LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Jazz Camp is 'Where It's At' for Budding Musicians


Sullivan Fortner (piano) and Tom Scott (sax) Photo Nathan Haese

Now in its 14th year, the Lafayette Summer Music Jazz Workshop at Stanley Middle School really is bigger and better than ever. This year, a record number of attendees - 202 student musicians, 47 teachers who are professional musicians, along with 25 volunteers will come together for the week in intensive day-long programs that culminate in a free concert for the community, parents and friends this Friday afternoon and evening, August 3. Because of the large number of camp attendees, the final concert starts at 3:30 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m. or later to accommodate the 24 - count 'em, combos that have practiced all week and will be performing in the school's multi-purpose room. Those coming straight from work can grab a casual dinner provided by Chef's Touch on site.

With very generous support from the Generations in Jazz Foundation, this year 50 of the 200 students will receive scholarships - some will go to talented student musicians in Oakland and some to students from New Jersey, and beyond. A very talented New Jersey school happened to perform after the Stanley students at the Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey, so Stanley Music Director Bob Athayde extended the invitation, and asked their teacher to select musicians that might be interested. Through a network of "amazing volunteers" they have transportation and a place to stay, said Julie Athayde. Also some college students from USC and San Jose State will be on a "work/study" scholarship.

She extends special appreciation to Cayford Burrell who does a fantastic job as Director of Operations, Jazz Curriculum Director Frank Sumares, "Idea Man" Mo Levich, Lafayette Rotary and countless donors and volunteers who make the program possible.

It's a whirlwind week: auditions started on Sunday, July 29 for combo placements, camp started at 9 a.m. the next day. Music campers age 12 and older were welcome and throughout this week will have full days of instruction, snacks and lunch provided by Chef's Touch Catering. Friday is the big finale concert, and on Saturday volunteers are back to clean up and return borrowed music stands and equipment to various schools. Then both Julie and Bob Athayde are off to another music camp at Stanford on Sunday.