The Jam – Summer Music Camp
Application Process
- Applications are accepted until May 15th. After May 15th, if any spots remain, there will be a late application fee of $50 in addition to full tuition.
- Applications are accepted on a “first come, first served” basis until the camp fills up. After that, we will take your name for a waiting list. Spots for drummers, guitarists and vocalists fill up first, so be sure to apply early.
- The JAM is open to applicants ages 11-19 years with a minimum of two years experience on the instrument they intend to play.
- Students who did not attend JAM 2011 must submit an audition recording (1 song for vocalists, 2 songs for instrumentalists). NEW 2012: ALL vocalists must submit an audition video regardless of your past JAM attendance.
- For auditions, we prefer links to youtube videos. Other options are: CD, DVD, cassette, or MP3 – we just need a basic recording of a performance – not studio quality.
- New students may be required to attend a live audition. Students will be contacted, if needed.
- A $100 per week non-refundable deposit and ALL forms are required for application to be processed. You do not have a spot at the JAM until everything is on file and you have received your email confirmation.
- Upon successful demonstration of ability, participants will be placed in bands according to their abilities & interests. Students are notified of their band placement on the first morning of camp.
- See the Registration Page for application details
Key Dates for 2012 JAM
- February 21st – May 15th: Applications Accepted (as space is available)
- May 15th: $50 late fee added to tuition
- May 25th: Tuition must be paid in full
- May 25th: No refunds granted for any reason
Week 1 Students
- June 24th (Sun): Drum & keyboard load-in 3-6 pm at BGA
- June 25th (Mon): JAM Week 1 begins at 8:30 am – Harlin Student Center
- June 27th (Wed): Band Photo Shoot
- June 28th (Thurs): Students stay on campus after camp (dinner provided)
- 4:30 pm – Clinic Band Showcase (show approximately 3 hours)
- June 29th (Fri): Students report at 9:30 am
- Students stay on campus after camp (dinner provided)
- 6:00 pm – The JAM (show approximately 5 hours)
- June 30th (Sat): Drum & Keyboard Load-Out 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (unless enrolled in week 2)
Week 2 Students
- July 1st (Sun): Drum & keyboard load-in 3-6 pm at BGA
- July 2nd (Mon): JAM Week 2 begins at 8:30 am
- July 4th (Wed): NO CAMP – 4th of July Holiday
- July 5th (Thurs): Band Photo Shoot
- July 6th (Fri): Students stay on campus after camp (dinner provided)
- 4:30 pm – Clinic Band Showcase – approximately 3 hours
- July 7th (Sat): Students report at 9:30 am
- Students stay on campus after camp (dinner provided)
- 6:00 pm – The JAM – approximately 5 hours
- July 8th (Sun): Drum & Keyboard Load-Out 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
General Information
- The JAM is held at Battle Ground Academy, 336 Ernest Rice Lane in Franklin
- Absolutely NO Vocal Tracks at the JAM.
- If they are prepared, students are encouraged to perform during lunch
- All students are required to bring their instruments and equipment to camp (e.g. guitars, amps, drums, keyboards, cables, etc.)
- Label EVERYTHING all equipment, bags, electronics, accessories
- Come with song ideas: bring your iPods, laptops, CD’s, and lyric sheets.
- Drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest – The JAM is intense!
- Bring your lunch and pocket change for concessions.
- Three recording sessions for JAM bands will be given away at the JAM
- Demonstrations offered daily: pedal board, tuning techniques, percussion, vocals and more
Tuition
The JAM tuition is $275 per week. A non-refundable deposit of $100 PER WEEK is required with the application. Applications are due by May 15th. After that, a $50 late fee and full payment must be included with the application. It is extremely tedious to place 175 students in bands for each week while accommodating each student’s instrument, skill level, preferred genre and age. Late applications disrupt the process of assembling bands and are hard to accommodate.
Camp tuition can not be refunded after May 25th for any reason as The JAM has already hired instructors and staff based on applications received. Full payment is required by May 25th, or the student may not be allowed to attend.
For ONE WEEK of JAM Camp ($275)
- submit all application forms and $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot (upon demonstration of ability)
- a late fee of $50 must be included, if applying after May 15th
- submit final payment of $175 no later than May 25th to hold your spot
- tuition can not be refunded for any reason after May 25th
For TWO WEEKS of JAM Camp ($550)
- submit all application forms and $200 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot (upon demonstration of ability)
- a late fee of $50 must be included, if applying after May 15th
- submit final payment of $350 no later than May 25th to hold your spot
- tuition can not be refunded for any reason after May 25th
Scholarships
If you are in need of a scholarship, please request a tuition assistance application from the JAM by contacting us at rock@bgajam.com or at 615.435.3503. Students requesting tuition assistance must meet certain requirements in order to be approved. The maximum amount of assistance available per student is $175 of the $275 tuition. A limited amount of scholarships are available.
Students receiving scholarships are expected to volunteer 5 hours for each week of scholarship they receive. These hours may be served during or after camp as determined by the camp director. Not fulfilling volunteer hours can disqualify the student from receiving future scholarships at the JAM.
Schedule
The JAM is an all day experience with the following schedule:
Week 1 (Monday – Friday, June 25 – 29)
Monday – 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday – 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday – 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday – 8:30 am – end of Clinic Band Showcase (all students)*
Friday - 9:30 am – end of The JAM (all students)*
Week 2 (Monday – Saturday, July 2 – 7)
Monday – 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday – 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Wednesday – NO CAMP – 4th of July holiday
Thursday – 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Friday – 8:30 am – end of Clinic Band Showcase (all students)*
Saturday – 9:30 am – end of The JAM (all students)*
* On Performance days, students will stay on campus after the end of camp for their performance sound checks. Dinner will be served on campus and is included in tuition. Clinic Band Showcase is 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm; The JAM is 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm.
For detailed information about the daily schedule, click here: Daily Schedule
Student Qualifications
Students should be ages 11-19 and have a minimum of 2 years experience with their instrument. Exceptions to age and experience are sometimes granted, so contact the JAM to arrange a live audition if this applies to you. Most students attend regular weekly music lessons on their instruments throughout the calendar year. Many perform in music showcases, school talent shows, school bands or garage bands, and are active in musical theater. There are NO beginner lessons at the JAM.
Songwriting at The JAM
For students who express interest, the 2012 JAM will continue its tradition of providing a host of Nashville’s most prominent songwriters for student instruction. These industry professionals will offer to young minds a wealth of knowledge, drawing upon years of success and experience. Past writers have included: David Lee (“Roll With It”); Casey Beathard, Songwriter of the Year 2008, (“Boys of Fall”); Ed Hill, Songwriter of the year 2007, (“Just Fishin’,”Find Out Who Your Friends Are”); Jamie O’Neal (“Atlantis”); Walter Egan (“Hot Summer Nights”); Mark D. Sanders, Songwriter Hall of Fame 2009, (“I Hope You Dance”), Etta Britt, Jonell Mosser, Sandra Ramos, Sheila Lawrence and many more…
Morning Clinic Bands
Students will be assigned to a Clinic Band according to their musical preference, as selected from a wide variety of musical genres. In their daily Clinic Band sessions, students are lead by some of the areas most esteemed music educators. Students learn not only how to perform their chosen genre of music, but also about charting, performance techniques, and the roots & history of the music. Students interested in Songwriting will compose an original song in their Clinic Band sessions. We urge students to step out of their comfort zone when choosing a morning clinic. Students perform with their band at the Clinic Band Showcase performance – Thursday, June 28th for Week 1 and Friday, July 6th for Week 2 – at 4:30 pm.Click here for the list of 2012 Clinic Bands: JAM Bands.
Afternoon Showcase Bands
Students are put into Showcase Bands based on musical genre preference, experience level, and age. Students are strongly encouraged to bring prepared ideas of music they would like to perform on their CDs, iPods, MP3, and laptops. Band instructors will lead the Showcase sessions and help the students work on their “set list” through the week. Students will perform with their Showcase Band at the JAM Showcase on the last night of camp. During the week, the bands will have a photo shoot for their Band Posters. These posters will be available for sale at the end of the week. Click here for the list of 2012 Showcase Bands: JAM Bands.
Meals
Students should bring a lunch each day of camp. Refrigeration is NOT available. Snack and drink concessions will be on sale each day. Dinner will be served on campus on performance nights (the last two nights of camp), and it is included in tuition. Concessions will be available for both evening performances.
Late Pick-Up
Students who sign up for Late Pick Up will be allowed to stay on campus until 4:00 pm. There is no charge for this service, but students will be assigned tasks to help ready the campus for the next day, and they are expected to work. Only students enrolled in Late Pick-Up may stay on campus past 3:00 pm. Contact rock@bgajam.com for more information or to enroll.
Studio Band Internships
A limited number of internships are available for students ages 17 and older. Highly experienced high school and college interns will assist adult instructors, clinicians and directors. Interns will also participate in JAM band performances for: Songwriters, Studio Band Vocals, and other vocal groups. To be considered for an internship, student must:
- Be 17 or older
- Be able to read and chart music
- Have leadership skills
- Be proficient on guitar, keys, and percussion
- Complete an interview
- Be available on ALL camp days
- Apply by May 15th
Please inquire at laura@bgajam.com for more information.
Sponsors
First Avenue Sound
Studio 23 Nashville
