JumpStart in Music

JumpStart in Music is an intensive three-day mini camp for students who have completed their first year in band or orchestra. For an extended weekend retreat held at the Cazadero Music Camp on the Russian River, JumpStart students participate in an intensive process of practice, rehearsal and performance combined with recreational activities.

JumpStart retreats are made up of school or school district music programs, with students and their teachers. Teachers are drawn from local school districts so that artistic progress made during the program can be sustained and built upon when the students return to school. Each weekend is designed for students and teachers from schools from the same district to attend and both band and orchestra programs are available. Participants gain leadership skills, make friends for life and come away much stronger musicians.

Originally launched in 2002 as a pilot program with the Berkeley Unified School District to support and inspire music instruction at the middle school level, JumpStart has served Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, Marin, West Contra Costa and Sonoma County school districts.

Cazadero is committed to access for all students who wish to attend; retreat tuition is minimal for meals, lodging and transportation. With support from the Berkeley Civic Arts Program, the Berkeley Public Education Foundation, The Sonoma County Foundation, the Oakland Music Educators Association, and the van Löben Sels/Remberock Foundation among others, Cazadero awards a significant number of JumpStart students 100% or partial scholarships.

The mission of JumpStart in Music is to increase involvement of children in school music programs, build leadership in a cross-cultural program among an ethnically diverse student body, and build a sense of community among and between schools and school districts.

JumpStart in Music Retreats include:

• Rehearsals and sectionals on Friday and Saturday
  
• Time for rest, recreation and enjoying the beautiful redwood forest
  
• Activities such as a campfire, an evening hike or a scavenger hunt on Friday and Saturday nights
  
• A concert performed by teachers and mentors just for the campers
  
• Local High School student mentors who play along with campers and help them learn the music.
  
• A Sunday afternoon outdoor concert by students for parents who come to see where the students have been having so much fun all weekend!

What students say:

"It was to the extreme of fun!"

“I like how powerful we sound when we all play together.”

“I think the most important thing I walked out of camp with was confidence. I felt much more confident in myself and my musical abilities.”

And their teachers:

“We could hear then improving by the hour."

"The leaders really got to shine."

And their high school mentors:

“I remember when I was their age, so it’s nice to work with them and hope that they continue music. MUSIC IS IMPORTANT.”

“When you teach others, you improve and you work harder to set an example. I felt like I really taught them something.”

“Awesome experience.”

And their parents:

“Just the right mix of… training and free time; excellent opportunity for music education and to build community.”

“Teachers love the music and are great with kids; mentors (are) great role models.”

For more information about JumpStart, please contact David Wagner, Executive Director at jumpstart@cazadero.org or call 510-527-7500.

JumpStart Registration Packets 

website by open range enterprises