2026 Adult Jazz Camp

ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp

July 16–19, 2026

Columbia, SC | Ages 18+

Spend a weekend playing jazz, building confidence, and connecting with other adult musicians.

The ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp is a four-day jazz intensive for adult players who want to improve their improvisation, play in small combos, learn practical theory, and enjoy a serious but welcoming musical environment.

All levels are welcome. Combos are grouped by ability.

SPECIAL GUEST: WYCLIFFE GORDON

This year’s camp features a masterclass with Wycliffe Gordon, one of the most celebrated jazz musicians and educators of our time. Campers will have the opportunity to learn directly from his deep musical knowledge, joyful teaching style, and world-class experience. Learn more: https://wycliffegordon.com/

Who It’s For

This camp is for adult musicians, ages 18+, including:

• Serious hobbyists

• Returning players

• Music educators

• Semi-pro musicians

• Vocalists and instrumentalists

• Players who want to get more comfortable improvising

• Musicians who want to play with others

What You’ll Get

Tuition includes:

• Small jazz combos grouped by ability

• Jazz theory and improvisation

• Interactive workshops and masterclasses

• Personalized instruction

• Faculty and camp concerts

• Lunch during daytime camp activities

• Free camp t-shirt

• Grand Finale Concert performance

You’ll leave with stronger skills, more confidence, new musical friends, and a clear next step in your jazz journey.

Camp Location

Cornerstone Church

5637 Bush River Rd
Columbia, SC 29212
https://cornerstonesc.org/

• A comfortable, accessible space for rehearsing, learning, relaxing, and playing jazz.

• Free parking available.

Schedule Overview

THURSDAY, JULY 16

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Check-in, welcome, combo sessions, and jazz theory.

FRIDAY, JULY 17

10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Theory, improvisation, combo rehearsal, masterclass, and sectionals.

Evening Hang

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
The Joint
1710 Main Street
Columbia, SC

SATURDAY, JULY 18

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Theory, combo rehearsal, masterclass, and final preparation.

Evening Hang

6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
The Joint
1710 Main Street
Columbia, SC

SUNDAY, JULY 19 - CONCERT DAY

2:00 PM — Soundcheck
4:00 PM — Doors open
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM — Grand Finale Concert

Grand Finale Concert

The Big Apple

1000 Hampton Street
Columbia, SC 29201
https://www.bigappledance.com/

*The Grand Finale Concert is open to the public. Invite your family and friends to hear what you’ve worked on all weekend.

ABOUT THE BIG APPLE

The Big Apple is one of Columbia’s most important cultural landmarks. Originally built in 1915 as a synagogue, the building became the Big Apple Night Club in 1936, a vibrant gathering place for Columbia’s African American community. There, dancers moved to jazz and swing, creating the energetic Big Apple dance, which became a national craze and helped influence later American social dance.

The building was relocated and restored in 1982. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of Columbia’s Black cultural creativity — and a fitting place to close camp with music, history, and celebration.

FAQs

Am I good enough?

Most likely, yes.

Combos are grouped by ability. You do not need to be an expert improviser.

You’ll do well if you can:

• Read music

• Play your instrument with basic confidence

• Play major and minor scales

• Follow basic song forms like 12-bar blues or 32-bar AABA

What instruments are welcome?

We welcome:

• Saxophone

• Flute

• Trumpet

• Trombone

• Piano

• Guitar

• Bass

• Drums

• Voice

Violinists and harmonica players have also enjoyed camp. Bagpipes may be a stretch.

What kind of jazz will we play?

Mostly straight-ahead jazz and blues connected to the Great American Songbook — Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and more.

We may also explore traditional jazz, funk, fusion, avant-garde approaches, and pop tunes as vehicles for improvisation.

What should I prepare?

Nothing formal.

We may ask for a short, low-pressure video before camp to help place you in the right combo.

What should I bring?

Bring your instrument and anything you need to play it, including:

• Reeds, mouthpieces, valve oil, sticks, cables, amps, etc.

• Pencils

• Manuscript paper

• Recording device

• Chargers

• Comfortable shoes

• Snacks or drinks

• Any required medication

Some pianos, amps, and drum kits will be provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included during daytime camp activities.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Limited financial assistance is available thanks to donors and sponsors. Contact ColaJazz to inquire.

What is the refund policy?

Payment is required in full at registration.

Cancellations made up to 14 days before July 16, 2026 are fully refundable. After that, payments are non-refundable.

How do I get more information?

Email contact@colajazz.com.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

These terms apply to the 2026 ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp.

Registration and Payment

All bookings are subject to these terms. Registration and payment indicate your acceptance of the camp terms and conditions.

All fees are in U.S. dollars. Full payment is required at the time of registration unless otherwise stated. Payments are processed securely through Humanitix.

ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp reserves the right to refuse registration due to limited availability and may decline, accept, cancel, or withdraw any participant before or during camp if necessary.

Refunds

Cancellations made up to 14 days before July 16, 2026 are fully refundable.

After that date, payments are non-refundable.

Liability and Participation

By participating, you agree to release and hold harmless the ColaJazz Foundation, its board, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, agents, affiliates, camp staff, and related parties from claims or liabilities arising from camp participation, including injury, illness, property damage, or associated expenses.

You also agree to indemnify ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp and the ColaJazz Foundation against accident, loss, or injury connected to camp activities.

You affirm that you are the participant and are 18 years of age or older.

Medical Needs, Allergies, and Dietary Requirements

Please email contact@colajazz.com with any medical conditions, allergies, dietary needs, or other important health information.

If camp staff determine that medical treatment is necessary, you consent to staff seeking medical care on your behalf at your expense.

Personal Property

ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp and the ColaJazz Foundation are not responsible for personal instruments, gear, or belongings. We recommend insuring valuable instruments.

Damage to Property

Participants are responsible for any intentional or accidental damage they cause to camp property, equipment, vehicles, venue property, or the property of other participants. Repair or replacement costs are the responsibility of the individual involved.

Staying On Site

Participants are expected to remain on site during scheduled camp activities unless permission is provided and approved by camp administrators. Only camp administrators may authorize a participant to leave during scheduled activities.

Conduct and Dismissal

The following may result in dismissal from camp at the participant’s expense:

• Bullying, threatening, or intimidating behavior

• Possession of illegal drugs or alcohol

• Refusal to follow staff instructions

• Deliberate disruption of camp activities

• Dangerous, illegal, or inappropriate behavior

• Smoking on premises; the venue is smoke-free

Photo and Media Release

By participating, you grant the ColaJazz Foundation permission to record your image, voice, and likeness in any medium and to use those recordings for educational, promotional, or advertising purposes without expectation of compensation.

Privacy

Information collected by ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp remains confidential and will not be shared with third parties. Photos and videos of camp activities may be used in promotional materials by ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp or the ColaJazz Foundation.

COVID-19

We prefer all attendees and staff to be fully vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, please wear a mask, maintain distance, and follow current CDC guidelines at cdc.gov.