COTA CampJazz 2013

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA presented the participants of The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Annual Music Camp known as CampJazz on Sunday July 28th as part of their 2013 Summer Gazebo Concert Series. CampJazz is a weeklong opportunity for young musicians interested in the styles and intricacies of jazz to explore their love for the art form through a series of workshops taught by well regarded practitioners and excursions to local sites related to the genre. The experience culminates with an opportunity for participants to share their enhanced talents in a concert setting which not only reflects the Annual COTA Festival that inspired the camp’s creation but becomes a festival in its own right.

The concert consisted of a number of musical ensembles who were formed during the week under the tutelage of the camp’s mentors. While each ensemble reflects differing approaches to the musical art form, a feeling of excited exuberance was commonplace among these highly talented young people which proved to be quite contagious as experienced by the large number of people who attended the concert. The concert was held inside the church’s sanctuary due to the rain filled weather conditions but this did not dampen the spirits of the musicians or of those who came to enjoy their performances as the interior atmosphere of the building and all who were present was filled with sunshine.

The concert began with some welcoming words shared by The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain’s interim Pastor Bill Schram and Rick Chamberlain who served a the CampJazz Director along with Phil Woods. The first group of musicians to take the stage were those who were under the tutelage of Upright Bass player Evan Gregor who served as a member of the camp‘s faculty exploring the musical form’s theoretical properties and as the camp‘s Ensemble Coordinator. The subtle tones which emanated from the ensemble’s instruments set a gentle tone among the listeners but was scented with enough of an exiting auditory aroma to delightfully ignite the senses encouraging one to explore the sounds more deeply.

The group mentored by Evan Gregor was followed by one mentored by Percussionist Sherrie Maricle who took the sanctuary and all of its denizens on a musical adventure filled with the flavor and sensations of the world as transmitted through the beat and rhythmic renderings performed by the marvelously talented students who brought them forth from their instruments. The group mentored by Sherrie Maricle was followed by one mentored by Saxophonist Jay Rattman (who also explored Jazz Theory during the week) whose considerable talents explored the nuances of pieces they performed with their youthful perceptions.

A brief intermission took place after the group mentored by Jay Rattman concluded its performance. Refreshments were offered along with a number of items of Jewelry and clothing reflecting the African Continent and the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain’s Mission to Kenya were available for purchase. The food and merchandize proved to be an intriguing combination with many who ventured into the Church’s Arachnidan Parlor desiring to linger further but the sounds of instruments being readied to resume their play lured the company back to partake of the early evening musical delights.

The returning audience were met by an ensemble of gifted students of music who were mentored by Jazz Guitarist Spencer Reed who also educated many of the camp’s participants in Jazz Theory. Their welcoming sounds filled the sanctuary with a calm excitement as Spencer took to the drums in support of the music the campers performed. The group mentored by Spencer Reed was followed by one mentored by Jazz Pianist Bobby Avey who closed the concert leaving all who heard the lingering echoes of the ensemble’s final notes yearning for the year to pass so another CampJazz and the musical gifts it unwraps could be enjoyed again. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the concert and the picnic held for the camp participants and their families that preceded it in The CampJazz 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151793444820421.1073741844.636000420&type=1.

In keeping with the mission of The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) to present and support the art of jazz in all its forms and historical breadth including endeavoring to do so through youth education, CampJazz became educational branch of COTA offering a week long program for young people interested in the musical form which includes providing experience in big band jazz performance and learning of the history of Jazz’s development. CampJazz is Directed by Rick Chamberlain and Phil Wood who (along with the late Ed Joubert) founded the COTA Jazz and Arts festival in 1978. Lauren Chamberlain serves as the camp’s Administrator.

CampJazz’s faculty includes Dr. Matthew Vashishan who serves as the camp’s Education Coordinator and educates participants in the technique of Ear Training and (as mentioned earlier) Evan Gregor. Several esteemed members of the jazz community serve as mentors sharing their experience and insights with those who the participate in its programs. In addition to those mentioned earlier in this article, they include Chris Visentin, Saxophonist Sue Terry, and Kent Heckman who (along with Lois Heckman) also provides campers an opportunity to learn about recoding music at his Red Rock Recording Studios. The workshops offered by Faculty and Mentors offered CampJazz participants also included Master Classes and Demonstrative Concerts exploring the many aspects of the musical art form. These included one in Jam Session Etiquette given by Adam Niewood along with many relating the history of early jazz given by Bob Leive, Ray Schweisguth, Jim Daniels, Dave Liebman, and Phil Woods.

As with many endeavors provided to the community by The Celebration of the Arts, CampJazz is supported by a great number of people who keeps everything running smoothly. This year’s staff included Bass Guitarist Erica Golaszewski who supported many of the ensembles during the Sunday July 28th concert through her musical talents and as an Administrative Assistant, Max Freeman, Diane Pallitto who served as volunteer coordinator, Garth Woods who served as the Website Designer and Photographer, Terrence Gaughn who served as Graphic Designer, and Wish Designs who provided the camp with Tee Shirts. Volunteers included Gail Phillips, Roxanne Kaiser Antonowich, Jenny Bogart, Stan and Donna Golaszewski, and Jim Pallitto (Director of Donational Acquisitions). You can learn more about CampJazz and how to participate by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Campjazz.

According to their website, The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain is “… a community of disciples illuminated by God’s love who care for others spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially as we explore new avenues of grace and grow in faith through worship and service.” In an endeavor to manifest the goals of this statement, they hold weekly services every Sunday beginning at 10am, providing a hostel for those hikers who travel along the Appalachian Trail as well as holding a Hikers’ Dinner every Thursday evening throughout the Summer Months to replenish their energies, supporting the Kenyan village of Amilo by providing a school feeding program for 15 orphans, a well, housing, and simple medical care and information to the villagers, and by sharing a partnership with the Reformed Church located in Cardenaz, Cuba. They also support the local Fire Company and Women’s Resources Center as well as provide community aid funds for residents who are suffering economic burdens. The size of the congregation is approximately 200 people.

The Summer Gazebo Concert Series began in 1990 and is presented every Sunday evening throughout the Summer months until the end of August in order to support the local musicians and provide a venue where all ages could learn to appreciate Jazz and acoustic music. In reflection of Delaware Water Gap, PA being considered a Mecca for Jazz, the concerts has a great number of Jazz performances in their schedule. However, all musical styles are showcased during the summer which includes Blue Grass and Classical Music.

The next installment in The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Summer Gazebo Concert Series for 2013 is scheduled for Sunday August 4th and will feature Sweet Sue Terry. The concert is free to the public and begins at 6pm. Please Explore The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Presbyterian-Church-of-the-Mountain/234593743269661 for more information.