Summer Jazz Collective

The University of Oklahoma Jazz Program in collaboration with Jazz in June presents one of the newest jazz education experiences in Oklahoma, the "Summer Jazz Collective" Project, or SJC!

This experience includes a five-day camp at the University of Oklahoma where participants work with OU faculty and the Jazz in June headliners! The camp involves rehearsals, sectionals, masterclasses, a jam session, and VIP seating at the Jazz in June festival. The camp then concludes with the SJC band performing the opening set for the festival headliner on the final night of Jazz in June. In fact, all campers who perform at the concert receive a $100 honorarium from Jazz in June!

Students will have direct access to the festival headliners.  They will be able to ask questions and study with those who are considered to be among the finest jazz musicians in the world. Through some intense hard work they will also form some important and lasting relationships. This will undoubtedly be one of their most rewarding accomplishments. Additionally, as part of the experience, festival headliners will join the SJC on stage in front of thousands of people!

Past headliners for the festival include multiple time grammy award winners like David Sanborn, Ellis Marsalis, Robert "Sput" Searight, Mark Lettieri, Paquito D' Rivera, Thelonius Monk Jr, Eric Marienthal and more. SJC 2023 shared the stage with Maynard Ferguson alum, Steve Wiest, and internet sensation, Chad LB and received a standing ovation.  2024 is expected to be every bit as epic!

Selection is based on a preliminary audition and final audition. Only one video submission is required. All-State Jazz participants will automatically advance to the final audition round.

Contact Prof. Jay Wilkinson at jazzprof@ou.edu or Dr. Lonnie Easter at lonnie.easter-1@ou.edu for more details.