Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SMV Vocal Jazz Camp for me?
The camp, which has been in existence since 2004, prides itself on its ability to cater to singers with any amount of experience, from first-time jazz singers to professional singers. The camp participants are typically comprised of high school and college students, vocal educators and professional vocalists of all ages. We strongly believe that every person attending the camp can learn from the experience of ANY other participant at the camp.
I have not had much experience with jazz, or am a Classically-trained singer or educator. Will I fit in at the camp?
Yes, absolutely! We are a very inclusive camp – our intention is to enable participants to grow from whatever experience you currently have. We have heard from participants about how APPREHENSIVE they are to attend the camp… and almost every person later speaks of how their fear DISSOLVED on the first day at the camp!
What is the difference between this camp and the Jazz Harmony Retreat?
The Jazz Harmony Retreat is a separate camp run by former SMV camp director Dr. Jeremy Fox, specifically designed for educators, adults, and college music majors to learn more about jazz from the inside out. Participants learn less about singing, but more about jazz harmony, jazz accompanying, and learn to write their own vocal jazz chart by the end of the week! For more info, head to www.JazzHarmonyRetreat.com. Please note, THREE GRADUATE CREDITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR EACH OF THESE CAMPS, at an additional cost.
I am the parent of child under the age of 18. Can you tell me a bit about camp supervision?
At each camp, we have at least a 6:1 ratio of faculty/staff to campers. Among the staff will be two qualified counselors there for your children’s needs and protection during the entirety of the camp. They will be available to your child 24 hours a day and will be housed in the dorm buildings with your child. In addition, your child will have our camp coordinators’ cell numbers, to use at any time in case of emergency. Camp participants including teachers, professional singers, and college and high school students all stay in the same dorm hall. The participants will typically stay one-to-a-bedroom in dorm suites containing three to four similar-aged participants, with a common living area on each floor. No suite will have more than one gender at any time. Finally, do know that the camp schedule is extremely full and free time is minimal. Attendance is required for all activities, and is closely monitored.
At what time does the camp conclude?
The camp concludes with a final 7pm culminating concert open to the public. After the concert, there is an afterglow get-together – this is of course optional, but many/most campers participate.
What is the daily schedule like?
The schedule on most normal days is QUITE full – typically from 8:30am to 10pm daily. We hope and expect all campers to be at all activities, however if you cannot attend all sessions/days, we will make exceptions in special cases for those who ask prior to the camp.
Are there accommodations available?
We provide the option of air-conditioned dorm rooms on the campus of Southwestern Community College. These are typically private bedrooms, grouped in suites of 2-4 bedrooms around a common kitchen and bathroom, and are available for the reasonable cost of $25 per night. A simple dorm request indicated on the registration form will suffice – more information regarding the dorms will be sent by early June.
If you must reduce costs further, the camp coordinator can assist by searching for appropriate billeting. It is not always possible, but every effort will be made.
What about meals at the camp?
Most often, participants bring or purchase perishable and non-perishable meals that can be stored in full-sized refrigerators/freezers in their personal dorm suites, and can be microwaved or cooked with participants’ own microwaves and stoves. That said, meals at each camp are also available at nearby restaurants, a few of which are within walking distance. Ride-shares to local fast food establishments will be provided and/or set-up if needed.
Will I need a car at the camp?
Obviously, an automobile can make things logistically easier. However, it is certainly not necessary. The camp staff will make every effort to pair up those needing basic transportation (for instance to/from meals) with other participants or faculty members who can provide rides.
How can I get to and from the camp?
Shuttles can be provided to/from airports for a nominal cost of $25 per one-way ride, or $50 round-trip. Airports to fly into are Des Moines (65 miles) or Omaha (80 miles).
• Amtrak or Greyhound may also be an option for the U.S. camps. In particular, there is an Amtrak station located in Creston, Iowa – just one mile from the camp location! If you opt for this, we can pick you up at this Creston Amtrak station at no cost!
IF FLYING TO THE CRESTON CAMP, PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE BY PLANE TO OMAHA or DES MOINES airport NO LATER THAN 10PM on the evening before the camp starts!
When should I make flight/train/travel/hotel/car reservations?
Before booking any air travel, or any non-refundable hotels/cars, be sure to contact the camp director to be certain the camp you are planning to attend is in fact viable.
Why should I register early?
First off, this camp fills up fast! But secondly, a Super Early Bird discount of $100 OFF will be applied to your tuition if you register on or before March 15th, or an Early Bird Discount of just $50 will be applied between March 16th & April 15th.
Why does this camp cost what it costs?
We want our camp participants to receive a ton of individual attention, so we have a high number of staff/faculty members at each camp. Our tuition fees are critical to helping us to pay our staff and offset expenses. We pride ourselves in being one of the least expensive multi-day vocal jazz camps in the nation. If you and your family are in special need of assistance, please fill out our scholarship form on this website.
Something came up and I can't make the camp. Can I get my deposit back?
Your deposit is what holds your spot at the camp, and allows us to plan effectively for the camp. There are many decisions made well in advance of your being with us that took place based on your registration. Once you put your deposit down, it is refundable until 30 days before the camp. Within 30 days, depending on the reason, we may allow for your deposit to apply to the following summer’s camp.
What COVID-19 precautions will be taken in 2024?
For everyone’s safety, we hope that each person will test before the camp, especially if they have been around individuals at other camps or gatherings. If CDC guidance still dictates, if one of our campers becomes ill with COVID, we will have to ask the participant to make arrangements to quarantine and/or head home.
For further questions, email one of our camp coordinators!