Young musicians' skills, friendships flourish at camp

The annual Teagarden Jazz Youth Camp is one of the most successful programs supported by the Foundation. Established in 1986 as a tool to aid in jazz preservation, the Youth Camp has achieved that and more.

The one-week camp brings together aspiring young jazz musicians and an all-star faculty in the beautiful, natural environment of Sly Park in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The small jazz band model is a perfect platform for young people to problem-solve, gain an understanding of responsibility, work on social skills and make choices about music in their lives.

Not only are students instilled with a love of traditional jazz, their experiences at camp prepare them for their whole lives, whether they became professional musicians, or not.

More details and applications are available at http://sacjazzcamp.org

“Our Education Plan is premised on the concept of ‘Cradle to College’ – in other words, we want to get kids into music at an early age, and keep them interested in music into adulthood.”

Pat Jones, director
Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society Foundation

“Working with young players is perhaps the most selfish part of my career. By that I mean, someday when I can no longer play, I want to be able to see and hear jazz performed.”

Bob Draga
Renowned Jazz Clarinetist