My (not very) secret plan during the tour was to share peace songs and if possible learn some new music. So I schlepped my Martin Backpacker, some flutes and harmonicas along the whole route. Learning songs was challenging, but my bag of original and traditional peace songs found loving listeners. Worldly translators provided an often humorous bridge to unforgettable sing-alongs. Imagine translating Zulu into Italian into Arabic… Singing in the early education classroom just 50 feet beneath a heavily fortified Israeli army guard post in Hebron… In the home of a large family of shepherd folk living in remote caves south of At Tuwani where kids and elders sang “One More Step” drumming on plastic buckets and pans while a dust storm raged outside… From Mike’s Place in Tel Aviv (site of a tragic 2003 terror bombing) onstage with Jeff Green of One Drum during the Sukkot holiday…To an impromptu guest appearance at a street wedding reception at Deheshia Refugee Camp in Bethlehem singing Annan’s song “Peace and Solidarity” amid the joyful cheers of the young Palestinian men gathered to honor their friend.

• I sang to the walls we carry within us, which are movable with love.
• I sang to the 28″ high concrete separation Wall, which did not move.

But you know, all walls eventually crumble especially those built on fear and hatred.

I have pictures and remembrances; please ask me to come sing to you and to tell this story.

I am humbled and  grateful for the support that came through RUM, Stan and the folks that donated to make my trip possible. I feel  alive to the rest of the world and excited for our reunin to tell stories.  Thanks also to Rockford people who came this path before and offered advice  Stan, Ada, Nancy, Nate, Eric, and Dave Martin. Love to Carrie and Netha, and Sara for holding hearts with Ian while I am here…and to my mom, dad, in California emma and luke  for giving their blessing on this haj.

Today was a Jewish high holiday. Succot. (sp?) People make little tents in their yard open to the sky..open to heaven. They invite friends and family to come in the tent and talk about tradition and the meaning of a spiritual path.  There is a story about four elemental herbs. One with taste and no smell, one with smell and no taste, one with neither taste nor smell, and one with smell and taste. In Succot, the herbs are laid out and explored.  We are to learn that a life of spirituality- or pious religiosity with no deeds is just as hollow as a life with deeds that have no spirituality.  Of course we know people who lack spirituality and do nothing (in the US we call them couch potatoes) By metaphor, we are thus called to be like the herb with taste and smell.

I was nearly the only rider on the local #1 bus to the Old City from the terminal downtown in Jerusalem.  Two stops later the bus filled with the Hassidic-Orthodox Jewish men leaving worship gatherings.  They have long curls at the temples and big fuzzy round hats and long black coats that look like satin bathrobes.  I was the only one of me!  It was funny but I learned to say “Hag sameya” (phonetic..sorry) for ‘Happy holidays” and they alerted me to my right stop, so I wouldnt ride on into the night…remember the song?? Help get Charlie off the MTA!

Salaam/Shalom.

The time is coming soon to gather the young people and celebrate our interest in and joy of music.  I’m excited about all the discoveries to be made, friendships to be formed and individual musicianship learning ahead…two weeks of incredible sounds and good vibrations.  We are organizing a great teaching staff and mentoring teams.  AND each age level group has at least one performance opportunity scheduled.  I will have the music books ready for day one for Intermediate and Advanced Camps.  These are to be brought each day and may be kept by the student after camp.

• 7/6-7/10 Music Beginners age 7-11 8 am-noon
  This group of young musicians will explore rhythm & melody listening & jamming.  We will make simple instruments to play while learning about the nature of vibrations.  We will share stories about the origins of music, experience a drum circle and find our groove.  Half day, $100 includes materials.   Guided activities age 1-6 “New and flexible program” Please attend your child to these sessions.  As it is just emerging, we are flexible with our programming at this point.  The little ones will be provided with instruments and parent(s) will explore sound and vibration with their youngest.

• 7/6-7/10 Intermediate age 10-14
  For musicians in the first 2 years of instrument study.  We provide a relaxed supportive band experience with hands-on individual mentoring.  Fun classic Jazz jam tunes & world grooves are explored to encourage improvisation and feeling.  Morning ensemble, mid day clinics and afternoon recreation at Alpine pool.  Evening recital at week’s end.  Camp
  9am-4pm $150 plus pool & book fees.

• 7/13-7/17 Advanced Musicians age 15-18
  Advanced teen musicians will work in ensemble and in small groups.  Professional instructors will lead clinics and small group instruction.  Camp 9am-4pm $200 plus book & pool fees.

• Sessions for K-8 Classroom Teachers
  Teachers will learn how to make an age appropriate music instrument learn its cultural context & prepare a curriculum for the classroom.  May purchase a ready set of project materials for class of 25 kids.  AM workshops TBD based on enrollment.  You will be guided thru the basics of leading a rhythm circle. Choose from dijeridoo, canjo, pan pipe, flute, shaker, frame drum: $25/day includes basic materials. Please call to schedule your participation.

Sessions at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in downtown Rockford.

To register contact: David Stocker 815-519-759 or Luke Stocker 916-549-2735

Please Download and complete this application, Admission Application, when completed either attach to an e-mail to Dijeridoo@aol.com or mail directly to:

Jam and Jazz 1916 Rural St. Rockford, Il. 61107.

Here’s what some of our alumni have said about Jam Jazz World Music Camp:

“Being a part of the camp for four years has broadened my horizons a lot. I learned how to bring melody into my solos..and how jazz comes together with world music.” - Danny Andrade, Tenor Saxophone

“Jam’ n’ Jazz Camp really helped me to develop my musical abilities and talents. I realized I could actually be a musician, not just some kid who played in the school band.” – Jim Johannsen, Baritone Saxophone, 2006 RAMI Nominee, 5 Man Trio

“I feel like I’m a better musician with more confidence because I was enjoying it, and it allowed me to explore music freely.” – Emily Pfleiderer, Flute.

Download a brochure (PDF, 3.17 MB)

A note about discounts & scholarships:
We’ve never turned away anybody for lack of funds. Moms who help with transport can ask for a discount…Kids who bring a friend to register get a discount. Siblings get a discount. Older kids can help with week #1 to get a stipend or tuition reduction for week #2. In the past we have awarded over $800 in financial assistance.

P.S. This camp is dedicated to Musa Hollins, our friend, renowned Chicago Jazz performer, teacher and co founder of the Jazz Camp who is presently suffering bone cancer. He is not expected to suffer long and we celebrate his life in music with our own.