About / Registration
About The Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute (RSJI)
The Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute is perfect for middle and high school instrumentalists who want to improve their jazz improvisation, as well as their small group and large ensemble skills.
Students participate in daily activities, rehearsals, masterclasses, and special events led by our renowned, award-winning jazz camp faculty. We offer both commuter and residential options for students entering 9th to 12th grades, as well as college freshmen. Rising 7th and 8th graders can join as commuters. Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience playing an instrument. All necessary music and materials will be provided prior to the camp week.
Examples of Repertoire:
The first day of camp, Sunday, will begin with mandatory placement screenings. These screenings assist our faculty in placing students into the appropriate level ensembles and classes according to their individual experience levels. It’s important to note that these placement screenings are not auditions; all registered students will be assigned to ensembles, regardless of their playing ability. On the last camp night, Friday, we will showcase the final performances of all student combos and big bands from the camp week.
The camp application process consists of two parts: the main registration page and a music-related questionnaire, both of which must be completed to apply.
(Registration Opens Early 2025) Apply today!
About the Camp Faculty
Lead Directors
Joseph J. Verderese, Jr (Trombone) of Norwood, NJ, is a Middle and High School instrumental music teacher in the Cresskill School District since 2005, who received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2003 and master’s in Jazz Studies from Manhattan School of Music in 2005. Verderese conducts the 7th & 8th Grade Bands and High School Band in Cresskill, NJ and the HS Marching Band, MS & HS Jazz Bands, Pit Orchestra, Orchestra, various chamber groups and Rock Band, as well as serving as the co-advisor of Tri-M Music Honor Society and Ski Club. He has contributed to music education in and around the state of NJ, having conducted the Bergen County Middle School Band, Region I Junior Jazz Band and Bergen County High School Band. In 2024, Verderese became the Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute co-director after having taught at the West Milford Summer Jazz Camp, Hartwick Summer Music Festival and New York Summer Music Festiva, as well as coordinator for MEBCI’s Elementary Band Festival and MS Jazz Festival. Verderese is the treasurer of the NJ Association for Jazz Educators and serves on the Board of Directors for the North Jersey Band Festival. In 2008, Verderesee co-founded a big band named “One More Once.” which has collaborated with artists such as Wycliffe Gordon, Jaleel Shaw, Rufus Reid, Ingrid Jensen, Gary Smulyan, Conrad Herwig, Terell Stafford and Slide Hampton, among many more.
Timothy Hayward (Saxes) was born and raised in Paris, France. He is a graduate of the Paris Regional Conservatoire, the Paris University and the Paris National Conservatoire. He began playing professionally at the age of 18 in classical, jazz, and contemporary music, including repertoire for ballet and theater. His career has led him to perform in Europe and the United States. Hayward splits his time equally between teaching and performing as a professional musician, leading his own groups, as well as being a busy “sideman” for other bands. Hayward relocated to the New York area in 2010 and has been a Band Director in the Clifton School District in New Jersey since 2012. He is an active published composer and arranger both in the classical and jazz domains. Additionally, Hayward joined 2021 the faculty of The Juilliard School in New York City as a saxophone instructor in their Music Advancement Program (Pre-College) and has been co-director of the Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute since 2024.
New York jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig (Trombone) has recorded 25 albums as a leader, receiving four Grammy nominations. He’s been voted #1 Jazz Trombonist three times in the DownBeat “Jazz Critic’s Poll” and nominated “Trombonist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association on numerous occasions. In constant demand as a sideman, Herwig has performed with Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Paquito D’Rivera, and Michel Camilo. He is a longtime member of the Mingus Big Band, having served as musical director and arranger, including the 2011 GRAMMY-winning Live at the Jazz Standard CD. Herwig has also performed and/or recorded with Clark Terry, Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis & Quincy Jones, and the Gil Evans Orchestra. All told, Herwig has appeared on more than 200 albums in what is now a 40-plus-year career. Herwig performs exclusively on Michael Rath Trombones, England. He serves as chair of jazz studies at Mason Gross.
Instrumental Instructors
(Represents RSJI ’24. Updates TBA)
Robby Ameen, Drums
Freddie Bryant, Guitar
Abraham Burton, Saxes
Kenny Davis, Bass
Jon DiFiore, Drums
Orrin Evans, Piano
Will Gorman, Piano
Ben Hankle, Trumpet
Henry Heinitsh, Guitar
Victor Lewis, Drums
Alex Norris, Trumpet
Bob Sabin, Bass