The 17th Annual WMU-NYV Vocal Jazz Camp
July 28-August 3, 2025
We’re so excited to be planning our annual Vocal Jazz Retreat. This summer camp attracts a broad selection of campers from all ages, experiences and backgrounds. And every year the connections that are made often reach beyond music, forging friendships and networking possibilities are just a few of the bonuses.
Please start thinking about what you would like your summer to encompass and consider spending a week leaning into the things that you love and are interested in deepening your knowledge. We will have all our usual suspects, Kim, Lauren, Darmon and Peter, directing an ensemble and teaching classes. Our camp director and host Greg Jasperse will be directing the All-Camp Ensemble piece and teaching a few classes, as well. And if the attendance numbers hit the right note, we will invite back the divine Rosana Eckert and Jay Ashby to add their magic and specialites to the class curriculum. If you have attended our camp before, help us spread the word to someone who you think may enjoy what we have to offer. We look forward to welcoming you to this special community in Kalamazoo. Sign up today!
Please direct your questions to our camp manager at
TO REGISTER FOR CAMP, CLICK HERE
TO LEARN IN MORE DETAIL, VISIT CAMP CENTRAL
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARHIP BY MAY 1, 2025. APPLY HERE
Campers Helping Campers – Donate to the “Play it Forward” Scholarship, established by campers who want to create opportunities for other campers to enjoy the experience. You don’t have to be a past camper to donate to this worthwhile scholarship, the idea is to “Play it Forward”? Donate Here
PRICING:
FULL CAMPER: $850 – Includes the exclusive experience of being assigned one of the ensembles directed by the New York Voices and working with one of them as your One on One Coach. Full Campers also enjoy the sole possibility of being programmed in the Special Camper Evening Concerts. All access to the full curriculum of classes and singing in the All-Camp Ensemble and the World Premiere piece written and directed by Greg Jasperse exclusively for our camp is part of this package.
ASSOCIATE CAMPER PLUS: $800 – Includes singing in a Small Vocal Ensemble directed by one of the New York Voices; access to the full curriculum of classes; singing in the All-Camp Ensemble and the World Premiere piece written and directed by Greg Jasperse just for YOU. Most Likely there won’t be an opportunity to be featured in the Camper Evening Concerts, but you may sing at the Final Brunch – which is really fun and a great opportunity to perform with the professional trio!
ASSOCIATE CAMPER: $725 – Includes being placed in a choir directed by our special guest director (TBA) and receiving One on One Coaching from them; access to the full curriculum of classes; and singing in the all-camp ensemble piece written and directed by Greg Jasperse just for YOU. Most Likely there won’t be an opportunity to be featured in the camper evening concerts, but you may sing at the Final Brunch – which is really fun and a great opportunity to perform with the professional trio!
NOTE REGARDING WAITLIST FOR FULL CAMPER: If your wish to be a Full Camper, but all the spaces are full, register as an Associate Plus or Associate Camper. Let us know and we will add you to the waitlist. If space(s) open up, it will be a first come first serve basis who moves up to Full Camper. If you prefer remaining an Associate Plus or Associate Camper, please let us know that, too.
SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS:
Adults – 1st $100 Deposit due upon registration (refundable until May 15)
Students – 1st $50 Deposit due upon registration (refundable until May 15)
May 15th: 2nd $250 Deposit due to hold your registration, non-refundable. Or pay the remaining balance if you haven’t done so already.
July 1st: Final Payments Due (no refunds)
SAMPLE OF ELECTIVES:
Songwriting • Before and After • Singers You Should Know • Body, Breath, and Sound • The Importance of Rhythm • Making a Song Your Own • Beginning and Advanced Arranging • Intermediate Improv • Advanced Improv • Artist in the Making • Use Your Ears Ensemble • Lyrical Improv and Phrasing • The Business of Me • Vocal Health • Portuguese • Jazz History • Percussion • Listening Through the Layers • Writing your First Chart • Solo Transcriptions
CAMP SCHEDULE OVERVIEW:
7/28: Welcome and Orientation, 4 PM Pizza, Evening performance featuring Greg Jasperse, Gold Company and Special TBA Guest Faculty
7/29: Day 1 of camp, Evening Concert featuring NYV solo sets
7/30: Day 2 of camp, Evening Concert featuring Campers
7/31: Day 3 of camp, Evening Game Night (optional)
8/1: Day 4 of camp, Evening Concert featuring Campers
8/2: Day 5 of camp, Special Electives, 4 PM Ensemble Concert, 8 PM NYV Concert
8/3: Jazz Brunch and Jam Session
