The Jam – Summer Music Camp

General Information

The JAM is held at Battle Ground Academy, 336 Ernest Rice Lane in Franklin, Tennessee.
The JAM is open to applicants ages 11-19 years.
The JAM attendees must have a minimum of two years experience on the instrument they intend to play.
New students must submit an audition recording (1 song for vocalists, 2 songs for instrumentalists). This should be on a CD, DVD, cassette, or MP3; a basic recording – not studio quality.
New students may be required to attend a live audition. Students will be contacted, if needed.
Class sizes are limited and acceptance is considered on a "first come, first served" basis. A $100 deposit and ALL forms are required for application to be processed.
The JAM begins each day @ 8:30 do not be late!
Upon successful demonstration of ability, participants will be placed in bands according to their abilities & interests.
Drop off and Pick Up are at the Harlin Student Center on the BGA Upper School Campus. Students may place their instrument or equipment in the foyer at the Middle School campus before coming to group assembly.
ALL students are expected to come to The JAM with a good attitude. Absolutely no drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products are allowed on campus.
Absolutely NO Vocal Tracks at the JAM.
If they are prepared, students are encouraged to perform during lunch Monday - Thursday. Please sign up at the registration table in the Harlin Student Center.
Each student will receive a JAM DVD of footage from the week at camp and the band performances. The DVDs are available after Thanksgiving (just in time for Christmas!) The price of the DVD is INCLUDED in tuition.
All students are required to bring their instruments and equipment to camp (e.g. guitars, amps, drums, keyboards, cables, etc.) Please label Everything!
Load-in for drums and keyboards: Monday, July 5th, 8 am and Sunday, July 11th, 3-6 pm at the BGA Middle School.
All students are required to remain on campus after camp Thursday and Friday until the evening performances are completed.
At the end of each week, a drawing will be held and one band will win a free recording session.

Tuition & Scholarships

The JAM tuition is $250 per week. For the 2010 year, an additional evening performance and a professionally edited 2-disc DVD set of footage from the week and both performances are included in the tuition. Tuition payment may be made in 3 installments, per the payment schedule below, or it can be paid in full at any time. Full payment is required prior to the beginning of camp, or the student may not be allowed to attend.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR ONE WEEK OF THE JAM:
March 1 - $100 deposit (required with application)
May 1 - $75 June 15- $75

PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR TWO WEEKS OF THE JAM:
March 1 - $200 deposit (required with application)
May 1 - $150 June 15- $150

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 $150 of the $250 tuition.

Schedule

The JAM is an all day experience, convening at 8:30 a.m. and ending promptly at 3:00 p.m. On Monday – Wednesday, students will be required to depart the campus at 3:00 p.m. unless extended care arrangements have been made. On Thursday & Friday, the students will stay on campus to prepare for their evening performance, and dinner will be served (please bring $5 each night). The Thursday and Friday Showcases are at 6:00 p.m. at BGA's Harlin Student Center. For detailed information, 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 theatre. There are NO beginner lessons at the JAM.

Friday Morning Group Sessions

Week 1 – Rock History 1 & Image Maker: Students will learn about Rock History from the 40s to the present day. Also presented will be Image Maker, where students will get a demonstration from a professional stylist on creating your image via clothing, hairstyles, and accessories.

Week 2 – Rock History 2 & The Music Business: Because it is so important, the students will learn about Rock History during both weeks – this is not just a repeat of week 1. During the Music Business session, record producers, publishers, and artists will talk about the music industry; how to get a publisher if you’re a songwriter; how to market and promote your band; and so much more.

Songwriting

For students who express interest, the 2010 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 ("1970 Something"); Casey Beathard, Songwriter of the Year 2008, ("No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problem"); Ed Hill, Songwriter of the year 2007, ("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") and many more...

Morning Clinic Bands

Students are grouped into Clinic Bands 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 Clinic Band at the Thursday evening performance. Click the above link for more details.

Afternoon Clinic Bands

Showcase Band sessions are held daily. Students are grouped into their 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 Friday evening Showcase. During the Wednesday Showcase session, 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 on the above link for more details.

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 Thursday and Friday evenings, and each student is asked to bring $5 per night for dinner. Concessions will be available for both evening performances.

The Jam DVDs

This DVD is not just a copy of JAM band performances. It is a professionally edited, 2-disc set of footage from each week of camp. It captures students engaging in clinics and showcase bands, lunch performances, and candid crazy moments. It is a priceless memory keeper, and it arrives just before Christmas. It is included in the price of tuition.

Extended Care

Students who sign up for extend care will be allowed to stay on campus until 5:00 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 Extended Care may stay on campus past 3:00 pm. Contact rock@bgajam.com for more information or to enroll.

Internships

A limited number of internships are available for students ages 17 and older. Please inquire at laura@bgajam.com.

The Most Important Things to Remember

Label all equipment, bags, electronics, accessories – JUST LABEL EVERYTHING!
Drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest - The JAM is intense!
Bring your lunch and pocket change for concessions.
Plan to stay on the BGA campus both Thursday and Friday after camp.
Bring dinner money - $5 each night on Thursday and Friday. Dinner, drink & dessert are served on campus those nights.
Be on time! This is important to your clinician and to your band mates!
Drums and keyboards load in Monday, July 5th , 8 am and Sunday, July 11th, 3-6 pm at the Middle School.
Come as prepared as you can with ideas. Bring your IPods, laptops, CD’s, and lyric sheets.
Show respect and exhibit a good attitude at all times!