, take Highway 50 and take the Sly Park Road exit. At the bottom of the exit ramp go south on Sly Park Road. Proceed past Jenkinson Lake. Soon you will see the Sly Park Education sign (and drive way) on the north side of the road. Enter the drive way and proceed to the Administration building (first building on your left) and sign in. (See this Yahoo Map) or (See this MapQuest Map)

Q: What instruments are accepted at camp?
A: Vocals, Trumpet (Cornet), Clarinet, Saxophone, Trombone, Piano, Banjo or Guitar, Bass or Tuba and Drums are accepted.

Q: What age groups are accepted?
A: Ages 12-18 should apply to the Youth camp. Ages 19 and older should apply to the Adult camp.

Q: How many students are accepted?
A: 10 per instrument. (10 vocalists, 10 trumpets, etc.) for a total of 90 campers.

Q: How many student bands are created from the campers?
A: 10, with nine campers in each; one from each instrument category.

What Should I bring?

Q: What do I need to bring to camp?
A: Please see The Bring List.

Q: Should I bring a music stand?
A: No. Music stands are provided at each site.

Q: What should horn players bring to camp?
A: Bring your horns and all accessories needed to operate your instrument. No tubas are provided.

Q: What if my horn breaks, or needs some repair/adjustment?
A: We have an instrument repair person at camp, who not only fixes instruments, but teaches a class on maintenance and minor repairs.

Q: Do guitarist and bassists need to bring amps?
A: No. Amps are supplied for all in each venue. No string basses are provided.

Q: Do guitarists and bassists need to bring audio cables?
A: Yes.

Q: What equipment should drummers bring?
A: Bring sticks, brushes, cymbals and any other additional paraphernalia you wish (extra cymbal stands, cowbells, etc.) Drum kits are provided, with snare, mounted tom, floor tom and bass drums; high-hat stand, throne and bass drum pedal, and two cymbal stands.

Q: Do pianist need to bring a keyboard?
A: No. There are pianos or 88-key keyboards in each venue.

Q: Do vocalists need to bring a p.a. system?
A: No. Amplification systems are provided at each venue. They range in size from large concert systems to small amps with a single mic.

Q: What should the vocalists bring?
A: Vocalists are required to bring some kind of audio recording device. Small tape recorders, mini-disc players, laptop computers or WAV/Mp3 recorders are all acceptable recording devices. These are used to record the vocalists performance and rehearsal material.

Q: What should I bring for recreation?
A: See our recreation page. and The Bring Page.

Q: I play several instruments. Can I bring them?
A: Yes. It is important to note however, that the instrument that you are accepted on is the instrument you must play in your band assignment. You may play your doubles in the nightly jam sessions or in your band with your instructor's consent, and then only as an adjunct to your main instrument.

Q: Do I need to bring any music?
A: No. The camp provides all materials for all classes. If you have fakebooks or other music you like to play you may bring them with you and use them at the jam sessions.

Meals

Q: Where, and when, do we eat?
A: Meals are served in the Sly Park Cafeteria 3 times a day: 7:30am, noon and 5:30pm. The cost of your meals are included in your tuition. Visiting guests and family are charged for meals.

Q: What do we eat?
A: Balanced meals are served from a variety of cuisine styles, every meal is different and none are repeated. You can expect classic breakfasts and standard lunch fare. Dinners usually include an entree and a variety of vegetables. Eat as much as you want, no one goes hungry. Vegan options are always available, however, please email the kitchen staff with any and all dietary restrictions before your arrival at Sly Park.

Q: Do students participate in KP duty?
A: Yes. All students participate. (Don't worry, it's lots of fun)

Auditions-Applications

Q: Do I apply and audition to get accepted to this camp?
A: There is only an application process to gain acceptance. Auditions are held upon student’s arrival for placement purposes only.

Q: What is the application process?
A: See our application page.

Q: What is the audition process?
A: The audition process has 3 steps: Step 1 is a theory test. Step 2 is a jam session audition, usually on the blues. Step 3 is an individual audition with your instrumental instructor.

Q: When should I apply?
A: ASAP! Certain instrument slots fill up fast. The earlier you apply, the more likely your acceptance to camp.

Q: Where and when do the auditions take place?
A: The first 2-steps of the audition process takes place at Sly Park on the first day of camp. The 3rd step takes place on the morning of the second day of camp.

Q: What should I prepare for my audition?
A: The audition is improvisation oriented so prepare a jazz tune or jazz solo to play. Be ready to play some scales, intervals and chords. Preparing a classical piece is acceptable but only as an addition to a jazz study.

Q: Is there a sight-reading involved?
A: Very little sight-reading is involved.

Q: What happens next?
A: After the auditions students are placed into a theory class and into a jazz band

.Education

Q: What can I expect to learn?
A: The focus of this camp is best described as old school jazz. Students form stylized jazz bands and rehearse a repertoire based on transposed lead sheets. Dixieland ensemble fundamentals are stressed as well as solo improvisation. Music theory, especially harmony, is addressed as it applies to playing in this style. The bottom line is that the camp is primarily about improvisation - both solo and ensemble.

Q: Where do the classes take place?
A: There are 10 venues in which classes are held. Some are in a standard classroom while others are held out doors.

Q: What kind of subjects will I study?
A: Based on the outcome of their auditions, students are placed in a jazz band with peers of comparable ability. In addition, students are placed in beginning, intermediate or advanced theory classes. Also, students are expected to attend semi-private lessons with their instrumental instructor and also instrumental sectionals and master classes.

Q: Is there time for individuals to practice during the day?
A: Yes. Late afternoons are free for recreation, practice, extra rehearsals, jam sessions or rest.

Q: How much playing will I get in?
A: A lot! Student jazz bands rehearse 3-4 hours per day and perform almost every night at the Abe Most amphitheatre. Add to this private lessons, theory classes, sectionals and jam sessions and students can expect to play a great deal.

Q: Are there jam sessions?
A: Yes! Formal jam sessions take place after the nightly concert and usually last until lights out. There are always several instrumental jams going on at once and the vocalists have their own jam room. Informal jam sessions sometimes start up somewhere around the campus during the recreation period in the late afternoon.

Faculty

Q: Who are the faculty at camp?
A: Please see our "Meet The Faculty" page.

Q: Will I get a chance to jam with faculty?
A: Yes. Faculty members participate in the nightly jam sessions.

Q: Will I get to hear the faculty?
A: Yes! At least one of the two faculty bands plays at the nightly concert.

Counselors and Chaperones

Q: What is the difference between a counselor and a chaperone?
A: Chaperones are adult supervisors who are ensure that campers are safe, on time to activities, and conducting themselves appropriately. Counselors are usually college age people who have been through the camp program. Counselors help students with musical problems, perform clinics and help with other camp functions. Some years the counselors have formed their own band for the duration of the camp and performed at one of our nightly concerts.

Q: How many counselors does the camp have?
A: It varies from year to year but generally anywhere from 6-12.

Q: How many chaperones does the camp have?
A: There is one chaperone for each 8 campers.

Q: Are any of the staff medically qualified?
A: Yes. At least one nurse is on campus 24/7. There is a small infirmary in the administration building.

Q: Can I volunteer to be a counselor or a chaperone?
A: Yes. Contact camp director Bill Dendle at: [email protected]

Communication

Q: How can I contact a camper in an emergency?
A: There are three phone numbers on the premises:
Sacramento Camp phone 24/7: 530-644-3488
Sly Park School phone 9:00am - 5:00pm: 916-228-2485 or 530-644-2071

Q: Are campers allowed to bring cell phones?
A: Yes. Please keep them turned off during classes and performances.

Q: Is there cell phone signal at Sly Park?
A: Yes and no. Sly Park is in a very rural area so cell signal is sketchy at best. Most people can find a signal somewhere on the campus.

Q: Does The Sly Park school campus have a web site?
A: Yes. The Sly Park web site is at SlyParkEnviromentalEducationCenter.Com

Q: Is there a phone students can use?
A: Yes. There is a pay phone outside the main education building.

Q: Are students allowed access to the internet while at Sly Park?
A: No.

Accommodations (Tour the cabins)

Q: What are the sleeping accommodations like?
A: There are two boy dorms and one girl dorm. For the adult camp there is an additional couples dorm. Each of the dorms is divided into quads with the bathroom facilities in the center. They have been described as “rustic”, but are clean and comfortable.

Q: How many students to each room?
A: Up to 8 students per room.

Q: What are the beds like?
A: Single beds. Some are bunk beds, some are standard.

Q: Where do I store my clothes?
A: Each dorm has several closets per room.

Q: What are the bath facilities like?
A: Each dorm has 6 individual showers, 6 sinks and 6 toilets.

Q: (Adult camp) Is there alternative housing available?
A: Yes. There are several motels in Pollock Pines. This only applies to the Adult camp and would be an added cost to the individual. This cost would not be included in your camp tuition.

How are students transported to and from the camp?

Youth campers must arrive in Sacramento (at the airport, bus or train station) before noon on July 30, 2006. They will be met, and transported to camp by STJS volunteers. Arrange departures for the evening of August 5, 2006 no earlier than 7:00 p.m from the Sacramento concert location. (The Dante Club) (Here is a map to The Dante Club) Parents droping off there kids at Sly Park should do so by noon on July 30, 2006. Parents who need directions to Sly Park should look at the map. (or..See this Yahoo Map)

Adult campers are expected to provide there own transportation to Sly Park and must arrive no later than 3:00 p.m on August 7, 2006. Have a look at the map. (or..See this Yahoo Map)

Where and when will the final concert held?

The Youth camp concludes with a concert on July 30, 2006 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at The Dante Club, 2330 Fairoaks Blvd. Sacramento, CA. (916-925-8230) Campers will be bused from the camp to the concert site, and at the conclusion of the performance, approximately 4:00 p.m., will either be picked up by parents/guardians, or transported to the airport, train station, or bus station for travel home. (Here is a map to The Dante Club)

The Adult camp final concert will be held at Sly Park in the Abe Most Ampitheatre on August 12, 2006 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m