The Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) is proud to present the annual Summer Jazz Camp. Led by Craig Thomson, students will develop their musical creativity through improvisation across styles including blues, R&B, soul/funk, and classic jazz standards. Instrument-specific classes will also help refine technique.

Throughout the week, students will have the opportunity to watch their instructors perform alongside local professionals, and will present their own concert in the Mary Irwin Theatre on the final day.

As participants will be placed into two to three bands based on instrument and experience level, we’ll need a bit of information to create the best possible groupings. (We can’t have twenty trumpets and no bass players!) We’ll do our best to accommodate as many players as possible.

Jazz Camp Instructor Team

Craig Thomson

Craig Thomson is an award-winning saxophonist, educator, and Yamaha Artist Educator based in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. As Artistic Director of the BC Interior Jazz Festival, Craig is passionate about connecting young musicians with world-class music education opportunities. A highly respected performer and clinician, he has earned numerous honours for both his teaching and performing career while continuing to inspire students and audiences across the region.

Bob Rogers

Bob Rogers is a versatile trombonist, educator, composer, and arranger with decades of experience in jazz, classical, and commercial music performance. Originally from Vancouver, Bob has performed with renowned artists and ensembles across North America and Europe, while dedicating over 25 years to music education in Revelstoke. Now based in Vernon, he remains an active performer and clinician throughout the Okanagan.

Will Friesen

Will Friesen is an Okanagan-based drummer, percussionist, and music educator known for his versatility, creativity, and passion for performance. A graduate of Capilano University and UBC, Will performs regularly with a variety of jazz, funk, and orchestral ensembles across the valley. He currently teaches music at Mount Boucherie Secondary School, where he inspires the next generation of young musicians through dynamic and engaging music education.

Rating: Age 13+
Minimum 1 year experience required

Sponsored by Yamaha.

Important Dates:

April 10: pre-registration opens
August 10: pre-registration closes
August 12: students notified regarding ensemble placement

Cancellation Policy:

6 weeks: full refund, less $10 administration fee.
4 weeks: 5% refund, 5% credit for future camp, and$10 administration
3 weeks prior: 5% refund, $10 administration fee.
2 week prior: no refund.

Registration Policy:

Waiver forms: Participants must complete and submit a waiver form.

Consent forms: Participants under 16 require a parent or guardian’s consent to sign in and out RCA programs.

Note: Forms will be emailed upon registration and available at the RCA on the first day of the program.

Registration Info:

Min 12 / Max 45

If the RCA does not meet the minimum registration requirement for this course. The course may be cancelled or postponed. We will notify each participant registered.