Simpson College Jazz Camp

07/19/2022

Mark your calendars! The dates are set for the 2023 camp:

June 11-16, 2023

Register before September 1, 2022 to receive a $75 discount on all tuition and fees. Use the link below to register today!

https://forms.gle/5C5acXzz67qcRGo2A

Taking place Sunday, June 11th through Friday, June 16th, 2023 on the beautiful Simpson College campus! Join us for a tremendous week of jazz, education, and friendship.

05/31/2022

One day left to register for the 2022 Simpson Jazz Camp!

Register by June 1st to guarantee your participation in this summer's camp: https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

05/27/2022

Friday Faculty Feature - Andrew Dahlke, saxophones:

Dr. Andrew Dahlke has been a guest artist and performer across the United States and Asia with such distinguished ensembles as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Capitol Saxophone Quartet, and the Gangnam Symphony in Seoul, South Korea. He has been a frequent performer and guest artist at the Aspen Music Festival.
The Capitol Quartet’s commission and recording of composer Carter Pann’s piece entitled: Mechanics, Six from the Shop Floor was recognized as one of three finalists for the Pulitzer Prize in music.

Andrew recently performed on jazz drummer Gerald Cleaver’s third electronic music project which is scheduled for release in 2023, and also composed music for another upcoming jazz quartet project which will feature Cleaver, as well as Craig Taborn and Reid Anderson.

Andrew is recognized for his performances, recordings, and music editions of J. S. Bach’s Solo Cello Suites.

Andrew is Professor of Music in Saxophone at the University of Northern Colorado School of Music in Greeley, CO.

Andrew has degrees in music and music education from the University of Michigan and the University of North Texas. His saxophone teachers were Larry Teal, Donald Sinta, Eugene Rousseau, and Jim Riggs. Andrew studied jazz improvisation with Tim Ries. Find out more at www.andrewdahlke.com.

And take a listen to Andy with Alex Harding and the Organ Nation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ89T_2C29U!

Register by June 1st to guarantee your participation at this summer's camp - https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

CaravanAndy Dahlke - alto saxAlex Harding - baritone saxVlad Gershevitz - organMatt Campbell - drumsSheryl Renee - vocals

05/23/2022

Continuing with faculty introductions, meet our incomparable pianist - and resident historian - Jason Danielson!

Jason Danielson has studied with Bob Washut and Susie Miget; performed with Aretha Franklin, Claudio Roditi, Dick Oatts, the Mingus Dynasty, Paul McKee, Frank Perowsky, and the Jimmy Dorsey Big Band; and performed two solo shows with Iowa Public Television. He has been a member of the orchestra pit for various national Broadway tours, including “Jersey Boys,” “West Side Story,” and “Wicked.” Jason serves as pianist and arranger for local cabaret singers Fred Gazzo and Gina Gedler and plays with such local artists as Dave Rezek, Scott Davis, Tony Valdez, Susie Miget, Bryan Schumacker, and Max Wellman. He has been a performer and clinician for jazz festivals and a faculty member of the Simpson College Jazz Camp. Jason’s recording credits include “Let’s Play One” and “Landmark” with the Des Moines Big Band, “Skywalk” with Scott Davis, and three albums with UNI’s Jazz Band One; he was pianist, arranger, and musical director for Fred Gazzo’s “All the Way,” “The Good Life,” and “Christmas Dreams.” Jason is a history teacher and has presented at state and national conferences on topics such as the music of the civil rights movement and using music in the classroom.

Check out more from Jason at https://www.facebook.com/TheEternalSideman. And register today to work with him and our other amazing faculty:

https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

05/20/2022

Another faculty feature! Meet jazz camp trumpet instructor Chris Van Leeuwen:

Chris Van Leeuwen is currently based in Denton, TX, and he freelances and teaches in the Dallas – Fort Worth area. He is completing his DMA in Jazz Performance with a related field in Music Composition at the University of North Texas, where he has directed both the 4 and 5 O’Clock Lab Bands, taught jazz trumpet lessons and jazz theory, and played lead trumpet in the One O’Clock Lab Band. Chris recently played split-lead trumpet with the Grammy Award-winning Maria Schneider Orchestra in both New York City at Birdland Jazz Club and on tour in California. He has also performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, the Buddy Rich Big Band, the Des Moines Symphony, and Seattle-based soul group The Dip, among others.

And check out his beautiful interpretation of the standard "Body and Soul" here https://youtu.be/NgtaNcGZS0s.

Register today for the opportunity to work with Chris and our other incredible faculty at this summer's cam (June 12-17, 2022) https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

05/17/2022

Teacher Tuesday, featuring our phenomenal guitar instructor Sean Veeder:

Sean Veeder is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa School of Music. A native of Waterloo, Sean has been living and playing jazz guitar in Des Moines for the past several years. Sean is the guitarist for the Des Moines Big Band, and has worked with various vocalists and ensembles including a trio, Shevelia, consisting of UNI alumni Nic Addelia (drums) and Gabe Scheid (saxophones). While in Des Moines, Sean has worked also as clinician, meeting with local high school jazz bands and their rhythm sections, often working one-on-one with guitarists.

Register today to work with Sean and the rest of our incredible faculty! https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

05/13/2022

Faculty Feature! Dr. Crystal Rebone, bass.

Dr. Crystal Rebone is the Instructor of Bass and Jazz Improvisation at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Originally from Beloit, Wisconsin, Dr. Rebone graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance. Graduating with her Doctorate in Jazz Performance from the University of Illinois in 2021, she has striven to research ways that middle school and high school directors can support female students in their jazz programs. Being a part of groups such as the Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra and participating Jazz Girls Day events has furthered this mission of inclusion and mentorship of young women in the jazz community. Dr. Rebone has played with countless musicians around the Midwest as well as with her trio, Taco Belles. In March of 2020, she toured the east coast with Monkia Herzig’s all-female jazz combo, Sheroes. She consistently teaches wide range of ages, string instruments, and genres.

Check out more from Crystal Rebone at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBqNspaR1OY&t=1629s

And register for the camp today at https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

June 12-17, 2022 on the beautiful Simpson College campus.

05/02/2022

Register before June 1st to guarantee your participation, and to have the opportunity to work with our world-class faculty:

Andy Dahlke - saxophones
Chris Van Leeuwen - trumpet
John Benoit - trombone
Sean Veeder - guitar
Jason Danielson - piano
Crystal Rebone - bass
John Kizilarmut - drums/vibes
Brian Rodesch - camp director/saxophones

Visit https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration to register today!

04/22/2022

Register by April 30th to get a $50 discount in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month!

https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

04/12/2022

What makes camping and jazz more fun? FRIENDS!

Refer a friend and you'll both get $50 off tuition and fees. And it's simple:

1. Register yourself for the 2022 Simpson Jazz Camp at https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration
2. Tell a friend. And when they register, have them put your name in the Promo Code spot on the registration form.
3. Save $

Boom.

All registrations received by June 1st are guaranteed acceptance. Register today!

04/01/2022

Happy Jazz Appreciation Month!

To help celebrate, all registrations in the month of April will receive a $50 discount on tuition!

Register today at:

https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

12/01/2021

Check it out! Tomorrow night, 7:00pm in Lekberg Hall on the beautiful Simpson campus.

Join us tomorrow for a wonderful evening of jazz standards and holiday favorites performed by the Simpson College Lil' Jazz Band!

11/26/2021

Gift the gift of jazz this Holiday season! All registrations received between now and December 25th will receive $50 off the registration fee. Click the link in the comments below to register today!

10/05/2021

Looking forward to the first performance of the year! 7pm in Smith Chapel on the beautiful Simpson campus. Mask up and stop on by!

Live music is BACK at Simpson College and we couldn't be more thrilled! Join us tomorrow evening at 7PM in Smith Chapel for our first concert of the semester, featuring our Symphonic and Jazz Bands. Hope to see you there!

09/22/2021

Register today and save some money! Follow the link in the comments.

09/15/2021

The dates are set and registration is open for the 2022 Simpson College Jazz Camp:

Sunday, June 12th through Friday the 17th, 2022!

For more info and to register, visit https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp

05/28/2021

Registration for this summer's virtual jazz camp - taking place June 14-17th - closes next Friday, June 4th, so register today!

More info and a link to the register can be found at https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

The camp will take place from Monday, June 14th thru Thursday, June 17th, 2021, and is open to students, musicians, and educators of all ages, skill levels, and instruments and voices. Keep reading for more info!

05/25/2021

Given all that has happened over the past 15 months, we understand that many families have been financially impacted in various ways. To ensure that the camp is accessible to all, we are utilizing a pay-what-you-can structure.

The suggested cost to attend is $150 for the four days, but if that amount isn't possible for your family, you are free to pay any amount you can - even if that's $0. Or if you are able and willing to pay more, any funds we receive go to ensure a quality event for all participants.

For more information, or to register, visit the camp website at https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration.

05/21/2021

Want to know why this meme is funny? Or even better, what F /D # means and why it probably doesn't sound great? Then register today for the 2021 Simpson College Virtual Jazz Camp - June 14-17, 2021; pay-what-you-can - Smash the link NOW!

https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

05/10/2021

Don't be this person. Register TODAY for the 2021 Virtual Simpson College Jazz Camp. More info and link to register at https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration.

04/05/2021

Registration is now open for the 2021 Virtual Jazz Camp! Follow the link to find more information about this year's event and a link to the registration form. See you all this summer!

https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/2021-registration

The camp will take place from Monday, June 14th thru Thursday, June 17th, 2021, and is open to students, musicians, and educators of all ages, skill levels, and instruments and voices. Keep reading for more info!

02/17/2021

Hello jazz campers!

We are currently working to plan a virtual event for the week of June 14-17, 2021 that will provide students and educators with a fun, engaging, jazz-filled week!

​Keep checking back for details and registration information as it becomes available. If you have questions, please reach out to camp director Brian Rodesch at [email protected] or (515) 961-1575.

​Now go practice...

08/24/2020

STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS: Check out some great resources from this summer's virtual jazz camp to help you get the year started on the right foot!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY-8HX6v6uFln5gyZUV9nV5zfup8pEg-7

Happy practicing! 🎶🎷🎺🎹🥁🦈🎶

Check out some of the great offerings we hosted as part of the 2020 Simpson College Virtual Jazz Camp! For accompanying handouts, and more information about ...

08/03/2020

Many of the classes from this summer's virtual jazz camp are now available online! Here is a link to a YouTube playlist that will continue to be updated throughout the fall:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY-8HX6v6uFln5gyZUV9nV5zfup8pEg-7

And find the accompanying handouts on the official camp website at https://musicatsimpson.wixsite.com/jazzcamp/handouts

Enjoy!

07/16/2020

Here is a link to the first recording from this summer's virtual jazz camp: Jazz Theory Basics with Jason Danielson.

https://youtu.be/T0TrlCgK4fE

More videos will be posted throughout the summer and fall, so keep checking back!

Originally recorded on June 15th, Jason Danielson walks you through the basics to get a better understanding of beginning jazz theory. An accompanying handou...