Here’s what Northwest Big Band Alumni have to say about their NWBB Jazz Camp experiences:
2024
- “Vince [Fejeran] has been great each of my 3 years. He seems to have a knack for balancing learning, improvement, and fun.”
- “My time with Chris [Bruya] was an education in itself. I learned a lot about jazz language and rhythms from him.”
- “A highlight for me was standing next to Dave [Keim] on Teddy the Toad.”
- “I had a wonderful time, learned a ton, and I’m really looking forward to coming back next year!”
- “This camp had two of the best big bands I have ever heard at any of the camps that I have attended. Both bands were outstanding.”
- “Excellent band leaders! Always nice to meet new people and past friends who share a similar passion for music.”
2023
- “Best jazz camp I’ve ever participated in! Highlights of the week were director Chris [Bruya] and playing with Dmitri [Matheny].”
- “What a great experience! Being able to interact with such fine musicians is such a treat. Want to come back again next year.”
- “Best part was meeting a ton of great people and the incredible instructors.”
- “Chris [Bruya] is an amazing teacher and working with Dave [Keim] in sectionals was great.”
- “Always a fun, fulfilling experience, not only musically but so many memories made as well!”
- “This Camp is the highlight of my year!”
Directors Chris Bruya & Vince Fejeran
2022
- “This experience was the highlight of my year.”
- “Dmitri [Matheny] is terrific!”
- “The faculty is really exceptional – and very appreciated.”
- “Chris [Bruya] is an amazing instructor. I wish I could spend a year in one of his bands.”
- “Love this week. Intense but terrific!”
- “Vince’s [Fejeran] rehearsal style is excellent. He really got results out of the big band; an energetic but focused teacher.”
- “The clinics were outstanding. I am already using tips from them to improve my improv.”
2021
- “Vince [Fejeran] did an amazing job directing us. He is fun, energetic, and passionate about the music without being too serious. The rest of the faculty was also outstanding!”
- “Dmitri [Matheny] is a great coach!”
- “Another awesome year! I always leave feeling proud of the work I’ve put in and the knowledge I’ve gained from a week around musicians & mentors.”
- “Great camp. Great faculty. Great music. Great friends.”
- “A terrific week at Warm Beach. I worked hard, learned a lot, renewed some friendships, and had a great time. The combination of whole-band practices, sectionals and combos works very well.”
- “Well organized and coached. Always great fellowship & good will.”
2020 – Camp cancelled
2019
- “Another great experience. Band rehearsals were well organized and precise.”
- “Vince Fejeran is a great director!”
- “One of the most enjoyable camps that I go to. Warm Beach is an amazing facility; great place to stay for a week. Looking forward to next year!”
- “Overall terrific! Vince [Fejeran] is an outstanding band leader and Barry [Erb] is an outstanding sectional/ensemble leader.”
- “Love the whole week! Vince [Fejeran] was terrific. Seeing old friends – playing terrific charts – fun the whole week.”