New Partnership for Jazz Camp

The Desautels Faculty of Music and the Manitoba Band Association have established an exciting new partnership for the annual summer Jazz Camp. For the past 24 years, Jazz Camp has served as an enrichment opportunity primarily for high school students interested in studying jazz, and a preparation program for students who intend to pursue jazz at university. Since its inception, Jazz Camp has been hosted at the University of Manitoba and was operated through the Faculty of Extended Education. Most recently, Jazz Camp moved to the Desautels Faculty of Music and was offered through the Faculty’s Division of Preparatory Studies.

Dean Edmund Dawe says, “Manitoba is highly regarded nationally for its outstanding public school music programs, and over 25,000 students participate in band programs throughout the province. This partnership will develop exciting connections and collaborations between our jazz faculty, Manitoba educators and the many talented students who participate in the annual Jazz Camp.”

Bill Kristjanson, Artistic Director of the 2018 Jazz Camp states, “The Manitoba Band Association is thrilled to be partnering with the University of Manitoba in offering the Jazz Camp. The MBA has over 40 years of experience in music education projects including band camps, festivals, and educational opportunities. With 425 teacher members and thousands of students participating in band programs, the MBA brings a high level of organizational and educational expertise to the camp. The MBA has worked alongside the University of Manitoba for decades providing workshops, Honour Bands, and Festivals, and looks forward to collaborating with the Desautels Faculty of Music to create an outstanding jazz education experience for students.”

The Jazz Camp will be widely promoted to students and members of the Manitoba Band Association. The MBA will be responsible for all administration, operational, marketing, and financial aspects of the Camp. The Desautels Faculty of Music will host the Camp in its state-of-the-art facilities. Annual instructors will include outstanding Manitoba educators, our renowned Desautels jazz faculty members, and internationally celebrated jazz artists.

Sarah Heidahl