Augustana College announces the second annual Jazz Fest-Jazz Camp, scheduled for July 24-28, 2012. More information is currently available on the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues website page.

Augustana College hosted the first annual Jazz Fest –Jazz Camp, July 12-16, 2011.

The camp was developed by Augustana professor Dr. Paul Schilf and sponsored by Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues. Thirty, 7th through 12th grade campers enjoyed courses in Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Theory, History of Jazz, Combo Rehearsals, Big Band Rehearsal, Lessons, Concerts, Master Classes, and evening concerts with faculty, guests and students.

The faculty for the four-day camp included: Allen Vizzutti, Yamaha Performing Artist, trumpet player and composer; Dr. Paul Schilf, Director of Jazz at Augustana College who served as the Camp Director and directed 9-12 jazz band ensembles; Jim McKinney, Former Director of Bands at South Dakota State University, who directed rhythm and grades 6-8 jazz band ensembles; and Mark Isackson, adjunct instructor of woodwinds and jazz at Augustana College. Four members of Augustana’s Northlanders Jazz Band served as the 2011 camp counselors. McKenzie Mckeithan ’12, Box Elder, SD, Collin Block ’12, Sioux Falls, SD, Chris Borchardt ’12, Sioux Falls, SD and Joshua Lund ’11, Omaha, NE served as musical and social role models for the campers.

The finale performance took place on the Main Stage at JazzFest 2011 – Saturday, July 16th. Campers also received a backstage visit with JazzFest artists and are now featured on South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s “Best of JazzFest” TV show.