South Dakota Music Education Association sponsors JAZZFEST Jazz Camp

This year the SDMEA sponsorship will be assisting 42 young jazz enthusiasts to attend the camp. The featured performing artist is Chris Vadala, Director of the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Maryland. Campers selected for the top jazz band will have the opportunity to perform with Mr. Vadala on the main stage at JAZZFEST at 1:30 pm on Saturday, July 28.

South Dakota MEA Executive Director, Paul Schilf, camp dean and director of jazz studies at Augustana College, said the camp is growing but also saw return campers, in an article in the Argus Leader.

“The growth is definitely quality and quantity,” Schilf said.

Andrew Paulson, 20, a camp counselor and music education major (and member of the NAfME collegiate chapter at Augustana), said he helps campers who are struggling work through their part. He leads activities and said the students work hard.

“They all appreciate jazz,” he said. “It makes it easy for us to teach them.”