Summer is the perfect time to get that instrument out of its case and play some jazz.
You’ll learn from some of the best jazz educators Portland has to offer, play new music, and build skills you can take back to your band program in the fall.
Fill out the form below to get more information on signing up for jazz camp this year.
2026 Jazz Camp Dates: July 6-10
Join us for a week of Jazz Band:
- Play fun new music
- Learn music theory
- Instrument masterclasses
- Play in jazz big and small ensembles
- Write your own music
- Make new friends
- Learn from great jazz teachers in Portland
PDX Jazz Camp 2026 Daily Schedule
(Subject to change)
Day One (Monday)
9:00 – Welcome & Camp Kickoff
The week begins with a camp-wide welcome meeting in the auditorium where students will meet the faculty, learn about the week ahead, and get oriented to the camp schedule.
9:30 – Big Band Rehearsals
Students will spend the morning rehearsing with their assigned jazz ensemble. This is the first opportunity to meet bandmates, work with faculty directors, and begin preparing music for Friday’s performance.
10:15 – Sectionals
Students will break into smaller groups by ensemble and instrument family for focused instruction and coaching.
11:30 – Lunch
12:20 – Rehearsal & Sectionals
The afternoon begins with additional rehearsal time and sectionals to help students become comfortable with their music and ensemble.
1:20 – Deep Dive Session #1
Students will participate in the first of four Deep Dive sessions, featuring special topics, guest artists, and explorations of jazz performance and culture.
2:10 – Break
2:30 – Afternoon Rehearsal
Students return to their ensembles to continue building repertoire and preparing for the week.
4:00 – End of Day
The first day can feel exciting and sometimes overwhelming, especially for students who haven’t played in an ensemble recently. This is completely normal. Our staff is committed to helping every student feel comfortable, supported, and successful throughout the week.
Days Two–Four (Tuesday–Thursday)
9:00 – Ensemble Rehearsals
Each morning begins with rehearsals in students’ assigned jazz ensembles.
10:30 – Theory Classes & Masterclasses
Students will rotate through a variety of music theory classes and instrument-specific masterclasses led by camp faculty. These sessions focus on improvisation, jazz vocabulary, listening skills, technique, and musicianship.
11:30 – Lunch
12:20 – Ensemble Rehearsals & Sectionals
Students continue working with their ensembles and participate in additional sectionals throughout the week.
1:20 – Daily Deep Dive Sessions
Each afternoon features a unique Deep Dive session exploring special topics in jazz performance, history, creativity, and career pathways.
2:10 – Break
2:30 – Afternoon Rehearsal
Students return to their ensembles to apply what they’ve learned and continue preparing for the final concert.
4:00 – End of Day
Throughout the week students will work closely with professional jazz educators, build friendships with fellow musicians, and develop skills in improvisation, ensemble playing, and musical communication.
Day Five (Friday)
9:00 – Final Rehearsals
The final day begins with ensemble rehearsals and sectionals as students put the finishing touches on their concert music.
10:30 – Instrument Masterclasses
Students participate in one final round of instrument-specific coaching and instruction.
11:30 – Camp Meeting
A final camp gathering to celebrate the week’s accomplishments and prepare for the afternoon performance.
12:00 – Lunch
12:50 – Stage Rehearsals
Bands move into the performance space for sound checks, staging, and final run-throughs.
2:30 – Final Concert
Students present the music they have prepared throughout the week in a public performance at the PHS Auditorium.
3:35 – Clean Up & Farewells
Following the concert, students help with clean-up, say goodbye to new friends, and celebrate a successful week of music-making.
4:15 – End of Camp
What’s Included?
- Camp t-shirt
- A full week of jazz band rehearsals, music theory classes, instrument masterclasses and more