CHICAGO VOCAL JAZZ ACADEMY

Hosted at Niles North High School (Skokie)

Join us for the next Chicago Academy in Fall 2027

This one-day vocal jazz workshop (9 AM – 6 PM) will feature:

  • All participants rehearse and perform in the Academy Mass Choir
  • Jazz reading sessions with published music from Anchor Music Publications, independent publishers, and more (Teacher Track only)
  • Breakout sessions of your choice – for both teachers and students
  • A 5:00 PM final concert open to the public, featuring the Academy Mass Choir, selected soloists, and the host school

Teacher Track – Pre-registration includes lunch, publisher reading packets & mass choir music, and access to all teacher and student sessions. College music majors are encouraged to register for the Teacher Track at a discounted rate!

  • Online registration for 2027 will open in the spring

Student Track – Pre-registration includes lunch, mass choir music, and access to all student breakout sessions.

  • Online registration for 2027 will open in the spring

GROUP RATES – bring a choir or choirs from your school or organization and SAVE! With your paid school fee, get 50% off each teacher and student registration

Group rate includes lunch for all!  See our calculator to estimate your costs: How much will the workshop cost?

  • Lunch included for all teachers and students
  • Your school can cover all registrations by paying the whole invoice, OR we will provide you with a coupon code so that students & teachers can register at the discounted rate and pay on their own
  • Simply use an estimate of your group numbers to fill out the “Register a Group” form, we will collect student info and fees later in the process

Hosted by Drew Dahan at Niles North High School.

Get the latest news on the Vocal Jazz Academy Facebook page!

                         ACADEMY SCHEDULE 

9:00 AM – Check-In

  • Check-in and Academy Welcome (light refreshments provided)

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Morning Breakout Sessions & Mass Choir Rehearsals

Teacher/Student Breakout Sessions may include:

  • Jazz Solo Singing Workshop 
  • Vocal Technique Workshop
  • Improvisation Workshop
  • Preparing for College & Auditions

12:30 – 1:15 PM – Lunch & Teacher Round Table Discussions

1:15 – 4:45 PM – Afternoon Breakout Sessions & Mass Choir Rehearsals

5:00 – 6:00 PM – Closing Concert!

Open to the public & featuring performances by the Academy Mass Choir, selected soloists, and “Take One” from Niles North HS.

“Graduate Seminar” – hang for Teachers and Staff only, immediately following the conclusion of the Academy

SITE HOSTS

Drew Dahan

Site Host / Breakout Sessions

Take One

Take One (Niles North HS Vocal Jazz)

ACADEMY STAFF (2026)

Kat Sherman

Mass Choir Director

Alyssa Allgood

Breakout Sessions

Dan Gregerman

Teacher Track

Harlee Balajadia

Breakout Sessions

Academy Staff

Additional staff TBA!
Shopping Cart