Band Enrichment Opportunities

The 2026 University of Northern Iowa Jazz Combo Camp will be held in Cedar Falls from Sunday, June 21 through Friday, June 26. This is a slightly more advanced camp than Simpsons, but is also a great opportunity to receive in depth jazz instruction from an outstanding faculty. It will be a fun experience for everyone. More information can be found at the following link: 2026 UNI Jazz Combo Camp.

The Iowa Summer Music Camps (ISMC) offers students musical training and experience beyond what may be available in their home schools, including group instruction, master classes, and classroom instruction in many phases of instrumental music. The entire program, together with a preview of life on a major university campus, is a valuable experience for young people, not only in music but also in human relations. This summer, the Iowa Summer Music Camps will offer educational experiences in Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Low Brass, Percussion, Piano, Organ, Harp, and Jazz.  The faculty for all camps are University of Iowa School of Music faculty and nationally-recognized guest artists. More information can be found at the following link: University of Iowa Summer Music Camps

Creative Music Studio is a jazz school offering a full range of jazz classes and lessons. Their goal is to help students improve in all areas of jazz performance including ensemble, rhythm section, theory and improvisation, and overall development of expression, awareness and love of jazz. Summer is the perfect time for students to improve their knowledge of jazz and be set to go for your jazz bands in the fall. The summer session begins the first week of June. Visit www.cmsjazz.com for more detailed information.

Dave Dickey Big Band Camp is for students 8th grade to college level who play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, vibraphone, and drums. Students must have at least 1 year of instruction or be proficient on their instrument of study. Students will be paired together based on experience and will spend the week gaining experience in being part of the big band with instruction on theory, improvisation, history, master classes, and more.

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Dorian Summer Music Camp 2026 Enrollment NOW OPEN! Learn more.

Trumpet Workshop is designed to build lifelong skills, techniques, and personal enjoyment. A stellar faculty of active players, composers and teachers who are passionate about showing students the steps to attaining a high level of playing.  Our Master Teachers love to share their personal stories, anecdotes, and tips on how you can become the best player possible.

Through the study of the trumpet and developing a mindset necessary for success, students, learn, grow and become better.  All dimensions needed to build skills, musicality and endurance will be explored.  In addition, diverse skills needed to play for orchestral, concert band, and jazz ensembles will be studied. Camp content will include private lessons, group study, and trumpet ensemble performances.

Emphasis will be placed on addressing challenges faced by all participants. This camp is an excellent opportunity for directors and teachers who do not play personally play the trumpet to observe trumpet pedagogy. This camp provides multiple practical and motivational ideas that students can take back to their schools and individual performances!

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During this week you’ll develop the knowledge and skills that are the building blocks of playing percussion. You’ll also expand your knowledge of how to use these building blocks to become a more creative and expressive drummer. This camp is intended to develop skills and abilities to perform a variety of styles (jazz, Latin, rock, etc.).

Find your inspiration as you work with our Master Teacher and alongside other drummers in overcoming challenges and reaching new milestones in your personal performance. In this encouraging environment you will be exposed to as many styles and genres as possible.

It is important to note that students should sign up for the camp which most closely reflects their current playing skills and abilities.

Three weeks prior to camp, students will be asked to submit a 1-2 minute video which accurately shows their skills.  Information will be provided for this in a separate communication from the Arts Center.

On Sunday when campers arrive in Shell Lake, they will meet with the Instructor to complete a playing assessment and determine goals for the week.  This is low pressure and intended to provide the instructor with an opportunity to get to know you!

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For more than 55 years, the Master Teachers of the Shell Lake Arts Center Jazz Camps have launched the careers for some of America’s most acclaimed young jazz musicians:  Ethan Iverson (The Bad Plus), Geoff Keezer (Art Blakey, David Sanborn), Lyle Mays (Pat Metheny Group), Bill Evans Saxophone (Miles Davis, Randy Brecker), Trumpeter Byron Stripling (Count Basie, Woody Herman).

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For more than 55 years, the Master Teachers of the Shell Lake Arts Center Jazz Camps have launched the careers for some of America’s most acclaimed young jazz musicians:  Ethan Iverson (The Bad Plus), Geoff Keezer (Art Blakey, David Sanborn), Lyle Mays (Pat Metheny Group), Bill Evans Saxophone (Miles Davis, Randy Brecker), Trumpeter Byron Stripling (Count Basie, Woody Herman).

Learn more.

For more than 55 years, the Master Teachers of the Shell Lake Arts Center Jazz Camps have launched the careers for some of America’s most acclaimed young jazz musicians:  Ethan Iverson (The Bad Plus), Geoff Keezer (Art Blakey, David Sanborn), Lyle Mays (Pat Metheny Group), Bill Evans Saxophone (Miles Davis, Randy Brecker), Trumpeter Byron Stripling (Count Basie, Woody Herman).

Jazz Combo and Improvisation camp differs from Jazz Band camp in that the ensembles are smaller and may feature only one student per instrument.  The focus of this camp is on small-group performance practices and a more in-depth exploration of improvisation. 

Combo Camp features masterclasses, improv sessions, jazz history and listening. Camp also includes individual improvisation lessons and arranging classes! Whether you’re just beginning your improvisation journey or have years of experience, this camp is for YOU!

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All students come together and share in a variety of activities that are fun and rewarding.  Challenging music and learning from Master Teachers, plus fellow campers, will make this a memory you’ll treasure forever.

During the week, you’ll be exposed to a wide variety of musical styles and genres.  Solos, duets, trios, chamber music and large ensembles are part of this camp.  You’ll have the opportunity to work with our incredible faculty members in instrument-specific masterclasses and sectionals where you’ll work on improving your technique, tone production and literature.  You’ll also spend time perfecting the songs you will play on the final concerts.

Each day includes elective courses on history, improvisation, conducting, bucket band, steel drums and even polka bands. Our bands are seated by ability and skills. Chamber ensembles will be offered as well as ensembles like garage band percussion. Instructors may choose to provide limited individual instruction outside of scheduled time.

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