2018 Jazz Harp Camp

 

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Fourth Jazz Harp Camp in Valeyres, Switzerland

August 6-12, 2018

Announcing the fourth Jazz Harp Camp!  Five days of intense jazz harp study in a small group setting with Park Stickney in Valeyres-sous-Ursins, a French-speaking village in the Swiss countryside.

A group of around 12-15 students will meet during five days, for a unique and exciting program involving daily workshops, masterclasses, mini private lessons, and time to practice… The Camp starts on the afternoon of August 6th and finishes on Sunday morning (the 12th) with a brunch. 

The first two days will be an introduction (or a review) of the basics of jazz theory, harmony, and jazz harp techniques with Park Stickney. Starting Wednesday, bassist Dino Contenti and percussionist Gigi Biolcati will join in, working with the students in duos and trios and in rhythmic training, including morning “body percussion” movement sessions.

The classes will be tailored to the individual needs of the students, as well as to those of the group. Teaching will be in English and French. There will be multiple performance opportunities for the students, including an ending concert on Saturday evening.

To balance all this intense work, we’ll take advantage of being in the Swiss countryside with a barbecue on the beach at nearby Lake Neuchâtel (weather permitting), and an evening cheese raclette or fondue, across the valley in the nearby mountains of the Jura.

Although no jazz experience is necessary, participants should be intermediate or advanced pedal harpists. This camp is for students over 18. 

We ask students to bring their own harps (if possible), although there will be a limited number of harps provided.

There are several possibilities for lodging. Most students stay with host families in the village, others camp (in our field or in our barn in case of bad weather). There is also a nearby hotel (3 minutes by car, 20-25 minutes by foot or 10 minutes by bike), youth hostel (15 minutes by car) and other hotels of varying standing (all around 15 minutes by car). More information is available on the Registration form.

Travel:

The camp is at a farm in Valeyres-sous-Ursins, 6 km from Yverdon-les-Bains, which is the closest train station. The closest airport is Geneva, which offers direct train service to Yverdon (a 1 hour trip). Zurich airport is 2 hours away from Yverdon by train. Check www.cff.ch for train schedules. Valeyres is 4 km from the nearest highway exit “Yverdon Sud”

Registration:

Important note: The number of places is limited. Registration is first come, first served! Please verify that there’s still room before sending a deposit.

You can download a registration form here:  Registration form 2018.

or download a flyer:  Flyer JHC 2018

(right click or alt-click (mac) the link to download)

click here to see more photos from the 2011 camp!