Music
Summer Jazz Institute &
Concert Band Intensive
Register Here
Summer Jazz Institute
July 7 – July 12, 2024
8:45am – 4pm daily (additional evening activities optional for commuters)
Cost
Residential: $1,250
Commuter: $750
The Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute is ideal for High School and Middle School instrumentalists (rising 7th graders through rising college freshman) interested in improving their jazz improvisation, small group, and large ensemble skills. Students engage in daily rehearsals, masterclasses, and special events with the renowned, award-winning jazz camp faculty. The one-week-long camp also contains an Honors component for those who qualify.
Commuter and residential options are available for rising 9th – rising college freshman. Rising 7th – rising 8th graders are welcomed to participate as commuters. Daily sample itinerary can be found here.
Note: Students wishing to be considered for Jazz Honors Band are asked to submit a video demo as part of the application process. Otherwise, video submissions are not required to apply. All students are encouraged to complete a live jazz ensemble placement audition on Sunday, the first day of camp. Though they are not required, live audition results serve to advise top ensemble placement and ranking considerations.
Concert Band Intensive
July 14 – July 19, 2024
9am – 4:30pm daily
Cost
Residential: $1,000
Commuter: $550
Wind musicians and percussionists (rising 7th — 12th graders) are challenged to elevate their artistry and technique during a week of band and chamber music training with top-notch faculty. Large ensemble rehearsals are led by Dr. Todd Nichols, Director of University Bands; and Dr. Julia Baumanis, Associate Director of Bands, at Rutgers. Group lessons, clinics, electives, master classes and performances by renowned artists round out the schedule.
Commuter and residential options are available for rising 9th – rising 12th graders. Rising seventh and rising 8th graders are welcomed to participate as commuters.
Note: There is no formal audition for Symphonic Band. However, campers should have at least two years’ experience playing an instrument. On the first day of camp, each student will be asked to play a short excerpt of their choosing (solo, etude, band music, etc.) so that they can be placed in the group most appropriate for their level of musicianship.
Concert Band Instruments: Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion
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Todd Nichols
Dr. Todd Nichols currently serves as Director of University Bands at Rutgers University. His duties include oversight and administration of the university band program, directing the Marching Scarlet Knights and Symphonic Winds, and teaching various courses including undergraduate and graduate conducting. As Director of the Marching Scarlet Knights, Nichols led highly acclaimed performances for the NFL’s nationally televised Monday Night Football and for President Joe Biden.
Dr. Nichols annually serves as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and recording producer and is especially honored to have guest conducted the United States Army Field Band. Nichols is an advocate for new compositions supporting the efforts of composers in over 30 commissions. Nichols currently serves as President for the Big Ten Band Director’s Association.
As artistic director for the Eastern Wind Symphony, Nichols conducted highly acclaimed performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and recorded recent releases Resurgence and Elements. Under his direction, the EWS received multiple Grammy Award nominations of eligibility and have been invited to perform at major conventions including the 2021 and 2015 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, 2019 ACB National Convention, 2017 NAfME All Eastern Convention, and 2017 ITG Conference. In addition, Nichols currently serves as Assistant Conductor for the Garden State Symphonic Band.
For nineteen years Dr. Nichols served as Director of Bands at Roxbury and Edison High School in New Jersey, where his ensembles were recognized for outstanding performance at numerous local, state, and many prestigious national festivals and concerts. Dr. Nichols recently co-authored two articles accepted for publication in The Journal of Band Research and WASBE Journal. His professional affiliations include the B1G, WASBE, CBDNA, and AFM.
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Packing for the Dormitory
- There WILL be air conditioning in the dorms. There is no need for students to bring a fan.
- Bring your own sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, wash cloths, soap, shampoo, hand soap, and other personal items. The beds in the dorms are extra-long twin size.
- We recommend against the use of perfumes and colognes, and some coaches may specifically prohibit students from wearing cologne or perfume during rehearsals and performances.
- The dorms at Perry Residence Hall have communal bathrooms and showers, separated by gender. Some students may want shower shoes and a small caddy to carry their personal belongings between their rooms and the bathroom.
- We will be walking 10-15 minutes at a time between the dorm, dining hall, and music buildings. Please bring appropriate footwear!
- Band-aids, aspirin, allergy medicine, sun screen, and other medical supplies you may deem necessary or desirable
- Bring your own utensils, paper or plastic cups, plates, napkins, etc. for dorm room snacking.
- Snacking is fine, but please be tidy. Rooms must be clean before students can check out.
- We would suggest that you clearly label any food items or utensils you bring to avoid confusion and accidental use by a roommate.
- Any major mishaps will be paid for by all the students in the dorm room, unless one student comes forward to claim responsibility.
- Spray cleaner and paper towels (Lysol Kitchen Cleaner, 409, etc…) for cleaning up dorm room messes
- An alarm clock is essential. Students will be largely responsible for getting themselves up and to their first session each morning!
- Fan for use in dorm room (the air conditioning is good but may not be cool enough for some).
- Rain gear (rain coats, umbrellas) just in case!
- Students may bring portable computers if they wish. Wireless internet access will be available only in the dorms.
- Money – student meals are provided (lunch only for commuters; all meals for residents) and trips to town are not allowed. Generally speaking, students have little need to be carrying significant amounts of money.
- Weather-Related Packing: Students are encouraged to bring rain gear, extra shoes, and any other necessary items to walk from the dorms to Nicholas Music Center.
Please Note:
- No alcohol, illegal drug use, or use of tobacco products of any kind
- ASTA/NJ CMI and RUTGERS UNIVERSITY have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for these activities.
- Students caught violating this rule will be sent home immediately without the possibility of any refund or credit, and will be disqualified from future sessions of the ASTA/NJ Chamber Music Institute.
- A mini-refrigerator and microwave are provided in each room. DO NOT bring hot plates, toasters, coffee makers, or candles.
Dormitory Checklist
Note: Be selective about what you choose to bring. Students will be responsible for packing, unpacking, and cleaning their rooms. We usually encourage the principle of “less is more!”
CLOTHING
- Seasonal clothing
- Black and White concert attire for Friday
- Casual “dressy” attire for Wednesday
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
- Aspirin or pain relievers
- Band-aids
- Sun screen
BED ESSENTIALS
- Bedspread
- Blankets
- Pillow
- Sheets and pillowcases (extra-long twin)
STATIONARY
- Paper
- Music Manuscript Paper
- Pencils, pens, highlighter
- Ruler, scissors
ENTERTAINMENT
- Board games
- Card games
- Books
- Additional instruments
PERSONAL SUPPLIES
- Contacts, solution, and cases
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soap/Body lotion
- Shaving supplies
- Kleenex
- Nail clippers
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Cosmetics and Cosmetic supplies
- Towels
- Washcloths
- Hand soap
- Hair brush
SNACKING
- Paper cups
- Paper plates
- Disposable utensils
- Napkins
- Light snacks
- Drinks
MISCELLANEOUS
- Alarm clock
- Fan
- Laundry Basket
MUSIC SUPPLIES
- Music stand
- Pencils
- Rock stop
- Rosin
- Extra set of strings
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Non-Refundable Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation. This deposit ensures that your booking is confirmed and reserved exclusively for you. In the event of cancellation, this deposit will not be refunded, regardless of the circumstances.
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Cancellation before June 15: If you need to cancel your reservation before June 15, you may do so, and you will receive a full refund of any payments made beyond the non-refundable deposit.
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Cancellation between June 15 and July 1: Cancellations made between June 15 and July 1 will result in a refund of 50% of the total cost, excluding the non-refundable deposit.
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No Cancellation after July 1: After July 1, cancellations are no longer permitted, and no refunds will be issued for any payments made. This includes the non-refundable deposit as well as any additional payments made towards the reservation.
Please note that this cancellation policy is designed to protect both parties involved. The non-refundable deposit ensures that the service provider is compensated for holding the reservation, while the specified deadlines offer some flexibility for cancellations within certain timeframes. However, once the final cancellation deadline passes, the reservation becomes non-cancellable, and refunds will not be provided.
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