Registration is NOW OPEN.
Resident students must first apply by emailing Amanda Dement at adement@mineralarea.edu
See full faculty bios below.
Resident students: $400
Covers tuition, instruction, t shirt, room and board and most meals + activities. Students are asked to bring money to purchase 2 evening meals, the rest is covered. Students looking to reserve housing must email artsacademy@mineralarea.edu or adement@mineralarea.edu Details for student residents can be found HERE
Commuter Students: $250
Covers tuition, instruction, t shirt, lunch and snack.
Camp times: Daily 9-4pm
Check in on Monday begins at 8am. Camp classes will begin promptly at 9am each day. All students must be picked up promptly at 4pm each day.
Camp performance: Friday afternoon, 3:00 pm
*In order to be considered for on campus housing- please email Executive Director, Amanda Dement - adement@mineralarea.edu
Details for student residents can be found HERE (updated 1/27/25)
If you are in need of financial resources, access scholarship information HERE
For registration assistance, email artsacademy@mineralarea.edu or call 573-518-2265 and provide a call back number.
Camp videos 2024
Dave Dickey Big Band Camp Faculty Band Highlights 2024
2024 Camp students sitting in with the faculty big band
Students Camp Day from 9am-4pm
Commuter Students - Campus Apartments and Night Activities
Camp Director & Trombone - Dave Dickey
Dave Dickey is a jazz and classical trombonist, educator, and band leader. Dave attended the University of North Texas and received a Bachelors in Jazz Studies. While at North Texas, he recorded two CDs with the famed One O’ Clock Lab Band directed by Neil Slater and one CD with the Zebras under the leadership of Dan Hearle. While at North Texas, Dave took lessons from the late great Vern Kagrice. Dave then moved to Miami and lived there for six years as a performing / touring musician and also a jazz radio DJ for WDNA-Miami. While living in Miami, he received his Masters in Jazz Performance from Florida International University. While at FIU, Dave took jazz lessons from the legendary Art Seres and classical lessons from Mark Hetzler. Next, Dave moved to Urbana, Illinois to work on his DMA in Jazz Performance. While he was there he was teaching music classes and jazz ensembles at The University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and Richland College in Decatur. Dave also took lessons at Illinois from trombone great Jim Pugh. He was also a busy freelance musician in the Chicago and Indianapolis area for jazz, salsa, studio recordings, club date bands, and classical performances.
Dave Dickey currently lives in Saint Louis, MO and is a well-known band leader and educator teaching at the college and high school level. Dave frequently performs in the St. Louis area, gives clinics at local and Midwest colleges and high schools, guest soloist at college and high school jazz festivals, adjudicator and clinician and jazz festivals, composes and arranges music, and contracting the 6 piece horn section for the popular Austin, TX touring rock band called Spoon. He also contracts for horns and rhythm players for touring bands needing musicians in the Midwest area. He is currently the leader of 2 bands the Dave Dickey Big Band: an 18 piece jazz big band featuring faculty from University of Missouri-St Louis, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Webster University, St Louis University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri State University, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, and Indiana University - Bloomington, and also leader of the Mosaic Jazz Sextet. Dave is also co-leader of the Cubby Bones, a trombone quintet with Steve Wiest, Dave Dickey, Tom Garling, Andy Baker, and Tom Matta. Dave Dickey is the musical director and lead trombonist in the Dave Weckl StL Contingent Big Band. He is also Past-President for Missouri Association of Jazz Education (MOAJE) and board member for the St Louis Low Brass Collective (STLLBC).
Dave Dickey has performed with artists such as Harry Connick Jr Big Band, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D'Rivera, Tito Puente, Nestor Torres, David Sanborn, Louie Bellson, Dave Liebman, Bobby Shew, John Fedchock, Eddie Daniels, Randy Brecker, Byron Stripling, Vincent DiMartino, Kevin Mahogany, Art Seres, Vic Damone, Johnny Mathis, Melton Mustafa Orchestra, Dennis Noday Orchestra, Four Freshman, St Louis Symphony, St Louis Philharmonic, Lee Harris Orchestra, Dallas Jazz Orchestra, Pete Peterson Jazz Colection Orchestra, Jim Widner Big Band, St Louis Jazz Orchestra, and many others.
Dave has also worked Motown and R&B artists such as the Temptations, Roberta Flack, Denise Williams, O'Jays, and the Manhattans.
While living in Miami, Dave Dickey has performed, toured, and recorded with many Latin / salsa artists, such as Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, Israel López "Cachao", Rey Ruiz, Eddie Santiago, Tito Nueves, Luis Enrique, Huey Dunbar (DLG), Roberto Torres, Hansel y Raul, Tropicana All-Stars, Tito Puente Jr., Los Doctores del Ritmo, Marco Antonio Muniz, and others. During that time, Dave was an musician and actor for 2 DVDs: Arturo Sandoval’s HBO movie “For Love or for Country" and perfored and soloed in a documentary DVD/CD on Cuban music called "La Cuba Mia" backing up Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, Miliki, and other Cuban artists. Other artist on the DVD include Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D'Rivera, Albita, Donato, and others.
Dave was also the creator and programmer of a popular trombone internet radio show called Groove Bone from 2004-2013. This was a radio show featuring the trombone on small group and big band jazz, Latin jazz, and funk recordings. The show also featured interviews with well-known jazz trombonists and autographed CD contests. Dave was also a jazz DJ at WDNA - Miami for 5 years and at WEFT - Champaign for 4 years.
Andy Martin - Trombone
Coming from a musical family, trombonist Andy Martin launched his career while still in his teens. His technique and virtuosity quickly established him on the Los Angeles music scene. As an instructor, Martin has influenced countless young players. He has appeared at many colleges and universities throughout the country as a guest artist and clinician.
A world-class jazz musician, Martin is featured as leader or co-leader on twelve albums. These albums showcase his collaboration with other top jazz artists such as the late Carl Fontana, Pete Christlieb, Bobby Shew, and Eric Marienthal. He has also collaborated as a sideman with jazz greats such as Stanley Turrentine and Horace Silver. Martin had a long association with British bandleader and jazz promoter Vic Lewis, and was the featured soloist on many of Vic’s CDs.
Martin is well known for his work as a lead player and featured soloist with virtually every big band in L.A. Martin is the lead trombonist and featured soloist with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, the lead trombonist and soloist for The Tom Kubis Band, and was a featured soloist for the Bill Holman Big Band for 15 years. He has appeared in bands led by Jack Sheldon, Louis Bellson, Quincy Jones, Matt Cattingub, Bob Curnow, Patrick Williams, and Sammy Nestico, among others.
Martin has long been one of L.A.’s most prominent trombonists for commercial recordings, television and motion picture soundtracks and live theater. He has contributed on albums for many popular artists, including the Pussycat Dolls, Coldplay, and Michael Bublé. His television credits include the Grammys, the Emmys, the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Martin has been the lead trombonist on television shows Dancing With The Stars and American Idol, and has appeared regularly on the soundtracks of major television series such as Family Guy, American Dad, and King of the Hill. His motion picture credits span the soundtracks of over 400 major films.
Andy Martin and Bill Cunliffe "Alone Together"
Andy featured with USAF Airmen of Note on "Caravan"
Andy Martin lead trombone and soloist with the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band
Andy soloing with the RodgarBand on "Latin Bounce"
Andy's trombone solo on Disney Pixar's "Soul"
Andy's trombone solo on Disney Pixar's "Monsters, Inc."
Frank Greene with the Paul Schaffer CBS Orchestra (David Letterman)
Frank Greene- Trumpet
Frank Greene is considered one of the top lead trumpet players in the world today and currently plays lead trumpet with the Count Basie Orchestra.
While in college at the University of North Texas, Frank played lead trumpet in the famed One O'Clock Lab Band. After college, Frank played trumpet in the Woody Herman Thundering Herd Big Band. Next he had a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream: playing lead trumpet and recording with the legendary Maynard Ferguson.
Frank Greene moved to New York City where he enjoys an extremely varied musical life after touring with Maynard Ferguson. Frank has played for the hit Broadway show " The Producers", starring Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, as well as solo trumpet, lead trumpet and section trumpet for the original motion picture soundtrack "The Producers--the Movie." Frank is presently playing Disney's ... The Little Mermaid on Broadway and has just returned from a tour with the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra.
Frank Greene soloing with the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Band
Count Basie Orchestra - Frank Greene on lead trumpet and high note solo
Frank Greene - trumpet with the David Letterman CBS "Late Show" Orchestra (behind the scenes).
Steve Wiest - Trombone
Steve Wiest is a multiple Grammy-nominated trombonist, composer, author, and cartoonist. The former soloist and writer for Maynard Ferguson, Steve went on to perform on the road with Doc Severinsen and the Old Tonight Show Orchestra as well as many other artists. Steve has numerous recordings out as a leader, the most recent of which is the second album (BLUE) from the critically-acclaimed all-star horn band Vinyl Hampdin. Along with being the trombonist with the group, Wiest composed and arranged all the tracks for their debut RED, as well as their new release, BLUE.
In the world of jazz education, Steve was formerly the Director of the One O’Clock Lab Band at The University of North Texas where the band under his direction was nominated for two Grammy awards. Following UNT, Wiest was Co-Chair of Jazz Studies at The University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. Before his tenure at UNT, Steve was Director of Jazz and Trombone at UW-Whitewater. In high demand as a clinician, composer and conductor, Steve has directed many all-state ensembles and continues to appear as a guest artist and clinician all over the world.
Steve now teaches jazz trombone at Elmhurst University and is an artist for Edwards Instruments playing the custom “Excalibur” version of the T302 and the Griego-Steve Wiest Mouthpiece exclusively. His compositions and arrangements can be found via Excelcia Publishing as well as Ben Patterson’s Pro Jazz Charts (PJC). Steve’s new book on lead trombone playing titled “Leadology” is available at leadtrombone.com To learn more about Steve, please visit steve-wiest.com
Steve Wiest with Maynard Ferguson
Vinyl Hampdin with Steve Wiest (trombone) & Frank Greene (trumpet)
Chip McNeill- Saxophone
In addition to his position with the University of Illinois School of Music, Professor Chip McNeill is Musical Director and Jazz Tenor Saxophonist for Grammy award-winning recording artist, Arturo Sandoval. He has toured with and recorded the compact discs (CDs) Americana and Hot House with Arturo Sandoval. In 1998, Hot House won a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz recording. To his credit, Professor McNeill won a Grammy for his performance on Hot House, and two of his charts were nominated for Grammys from the recording. Professor McNeill also has performed and toured with the legendary jazz trumpeter, Maynard Ferguson, with whom he has produced, written, and performed on several CDs, including Live in London, These Cats Can Swing, and Maynard Ferguson’s final CD, The One and Only. He has recorded performances with Nat Adderley, David Liebman, Duffy Jackson, Ira Sullivan, the Woody Herman Orchestra, Ted Shumate, and Larry Willis. Professor McNeill’s most recent CD is “The Whirl” on Armored Records.
He has performed with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Eckstine, and Wynton Marsalis. Professor McNeill has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Monterey Jazz Festival in California, and Noto Jazz Festival in Japan. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall in Sydney, Australia, and the London Palladium. He also has performed for jazz radio and television productions in Europe, Japan, the United Kingdom, India, and Indonesia. Before joining the University of Illinois School of Music, he was Chair of Jazz Studies at Florida International University in Miami and Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg.
Professor McNeill believes in adapting to the learning styles and needs of each of his students. Being an active performer allows him to provide his students with leading-edge jazz training. He notes, “My role as teacher and mentor includes sharing my experience as a performer and helping my students remain open to technique, technologic, and cultural changes that affect music and how they play.”
Chip McNeill soloing with Maynard Ferguson
Chip McNeill with Maynard Ferguson. Chip's arrangement (and solo) on "Caravan" at 9:06.
Randy Hamm - Saxophone
Emeritus Professor of Music, Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Saxophone at Missouri State University, joined the faculty at MSU in 1989. Mr Hamm is also Executive Director/ CEO of the Missouri Jazz Orchestra. While studying at the University of North Texas, Mr. Hamm was a member of the internationally acclaimed One O’clock Lab Band. He maintains an active performance schedule and his work as a composer, arranger, and featured soloist can be heard on the Arabesque, Seabreeze, and Origin/OA2 record labels. Hamm has released two solo CD’s on the Encore Music Presents (EMP) record label, “Yellow Cadenza” and “Abstract Thought.”
Allen Beeson - Trumpet
Allen is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia where he performed in virtually all ensembles using trumpets and graduated in 1980. In 1984 he met and became one of many students of Bobby Shew.
Allen has performed with jazz artists Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Bellson, Conte Condoli, Bobby Shew, John Faddis, Marvin Stamm, Pete Christlieb, Buddy DeFranco, Bill Watrous, Gary Foster, Randy Brecker, Bobby Watson, Kim Richmond, Clay Jenkins, John Fedchock, Pat Coil and Conrad Herwig.
As a working commercial trumpet player some of the entertainers and singers Allen has performed for include Ray Charles, Tom Jones, Mel Torme, Jack Jones, John Davidson, Olivia Newton-John, Bob Hope, Wayne Newton, Bob Newhart, Phyllis Diller, Frank Gorshin, Glen Campbell, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Little Anthony and The Imperials, Jan &Dean, The Beach Boys, and Manhattan Transfer.
Allen is a former Jazz Trumpet Instructor for The University of Missouri-St. Louis and Columbia Music Departments. He also is a faculty member of the University of Missouri-St. Louis Jazz Camp and former faculty at Drury College Jazz Camp.
When residing in Missouri, Allen performed regularly with the Jim Widner Big Band, The St. Louis Jazz Orchestra, The Dave Dickey Big Band, The University of Missouri Jazz Allstars Combo, and The Norm Ruebling Band.
Since moving to Pensacola, Fl. In August of 2019 he has become a member of the Mobile Big Band Society, The Freedom Jazz Dectet and works in several jazz combos and cover bands along the Emerald Coast.
In 2004 Allen released his first recording as leader entitled “First Time Out” on the Chase Music Group Label. Allen’s second solo album was released in October of 2019 entitled “Tell Me Again”.
Allen Beeson soloing on "Twilight Mist"
Allen Beeson soloing on "Flalin' Away"
Eddie Clark - Bass Trombone
Eddie Clark is a well-known bass trombonist who has played with Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr., Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, David Sanborn, Louis Bellson, Henry Mancini, Rosemary Clooney, Natalie Cole, Patti Austin, Ray Charles, James Ingram, Nancy Wilson, Dr John, The Moody Blues, Liza Minnelli, Johnny Mathis, Lionel Hampton, Lena Horne, Ann Margaret, Carly Simon, and dozens more.
Eddie has played on more than 450 recording sessions, including the 6x platinum album Mad Season by Matchbox 20. He has played on the hit “If You’re Gone”. Movie soundtrack for the Eddie Murphy movie “Dolemite is my Name”. Eddie has also been apart of more than 25 different Broadway shows.
TV specials include Pearl and Friends on Center Stage on PBS, Kenny Rogers in Concert, A Holiday Special for PBS, PBS shows with Lionel Hampton and Ray Stevens.
Eddie Clark has played an toured with many big bands such as Nelson Riddle, Louis Bellson, Gil Evans orchestra, Jimmy Dorsey, Warren Covington, The One O’clock Lab Band, Dave Dickey Big Band, and many others.
Orchestras that Eddie Clark has played with are the St. Louis Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Memphis symphony,
NY Chamber Virtuos, and others.
Eddie Clark with Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughan, and Pearl Balley
Eddie Clark with Sarah Vaughan
Eddie Clark with Louis Bellson
Eddie Clark with Whitney Houston
Daniel Campbell - Trumpet
St. Louis-born trumpeter Daniel Campbell has been a prominent figure in the local music scene since the late 1980s.
He studied trumpet performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory and also at Northern Illinois University under Ronald Carter.
Daniel's extensive career spans Big Bands, jazz combos, salsa, weddings, live recordings, and mentoring.
He has performed with The Jazz Edge Band alongside Clark Terry and Lester Bowie, the Jazz St.Louis Big Band, Jim Widner Big Band, Dave DIckey Big Band, and many more.
His recording credits include collaborations with Jesse Gannon and the late Kansas City jazz legend Ahmad Alaadeen.
Daniel has taught at Grand Center Arts Academy and Jazz Academy at Jazz St. Louis, sharing his experience with aspiring musicians. He also performs with the Mosaic Jazz Sextet, showcasing originals and classic jazz repertoire. Daniel's dedication to education and performance makes him a valued member of the St. Louis music community.
Daniel Campbell soloin on "Dr Jeykll"
Austin Sikes - Saxophone
Austin Sikes is a well-known music educator in the Mineral Area, with extensive experience teaching vocal and instrumental music from kindergarten through college. Austin is a graduate of North St. Francois County R-1 school district, and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education with instrumental and vocal certification in 1999 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is currently finishing up his 26th year of teaching, the last 21 of which have been in the North St. Francois County R-1 school district. After stepping down as the director of bands at North County Middle School, he is now the 3rd and 4th grade music teacher at North County Parkside Elementary in Desloge, MO. This new role has allowed him to pursue his Masters of Music Education degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia, as well as allowed him to step in as the adjunct director of jazz and applied woodwinds instructor at Mineral Area College.
Austin has also enjoyed a role in helping organize the Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy/Mineral Area College Jazz Festival and summer Big Band camps. In 2023 he became the director of the Mineral Area College Kicks Band, following the retirement of Dan Schunks. Austin is an active professional saxophonist currently performing with the Kicks Band. He is also a current performer in the rock band Vinyl Revolution, the Baby Boomer Reunion Band, the MAFAA Blues and Soul Revue, and the Mineral Area College faculty jazz combo.
Austin is a former saxophone student of Fred Hemke Jr, Mike Shannon, and Tim Aubuchon. He has performed with Phil Woods, Doc Severinsen, Clark Terry, Eric Marienthal, Allen Vizzutti, Jamey Abersold, Bill Watrous, Wayne Bergeron, Sean Jones, Delfeayo Marsalis, Bobby Shew, Jon Faddis, Chip McNeill, Jeff Hamilton, Steve Wiest, The New York Voices, Michael Dease, Roger Ingram, Melissa Aldana, Allison Miller, Denis DeBlasio, Arthur Lipner, Steve Houghton, Joey DeFrancesco, Larry Coryell, Reggie Thomas, Serafin Aguilar, and Jim Widner.
Kendal Blumenthal - Saxophone
Kendal Blumenthal, born in St. Louis, Missouri, is a dedicated saxophonist and educator with a passion for both classical and jazz music. She recently graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance degree. Kendal holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Saxophone Performance and Jazz Studies from Missouri State University.
With extensive experience as a performer, Kendal has played with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Missouri Jazz Orchestra, and in numerous theatre productions. She has appeared as a concerto soloist with Missouri State University’s Wind Ensemble, as well as shared the stage with jazz artists such as Antonio Hart, Emmet Cohen, and Dick Oatts.
As an educator, she maintains an active teaching schedule, working with middle and high school students in both individual and group settings while also serving as an instructor at the UMKC Conservatory Academy. Kendal joins the faculty at the Dave Dickey Big Band Camp this summer to provide instruction to young jazz musicians. She aspires to a career in collegiate saxophone education, bridging the gap between classical and jazz traditions.
Ken Kehner - piano
Ken Kehner is an active performer, educator, and clinician. He holds a degree in Piano Performance from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where he served as staff accompanist, and later joined the faculty as an adjunct jazz instructor. He was a member of the jazz faculty at University of MO-St. Louis from 2002-2020. Ken is currently a faculty member at Westminster College, where he serves as piano instructor. He is also jazz piano instructor at Lindenwood University.
Ken has backed such noted jazz artists as Bill Watrous, Bobby Shew, Buddy DeFranco, Pete Christlieb, Eric Marienthal, Louie Bellson, and Clark Terry.
Ken has been featured on recordings with the Jim Widner Big Band, Andy Firth, Ryan Kisor, Willie Thomas, Arch Martin, Allen Beeson, Hennessy Brothers and others. In 2012, he released his first recording as a leader, "From This Moment On" (Eye-full Tower Records). This trio CD features Marty Morrison on drums and Nick Jost on bass.
An accomplished classical pianist, Ken has been featured as soloist with several orchestras in the Midwestern United States. He maintains an active private studio of piano and vocal students, and stays busy as an accompanist for both vocal and instrumental recitals.
Ken Kehner's Trio performers "Franklin's Blues"
Ken Kehner soloing with the Dave Dickey Big Band on "Smack Dab in the Middle
Glen Smith - Bass and Guitar
Glen Smith was born into a home where music was always playing and everyone in the family played an instrument. Glen took up the guitar when he was 12 years old and shortly thereafter was performing at parties and dances in a band with his Father.
Glen went to college to study music theory and classical guitar before leaving to travel with a number of national touring acts. Glen returned to St. Louis where he spent years as an A-List bass player, working shows at venues like the Fox Theatre, Powel Hall, and Jazz at the Bistro. Glen has performed with the St. Louis Symphony, the SLSO Pops orchestras, and the SLSO In Unison Chorus. He has also played for featured performers including Frankie Laine, Leslie Uggams, Sergio Franchi, Perry Como, Carol Lawrence, Rosemary Clooney, The Four Tops, Take 6, Larnelle Harris, Jennifer Holliday, and Mel Torme, to name a few.
Glen has been an active part of the STL music scene for over 40 years. He is humbled to play with some of the finest musicians in the world who live and work right here in St. Louis.
Kevin Gianino - Drums
A native of St. Louis, MO, Kevin attended St. Louis Community College, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Webster University. Kevin has been teaching jazz percussion at Webster University since 1983. He has served as a faculty member for the International Summer Jazz Academy in Poland, the Webster Summer Jazz Combo Camp, the Strike Institute, Jim Widner Summer Jazz Camps, and Mineral Area Summer Jazz Camps. He has toured internationally, and is in demand as guest artist, clinician, festival adjudicator, and performer.
In addition to being on the Webster University Jazz Faculty, he is also a member of the St. Charles Community College Jazz Faculty, Brilliant Corners, The Dave Dickey Big Band, Jazz St. Louis Big Band, and The Hard Bop Heritage Quintet.
Among the numerous artists and organizations with whom he has performed with are Michael Buble, Nancy Wilson, Diane Schuur, Idina Menzel, Christine Ebersole, Billy Stritch, Chris Potter, Billy Childs, Maynard Ferguson, Jon Faddis, Terry Gibbs, Rob McConnell, Bobby Shew, Clark Terry, Bob Newhart, Jay Leno, Don Rickles, The St. Louis Municipal Opera (Muny), and The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Kevin is one of the busiest musicians in St Louis playing many styles of music. Not only known playing many different styles and settings in music, but he is also known as a well-known private drum instructor. Many of his students make the Missouri All-State Jazz Ensemble each year.
2024 Dave Dickey Big Band Camp Faculty
One of our student big bands performing "Big Dipper" by Thad Jones.
One of our student big bands performing "ShowMe Shuffle" by Steve Wiest.
2024 Camp Student Testimonial Videos
Kristen, high school student from Cedar Falls HS in Cedar Falls, IA
Emory, high school student from Parkview High School in Springfield, MO.
Caleb, college student from Mineral Area College in Park Hills, MO.
Huckleberry, high school student from Hickman HS in Columbia, MO.
Sam, high school student from North County High School in Bonne Terre, MO.
Cohen, high school student from Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, IA.
Parent Testimonials
"The Dave Dickey Big Band Camp was a great experience for my students, who all traveled nearly six hours to attend the camp as residents for the week. Communication and expectations were clearly outlined to parents, and the students had a wonderful time throughout the week. Accommodations for housing were great for male and female students, and the evening activities were fun and engaging. The real highlight of the camp is the teaching staff - they are truly some of the best players on their instruments in the jazz genre, and really took the time to provide individualized instruction and mentorship to our students. The daily afternoon concerts by the staff big band were a highlight, and my students loved having the opportunity to sit in with the adult group. The camp's finale concert featuring the student big bands and the faculty big band was a great capstone to the week. You get a lot of value for the cost of the camp, and I would highly recommend it to your students if they're interested in a fun week of jazz studies."
Kyle Engelhardt
Director of Cedar Falls HS Jazz One. Cedar Falls, IA
Midwest Clinic Jazz Band Performance (2022).
IBA Conference Jazz Band (2021, 2018, 2015).
"Dave Dickey has put together a camp experience for developing jazz musicians that is simply world-class. As both a college jazz educator and the parent of a camper, I can say without reservation that you cannot send your students to a better camp."
Dr. Troy S. Hall, University of Missouri
Father of Huckleberry
Hickman High School, Columbia, MO
“As parents, we’ve witnessed a transformation in Emory after his time at Dave Dickey Big Band Camp in 2024. Being mentored by world-class jazz musicians and collaborating with talented peers not only elevated his performance and improvisation skills but also sparked a new level of curiosity about the endless possibilities in music. Playing alongside some of the best adult musicians in the nation gave him a glimpse of what’s possible, inspiring him to explore his identity as a musician and consider how music could shape his college journey and future. This experience was a turning point for Emory, and we’re so grateful for the impact it’s had on his growth both as an artist and as a person.”
Chris and Lindsey Bell
Parents of Emory
Parkview High School, Springfield, MO
"The Dave Dickey Big Band Camp took our daughter's love of music to another level! Not only was her confidence boosted, but she had a great time and made many new friends!
Jeff and Ashley Jones
Parents of Maddie
North County Middle School, Bonne Terre, MO
Our son, Colton, attended the Dave Dickey Big Band Camp in 2024, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! The number of professional musicians involved is insane, and the instruction was absolutely top-notch. Colton had the opportunity to grow as a jazz pianist and soloist, receiving 1-on-1 piano instruction, small group lessons, and playing in Big Band group rehearsals. He even had the chance to solo with the Big Band—a moment he’ll never forget! The faculty Big Band was mind-blowing, and the musicians were not only incredibly talented but also approachable, friendly, and eager to help students improve. Beyond the music, the camp provided a well-rounded experience with fun nightly activities, including swimming, arcades, pizza nights, bowling, laser tag, and movie nights. The lodging and meals were fantastic, and the entire camp was well-organized with easy communication between staff and parents.
Whether your child is a middle or high school jazz musician looking to gain new skills, or a high school or college student aiming to meet elite jazz musicians and take their playing to another level, this camp is IT. Colton had the time of his life and is already counting down the days until he returns this summer! We can’t recommend the Dave Dickey Big Band Camp enough!
Kurt Klingenmeyer
Union Grove, WI
2024 Camp t-shirt
2024 Camp t-shirt
