The 18th Annual and Final
WMU-NYV Vocal Jazz Camp
July 27-August 2, 2026
We’re so excited to be planning our final Vocal Jazz Retreat. This has been a labor of love for 18 years and we are dreaming of the ways we can make this both a wonderful experience for you and us.
This summer camp attracts a diverse group, of campers from all ages, experiences and backgrounds. And every year the connections that are made often reach beyond music, forging friendships, mining new inspirations and creating networking possibilities are just a few of the many bonuses.
Please start thinking about what you would like your summer to include and consider spending a week with us leaning into the things that you love and deepening your knowledge in new and exciting ways. 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 whom you think may enjoy what we have to offer.
We look forward to welcoming you to this special community in Kalamazoo and making this 18th annual retreat memorable. 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
TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP BY MAY 1, 2026, CLICK HERE
Campers Helping Campers – Donate to the “Play it Forward” Scholarship, established by campers who wanted to create opportunities for new 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
CAMPER LEVELS AND PRICING:
FULL CAMPER: $900 – Along with the standard curriculum of classes, this level includes the exclusive experience of being assigned to one of the New York Voice-directed small ensembles and One-on-One coaching sessions. Full Campers are also able to sing on one of the Spotlight Concerts each evening, as well singing in the All-Camp Ensemble with the World Premiere piece written and directed by Greg Jasperse exclusively for our camp is part of this package.
ASSOCIATE PLUS CAMPER: $825 – Like the Full level, Associate Plus includes the standard curriculum of classes and singing in one of the New York Voice-directed small ensembles and the All-Camp Ensemble, but your One-on-One coaching session will be with one of our other incredible staff. There won’t be an opportunity to be featured in the Spotlight Concerts, but you will be prioritized to sing at the Final Brunch – which is really fun and a great opportunity to perform with the professional trio!
ASSOCIATE CAMPER: $750 – Includes the standard curriculum of classes, singing in the All-Camp Ensemble, but both your One-on-One coaching session and small ensemble will be led by our special guest director (TBA). You will also be prioritized to sing at the Final Brunch for all your peers!
AUDITOR (NEW THIS YEAR!): $650 – This brand-new level is for everyone who wants to come hang, but have a bit more time to relax. You’ll have access to the standard curriculum of classes and singing in the All-Camp Ensemble, but you won’t be assigned to a small ensemble or One-on-One session. Instead, you’re welcome to observe Ensemble rehearsals, Performance Hours, or take the afternoon off before returning for the evening All-Camp Ensemble and Camper Concerts.
The Registration Form is simplified this year with only the essential information we need right away. Please plan ahead for the camper level you would like to choose. To try to prevent confusion as we expect spots to fill very quickly, the form will limit the number of campers in each level. If the level you’d prefer is crossed out, all the spaces are full, so please choose the closest level available. The next question in the form will let you tell us if you’d like to move to another level if a space becomes available. If you prefer the level you chose, you can confirm that choice in that question as well. Campers will be moved to desired levels in order of registration, which includes your first deposit, so be prepared to make your first deposit at the same time.
SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS:
Adults – $150 First Deposit due upon registration, non-refundable
Students – $75 First Deposit due upon registration, non-refundable
All Campers: $250 Second Deposit due by May 15th, not refundable beyond this date
July 1: All Final Balances are due – No Tuition Refunds beyond this date
CLASS OFFERING EXAMPLES:
Songwriting • Before and After • Singers You Should Know • Body, Breath, and Sound • Making a Song Your Own • Beginning and Advanced Arranging • Intermediate Improv • Advanced Improv • Artist in the Making • Use Your Ears Ensemble • The Art of Phrasing • The Business of Me • Vocal Health • Portuguese • Vocal Jazz History • Hand Percussion • Listening Through the Layers • Writing your First Chart • Solo Transcriptions
CAMP SCHEDULE OVERVIEW:
7/27: Welcome and Orientation, 4 PM Pizza, Evening performance featuring Greg Jasperse, Gold Company and Special TBA Guest Faculty
7/28: Day 1 of camp, Evening Concert featuring NYV solo sets
7/29: Day 2 of camp, Evening Concert featuring Campers
7/30: Day 3 of camp, Evening Game Night (optional)
7/31: Day 4 of camp, Evening Concert featuring Campers
8/1: Day 5 of camp, Special Electives, 4 PM Ensemble Concert, 8 PM NYV Concert
8/2: Jazz Brunch and Jam Session
