Back to Skool

January in Australia is summer holiday time.  It's like August in Europe - lots of people take time off work and head for the beaches.

When I take my long break in January, I like to learn something new.

So when I see an advertisement for a three-day Jazz Camp, I want to be there.  It's near where I live, and looks like an excellent opportunity to learn some new techniques.  There's a wonderful line-up of musicians teaching, including my friend Lauren (we met at the first Cabaret Summer School) who is now a professional jazz singer.  But it looks like this event is for school kids.  Am I eligible to attend?  I complete the online registration form, and in the comments box I type "Is it for grown-ups too?"

I receive an email saying "Most participants will be aged between 11 and 21.  If that's OK with you, it's OK with us.".  Well, the 21-years olds are adults, and the 11-year-olds will be super-talented.  Whatever they are learning, I should also learn.

Arriving at the school on Day 1 (Friday), dozens of eager young people are milling around.  I join the queue to register, and announce myself to the lady at the desk.

 "Yes, and who's your kid?"

"I am the kid."

I put on my name tag and survey the scene.  Gee, I'm even older than the Mummies and Daddies who are standing chatting in the hallway.

The students are herded into the Harmony Room.  All the kids sit down on the floor.  I make an exception for myself and grab a chair.

The teachers are introduced and they perform a couple of pieces for us.  Lauren leads us in a warm-up exercise.

Next, there is an audition process for each instrument, so we can be grouped into ensembles.  I join Lauren and half a dozen young girls for the vocal auditions.

At the end of the morning-tea break, our groups are announced.  I'm in Lauren's ensemble, along with another singer.

We move to another building.  A lady steps out of her glass-fronted office and asks me, "Are you the new staff member?"

There are nine in our ensemble, and we are asked to introduce ourselves.  All the kids state their ages, ranging from eleven to seventeen.  When my turn comes, I say "I'm Shelley, I'm fifty-six..."  It sounds so ludicrous, everyone laughs.

After lunch there is a theory/rhythm class.  I place myself in the Beginner group, because I want to make sure I get the jazz basics.  It's a good decision, as there is plenty of new information presented.

Finally, there is another ensemble practice.  In the concert we will play two pieces - "Freddy Freeloader" by Miles Davis and "Só Danço Samba" by A.C. Jobim.  Hooray!  I know the Brazilian song!

A huge amount of information and practice has been packed into this one day.

We have overnight "homework", and tomorrow morning we'll be back at school.