Vocal Jazz Camp
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this camp for?
This unique camp is open to high school, college students, professional musicians (not just vocalists), choral directors and anyone interested in improving and developing their knowledge of the vocal jazz genre and honing their skills. Anyone age 14 or older is welcome to attend. In a typical year, about a quarter of the campers are high school students, a quarter are college students, and half are adults (choir directors, professional musicians, jazz enthusiasts, retirees, etc.). The small ensembles are now formed around difficulty level, taking into consideration prior experience, balance of voice parts, etc.
What will I get out of it?
You will have the opportunity to work in one-on-one group lessons and master classes with members of the internationally-revered vocal group New York Voices (i.e. Lauren Kinhan, Kim Nazarian, Peter Eldridge, and Darmon Meader); sing in Performance Hour sessions, and participate in your assigned small vocal jazz ensemble. Classes will be tailored to the interests of the campers and often include arranging, songwriting, vocal improvisation, vocal percussion, voice technique, jazz history, music theory, piano skills and much more!
When does it take place?
The FINAL WMU New York Voices Vocal Jazz Camp will take place July 27–August 2, 2026.
Where is it located?
Our camp is located on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI.
How do I get there?
You are responsible for finding your own transportation to and from our camp. Many people opt to fly, drive, or take a bus or train. There’s plenty of info on our GETTING THERE tab.
Which meal plan should I get?
If you will be here without a car, we recommend that you purchase the Full meal plan. While there are numerous places to eat locally, meal time is rather limited and the dining hall in the Student Center is the most convenient. If you prefer not to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we would highly recommend you get at least the Shared meal plan. The meals in the dining hall and these shared catered meals in Dalton are an important part of the camp experience, providing time to socialize and fast-track wonderful new friendships. Both of these meal plans include your ticket to Sunday Jazz Brunch before we all head home. This is a time for more music, pictures, autographs, and goodbyes!
Do we allow refunds?
The First Deposit is refundable until February 1st. After May 15th, we cannot refund any of the tuition costs, but we can refund housing and meal plan costs before July 15, 2026.
What should I prepare before I get to camp?
To make the most of your experience at camp, you will be asked to prepare two jazz standards (this is a loose definition, make this work for you and your current interests) for your One-on-One sessions and Performance Hour. You should bring 4 copies of leadsheets of these selections for the instrumentalists playing with you. Keep in mind that these tunes can be done in any key (whatever best suits your voice), but you need to bring leadsheets in your key. It is recommended that you listen to numerous jazz recordings of the tunes you choose, some vocal and some instrumental. This should give you ideas for phrasing, tempo, style, etc. (Just go to YouTube and dig in!). There are many sources for leadsheets (published “fakebooks”, online sheet music sites, your local library etc.). If you don’t know how to transpose your lead sheet into an appropriate key for you, please consult your teacher, a professional musician in your area, etc.
You will also be expected to prepare your ensemble music ahead of time. Music and rehearsal tracks will be sent to you, along with your part assignment, in the weeks before the camp. The more prepared you arrive to camp, the more music we can make in our time together.
What should I bring with me?
In addition to all the usual stuff you’d bring when you travel anywhere out of town, here’s a list of special items you will find handy to have at camp:
- your ensemble music (printed in a binder or on a tablet, not your phone or laptop!)
- a recording device (your phone is fine)
- Pencils
- manuscript paper
- lead sheets of your jazz tunes (4 copies each, single-sided)
- blanket(s)
- extra pillow for added comfort (pillows, sheets, and towels are provided in the dorms, but NOT blankets)
- fitted sheet if you are particular or have allergies
- bath mat
- slippers and/or flip flops for the showers
- extension cord and all your charging sources for your phone, computer, iPad, etc.
- comfortable shoes, the campus is large and you will get your steps in
- extra cash for CDs and merch
- A reusable water bottle (labeled with your name!)
- snacks and drinks
- personal medicine that you require
- shampoo, conditioner and soap
