IOWA VOCAL JAZZ ACADEMY

Hosted at Valley High School (West Des Moines)

Join us on Saturday, September 30, 2023!

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 a special performance by the Academy Mass Choir and selected soloists, as well as Valley High School, and “First Take” from School of Music Vocations (SWCC)

Teacher Track – Walk-up registration includes publisher reading packets, & mass choir music 

  • $100 walk-up registration (please bring your own lunch)

Student Track – Walk-up registration includes lunch & mass choir music

  • $50 walk-up registration (please bring your own lunch)

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

  • $250 fee per school + $50 per teacher + $25 per student
  • 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

Online pre-registration is now closed. The Registration Desk will open at 8:30 AM, and we accept cash, credit, and PayPal. Any previously secured group discounts can be applied on site.

Hosted by Heather Nail at Valley High School (West Des Moines)

2023 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 will include topics like:

  • Jazz Solo Singing Workshop 
  • Vocal Technique in Choral and Jazz Settings 
  • Improvisation / Ear Training 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)

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

SITE HOSTS

Heather Nail

Iowa Site Coordinator

Valley High School

Host Ensemble

ACADEMY STAFF

Matt Falker

Academy Director
Mass Choir Director
Breakout Sessions

Ian Brekke

Academy Board Member
Mass Choir Director
Breakout Sessions

Tobi Crawford

Academy Staff
Breakout Sessions

Katrina Brekke

Academy Staff
Operations / Registration Desk
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