 Trist Curless of m-pact helps RMVJC camper Nathan Thomas figure out the scoring for his original arrangement
Then in 2007, Julie (pregnant with twins) understandably said, “I really can’t do this anymore.” — and the camp’s future was in doubt.
Many folks who had worked for her since the beginning said, “We can’t let this happen!” Her program was called the "Rocky Mountain Vocal Jazz Camp" and after months of consideration and planning, her staff has succeeded in bringing the vision back — up US-285 at Deer Creek Camp near Bailey, Colorado -- close to 8,000 feet altitude -- good training for singers!.
One of those staff members, Paul Falk, graduate of the renowned University of Northern Colorado (think Gene Aiken) vocal jazz program, gathered former counselors, campers and faculty, including Amy Nelson, Aubrey Hamrick, Matt Jacobs, Candice Ledford, Allen Matthews and Camille Harris to plan, with Julie’s cooperation and advice, how to make it happen again in 2008.
Of course, this isn’t just a matter of getting together and announcing the dates. A training project like this involves a $40,000+ investment for some 70-80 students and faculty. It’s a big deal. Our young guiding entrepreneurs are conscious of the responsibility they undertake, but are not worried about the outcome. With the return of many valued faculty and the enthusiasm of music teachers and supporters across the state and beyond, they intend to keep RMVJC on track and grow it to a sustaining level.
To quote 2008 director Paul Falk," This year we plan to use local staff as much as possible, but many familiar faculty will return, and we have secured exciting Blue Note vocalist Jackie Allen, along with her bass playing husband Hans Sturm, as 2008 guest artists. Our students can also look forward to working with a few new staffers like Chicago’s Leslie Beukelman. We are extremely pleased to be a part of RMVJC's return, and thankful to all those who are helping us out year round."
Of course, contemporary a cappella has become a very important part of the "new jazz vocal" entertainment package, so more and more effort goes into that discipline, but the training at RMVJC is focused on individual skills from voice and style training to arranging and ear discipline. As a matter of fact, the Camp's success has grown wise from eight years of attention by members of Colorado born and internationally known m-pact, who have led weeklong sessions there since the very beginning.
The Camp will re-open under the tax exempt umbrella of the Colorado Vocal Jazz Society. This will not only save on some expense, but will enable supporters, parents and companies to contribute funding that may be deducted from federal (and state) income taxes (of course, camp tuition and board do not qualify). Many of those parents and professionals fully understand and appreciate the Camp’s value in exposing high school and entering college students to training that will give them a “head start” in their further education and professional careers. More information, including registration forms, is currently posted at www.rmvjc.com.
Recently, we ran into Julie Williams at the Colorado Music Educators Conference in Colorado Springs. She's excited that her baby is being re-born. Actually, she was there along with her 6 month old twins, so birth is a phenomenon she fully appreciates.
We encourage you to help make the amazing Rocky Mountain Vocal Jazz Camp a sustaining reality by offering a donation. Please do so by contacting the new organization at rmvjc@comcast.net.
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