Frequently Asked Questions

 How many students are accepted into the camp?

The goal of enrollment for the camp is limited to 150 students.  We have had as many as 125 students and handled it well.

 What age group is can attend?

We encourage anyone who is going into 7^th grade and on up!  We’ve even had band directors enroll in our camp.  We just ask the students be mature enough to follow schedules on their own, be away from home for a week and to be responsible for others’ property.

 Who and how many counselors are provided?

Our counselors are responsible college students from Iowa Lakes Community College chosen through thorough interviews.  We plan to have 1 counselor for every 10 resident campers.  Counselors will be housed in the same dorms as the resident campers and will be given complete training.

 How are roommates chosen?

Roommates are chosen by age and then by instrument.  If two resident campers know each other and want to room together, we will gladly arrange for them to be roommates.

 How are the bands, combos and classes grouped?

The campers will be assigned bands, combos and classes according to ability level.  Each student will have a private (and painless) audition on Sunday evening to determine their playing ability.  Theory class levels will be determined by the students after an explanation of each class and a theory placement quiz.  Instrument classes will be determined by the students’ instrument interest.  For example if a student has more than one interest (piano and percussion), they can chose which instrument class to attend.

  What about lessons?

Two private lesson on one instrument are included in the tuition.  Additional lessons on alternative instruments may be available, depending on the lesson schedules of individual instructors.

  Where will the students stay?

Resident campers will be housed in our college dorms.  Each dorm room is like a motel room with air-conditioning and their own bathroom and shower facility.  Each furnished room has single beds, dressers and a phone that can call on campus for free and off campus with a phone card. 

  What about meals?

Iowa Lakes Community College has recently finished a brand-new cafeteria/student center.  We will have the privilege to use this new facility.  Resident campers will be provided 3 meals per day, Monday morning through Thursday evening.  Commuter campers will be allowed to purchase meals from the cafeteria.  Commuters may also bring their lunch and join our resident campers in the cafeteria.  There are microwaves available.

 What about snacks?

We know students are always hungry.  There is a bookstore open on our campus from 7:30-4:30 each day that has a wide variety of snacks available to purchase.  There are also vending machines available as well.  The camp will provide some snacks to the resident campers during certain evening activities.  You may also send a care package with your campers to have available to them in their rooms. 

 What do I bring to camp?

All campers should bring their instruments…even pianos, drum sets, guitars, amps, etc.  You should bring reeds and anything else you need to play music for the whole week.  We encourage campers to bring pencils and folders also.

Resident campers need to bring sheets, pillows and blankets for a single bed.  They also need to bring towels and all their personal toiletries. Weather in Iowa can be unpredictable, so they should bring clothes for cold and hot weather, plus a jacket for the evening concerts/activities.  We will be having a swimming party for interested campers, so a swim suit is suggested as well.  Check out the Camper's List to Bring to Camp page as well.  Please also check out the Special Daily and Evening Activities page for additional ideas.

 What if I don’t play a ‘normal’ jazz instrument?

We have on a yearly basis, a flute and clarinet choir.  We have had a French horn choir as well.  So, if you don’t play a ‘normal’ instrument, but want to learn about jazz, we can accommodate you!  Please join us!

 Do I need to bring my drum set?  Guitar amp?  Bass amp?  Piano?

Yes.  We traditionally set up a rhythm section in each big band rehearsal area and in each combo rehearsal area.  Your equipment will be assigned an area and it will stay there.  This will prevent you from moving your amps and drum sets from one rehearsal area to another.  We all take extra special care with each piece of property.  The college does not own enough amps, drumsets, etc. to accommodate all the rehearsal areas. 

Pianos:  Iowa Lakes Community College does own many quality pianos, so bringing a piano to camp is not necessary.  But, if your school wants you to bring your instrument to camp, you may certainly do so.

 Do I need spending money?

This question can only be answered by you and your family.  There are vending machines for snacks and pop available.  There will be a ‘jazz store’ for the purchasing of jazz cds and books.  There is the college bookstore available for the purchasing of various snacks and other items.  We will possibly be traveling to Arnolds Park for the amusement park, so some campers may want souvenirs.  You will be provided with 3 meals per day, Monday through Thursday evening.

 What happens at auditions?

Each staff person runs their auditions just a little bit differently, but generally speaking this is an opportunity for your instrument instructor to get to know you, how you play and what you want to learn at camp.  They will ask you to play scales and to sight read music.  Please do not panic about the auditions.  This is a placement audition.  This means it is used to place you in an ability appropriate band and combo.  All of our staff are wonderful people. 

 What if I want to play more than one instrument?

We encourage you to double on whatever instrument you play!  Please audition on all the instruments (except flutes and clarinets).  You can play the drums in a combo and tenor sax in a big band…or whatever combination works! 

 Is it fun?

We think so!  Our staff has so much fun each year, we can’t wait to come back!  We have fun in big band rehearsals, combo rehearsals, instrument classes and more.  We have free time built in to hang with your new friends and to use the Regional Wellness Center across the street.  We have evening activities planned for the resident campers (commuter campers may join, too, if you let a counselor know before the event.) We have also had many campers return for 5 - 7 years!  So, we think we have a lot of fun and learn at the same time!

 What do we wear for the final concert?

The camp provides a camp t-shirt for the final concert.  You may wear shorts, jeans or whatever with your t-shirt.  We hand them out on concert day.

 Do the final camper concerts cost?

No.  The concert is free to family and friends.  It will be held in the Iowa Lakes Community College gym on the Estherville campus.

 Can I video tape the final concerts?

Yes.  We will not have a professional service there to tape the program.  So, if you want a copy…we encourage you to tape it.

 Are their housing accommodations nearby?

Yes.  Estherville has a brand-new Sleep Inn right next to the college if your parents want or need to stay.
Sleep Inn
2008 Central Ave
Estherville, IA 51334
712-362-5522

 Is there an ATM on campus?

Yes.  It is located near the business office in the main building.

 What about my car?

If you are a resident camper, you must turn your keys in to the jazz camp office for the week.

 Will I have access to a telephone?  Email?

The dorm rooms have phone access; but will need a phone card to place a long distance call.

The campers will be instructed on using the campus computers.  So if they have a Hotmail, Yahoo, or any remote access account, they will be able to check those email accounts.  Instant messenger or chat rooms are not allowed on the college computers

 When do we check-in on Sunday?

Check in will be between 3-5 p.m. in the main Estherville Campus building.  Please use Entrance #1 for directions.

 Is there supper Sunday night?

No, the college cafeteria is not available on Sunday evenings, so please plan to feed your camper between auditions and the big band rehearsals or send some food with them.

 Do I need to bring bedding?

Yes.  The dorms have twin sized beds.  Please also check the List for additional items.

 Should I bring my swimsuit?

Yes, if you like to swim.  Resident campers will have opportunities to the Regional Wellness Center directly across the street.  They have an Olympic sized swimming pool; 120 foot water slide; 2 gyms, weights and many other things.  Check out their website at:  www.rwcinfo.com.

If you have more questions please email Carol Ayres at:  cayres@iowalakes.edu