This year, a new jazz camp for young musicians is being added to Denmark’s lineup of summer music programs. Called Jazzdalen, the camp is inspired by the long-standing Summer Session in Vallekilde, which, with its decades of tradition, can be seen as the “big brother” to this new gathering for young jazz talents.

Jazzdalen brings together around 60 boys and girls aged 13-17 from across the country, offering them a space to play, learn, and connect with other music enthusiasts their age—all within the spirit of jazz. The camp runs for six days, from July 24-29, at Klejtrup Musikefterskole near Hobro, which provides the ideal setting for the event.

Focus on community and musical immersion

Jazzdalen is the result of a strong collaboration between Jazz Danmark and drummer Kristoffer Juel, the camp’s initiator and director. The goal is to allow young musicians to immerse themselves in a shared musical experience, and the facilities at Klejtrup Musikefterskole provide the perfect environment for this. Throughout the week, the school’s many spaces will be filled with music as participants take part in jam sessions, ensemble playing with experienced instructors, instrument clinics, workshops, and more.

A jazz camp in balance

Jazzdalen brings together young musicians not only from different regions but also across genders. Jazz Danmark has long worked to improve gender balance in jazz and contemporary music through initiatives like JazzCamp for Girls, and Jazzdalen naturally continues this focus on diversity. The camp maintains an equal gender representation among both participants and instructors.

All available spots for this year’s Jazzdalen have been filled through recruitment via music schools and institutions across the country. The hope is that Jazzdalen will follow in the footsteps of Summer Session, becoming a recurring camp that attracts young musicians from all over Denmark for years to come.

Info

Dates: July 24-29, 2017
Location: Klejtrup Musikefterskole, Musikbakken 2, 9500 Hobro
Final concert: Free admission on Friday, July 28, at 7:00 PM in the school’s main hall
Funding: Supported by the Danish Arts Foundation’s fund for children and youth learning environments, as well as Jazz Danmark
Organized by: Jazz Danmark and Kristoffer Juel in collaboration with Klejtrup Musikefterskole