SXU Hosts Southside Summer Jazz Camp For Students In Grades 6-12

CHICAGO — Saint Xavier University will host its sixth annual Southside Summer Jazz Camp from July 12 through July 16. The camp is open to students in grades 6 through 12 of all levels of experience. Camp meets from 3 to 7 p.m. on SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

The camp provides students with the opportunity to learn from and work with an outstanding group of jazz educators to improve on their musical abilities as section players, improvisers and sight-readers. Students will work with SXU music faculty, alumni, current students and special guests and will participate in daily rehearsals on jazz repertoire, instrument sectionals, improvisation master-classes, jam sessions, guest concerts and music theories workshops. Camp culminates in a final concert on July 16, where students will showcase their talents.

“The SXU Southside Summer Jazz Camp offers students the opportunity to build on their skills as musicians and improvisers,” Shawn Salmon, D.A., said in a news release, director of Jazz Studies at SXU. “After a year of virtual teaching, it will be amazing to create music together and all feel and hear the sounds as one.”

The health and safety of all remains a priority of the camp. All rehearsal conditions will fully comply with local and state health guidelines. Students will maximize rehearsal time outdoors, but rehearsal rooms will contain HEPA Air filters, sterilizing wipes and other safety precautions.
“Music provides students the ability to create as individuals and collaboratively. It gives them a feeling of accomplishment and pride, teaches the importance of hard work and discipline and allows students to connect with the past while creating music in the present,” Salmon said. “During this week, through music, these students will create great friendships, lots of laughter and memories, the important things music brings to us all.”

The SXU Southside Summer Jazz Camp welcomes students of all instruments, including trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, string bass, guitar, vibraphone and drums. Tuition is $100 per student and includes a T-shirt.

For more information and to register, visit SXU Southside Summer Jazz Camp or contact Dr. Shawn Salmon at salmon@sxu.edu or 773-298-3420.