March 15, 2024
Seiko Group Corporation
Seiko Group Corporation (Chairman & Group CEO, CCO: Shinji Hattori; head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; hereafter referred to as "Seiko") is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Seiko Summer Jazz Camp 2024, scheduled for August 12-16. As prime sponsor of the event, Seiko Group Corporation is proud to support another in this series of outstanding annual music events.
The Jazz Camp is a five-day program in which participants delve into jazz performance techniques, theory, and the art of musical enjoyment under the guidance of world-class jazz musicians. Established in 2016 and now in its ninth iteration, the camp has fostered numerous young talents poised to shape the future of Japanese jazz. Many alumni have gone on to become professionals or pursued further studies in the United States, the birthplace of jazz.
Participation in the Jazz Camp is free of charge. Participants will be selected by the instructors through a rigorous audition process.
Applications open on March 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. on the official Jazz Camp website:
https://www.s-summerjazzcamp.jp/
World-Renowned Jazz Virtuosos Lead Instruction
Our instructors are esteemed jazz musicians of the highest caliber, renowned worldwide for their expertise. Leading the team is Michael Dease, a two-time Grammy Award-winning trombonist. With nine instructors in total, each actively engaged in the global jazz scene, students benefit from personalized instruction in intimate class settings. Beyond technique and theory, our instructors impart invaluable insights on navigating the music industry and fostering a mindset conducive to success on the global stage.
Comprehensive and Diverse Lesson Program
The Jazz Camp spans five days, providing a wide array of lesson programs. There is a Master Class by Instrument, where each student receives detailed instruction tailored to their instrument; a Small Ensemble Class, where students rehearse assigned pieces in group settings; and a Big Band Class, which focuses on preparing for the final gala concert. Additionally, there is a Composition and Arrangement Class open to all students, and a general Master Class, where students explore jazz theory, techniques, and approaches taught by outstanding instructors.
One Grand Prize winner will get to study in the US, the birthplace of jazz!
On the final day, a gala concert will be held to showcase the results of the five days of lessons. After the camp, the Grand Prize winner, along with three Excellence Award winners, one Special Award winner, and three Yamaha Prize winners, will be invited to participate as guest performers in the Seiko Summer Jazz All-Star live tour led by the camp instructors. In addition, the Grand Prize winner will be invited to attend the Jazz Institute at Brevard Music Center in Brevard, North Carolina, USA, scheduled for June 2025. All expenses, including tuition, airfare, lodging, and meals, will be covered by the Jazz Camp. This presents an outstanding opportunity to study in the heart of jazz culture for approximately two weeks.
Seiko Summer Jazz Camp 2024 Outline
Dates:
August 12 to 16, 2024 (5 days)
Venue:
Shobi College of Music (Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
Instructors:
Michael Dease (Trombone, Principal Instructor), Diego Rivera (Sax)
Benny Benack (Trumpet), Takeshi Ohbayashi (Piano)
Yotam Silberstein (Guitar), Yasushi Nakamura (Bass)
Quincy Davis (Drums), Shenel Johns (Volcal)
Junko Moriya (Special Advisor / Piano / Arrangements)
Seiko Summer Jazz Camp 2024 Application Guidelines
- Parts Wanted: Trombone, Saxophone (alto, tenor, baritone), Trumpet, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocal
- Qualifications: Residents of Japan between the ages of 16 and 25 who are able to participate in all 5 days of the program
- Number of applicants: Five for each part (tentative)
- Application period: March 15, 10:00 a.m. - May 8, 10:00 a.m.
- How to apply: Online applications only via the official website
http://www.s-summerjazzcamp.jp/entry
- Results announcement: June 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. on the official website
- Contact: Seiko Summer Jazz Camp Office
Press Contact:
Seiko Group Corporation
Public Relations Department
prdeptj@seiko.co.jp
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