Four participants in action:

Peter Arike (L) in rehearsal

Bob Penick (R) on lead

Dave Netherton (L) playing lead at the concert

Peter Senatore (middle)

Byron Siegal, President of  the Jazz Vermont Camp, writes with news of last year’s camp, the twenty-second, and trumpet players’ reactions to it. The camp, established in 1986, has grown from ten players – one band - at its inception to around eighty players participating in six or seven bands nowadays. Four trumpet players have recorded their impressions of the 2006 camp:

Peter Arike, Real Estate Appraiser, Mamaroneck, New York:

"It is not overstating it to say that my experience at this year's jazz camp was life-changing.  I learned so much, met so many great people and just had a great deal of fun.  Playing with Glendon's group (nine piece band) was a lot of fun and a real learning experience.  Glendon is such a talented musician and a good person.  I am so glad I chose to participate in the recording session on Friday morning as well.  I learned so much from Bear (Irwin) about playing in a big band.  I think I would like to play in a big band next year.  I hope there is some room left in one of them.  My lesson with Mark (Van Cleave) was great; it made an immediate impact on my trumpet playing.  As for Jerry Bergonzi, what can I say.  He was one of the main reasons I initially wanted to come to jazz camp and my experience with him during his seminars and private lessons far exceeded my expectations.  He is a musical genius and one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Thanks again Byron for making it all possible.  I can't wait until next year. "

Bob Penick, Georgetown, Texas:
 
"Jazz Vermont stands out among other jazz camps because of the many hours of scheduled playing.  Beyond that are the comfortable setting, excellent and friendly staff, good food, and Vermont scenery."

Dave Netherton, Epidemiologist, Concord, Massachusetts:

"There's something about the summer air in New England.  Harmonious natural surrounding blend impromptu sounds with alternating stretches of quiet.  But in the middle of New England, the air is being pushed through saxophones and trombones and trumpets, and it deepens the natural sense of excitement and serenity.  This is Jazz Vermont, an annual gathering of the hip at the base of Mount Killington, where a hundred musicians share in a non-stop session, surprisingly intense and at the same time laid back, creating a joyful week-long, mid-summer groove.  Featured recording artists and an exceptional staff of lifelong professional jazz mentors guide serious amateurs and semi-professionals through the finer points of pitch, color, volume and rhythm in a series of performances that caps the Festival.  You learn that the wiling tenor player next to you in the big band sax section is a surgeon, and that the bass player laying down the blistering solo with his nonet is a police detective.  No one here is out of place.  What you all have in common is a special respect for each other and the great kick you get from the jazz you create together.
 
"At the welcome cocktail party by the pool in the afternoon, you have the change to meet your colleagues among the player personnel and staff and perhaps unpack your axe early to join the casual jam.  You can look forward to reading dozens of chars with your big band or sextet or a group in between, and to a full array of sectional work, clinics on improvisation, a master class on your instrument and even a private session with your favorite artist.  When you're not playing you're listening to others play, or to recordings in your room, in the rehearsal halls, in the bar.  ...As the warm July sun settles behind Green Mountain National Forest, the evening air carries the cool sound of a new chord progression.  In the midst of this dreamscape with a soundtrack, you may find yourself echoing the well worn plea of your music director, 'Where are we?'"

Peter Senatore, Surgeon, Norwell, Massachusetts:
 
"I am a surgeon, father of three with a very busy career.  This camp provides a needed change of pace and a chance to improve my skills.  I love the union of players with different backgrounds into a great jazz band with the input and guidance of phenomenal teachers and the opportunity to share the love of jazz."

Turning to this year’s camp, Siegal informs us: “As the date approaches for the 23rd annual Jazz Vermont Camp, to be held July 15th to July 20th at the Killington Grand Resort, the bands for this years’ camp are being compiled.  Each year this diverse band camp is attended by intermediate and advanced musicians of all ages from all over the United States and the world.  The camp provides the opportunity for individuals to step outside of their daily life and immerse themselves in the life of a musician through extensive rehearsals and clinics. Participants have the opportunity to work under the direction of professional band directors, receive private instruction, jam with their peers and finish out the week by performing a concert open to the public.”.

For full details of the camp, please visit the official website listed below.

Links:
Jazz Vermont
Trumpet at Jazz Vermont