Jazz Intensive

January 30, 2027 | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Wausau Conservatory of Music

Open to instrumentalists and vocalists in grades 6-12 who are currently enrolled in band/orchestra or take private lessons, this one-day workshop will help students develop their performance skills in a small jazz combo. Participants will be placed in groups according to skill level after an initial assessment by our talented faculty.  The day will be spent with like-minded musicians, and breakout sessions will focus on theory, improvisation, reading chord symbols, and technical work on their specific instruments.  Students will get real time experience and coaching from pianist/composer Mathew Buchman, special guest Zach Finnegan on trumpet, saxophonist John Greiner and double bass/pianist Jessica Crandall.  We will also feature talented WCM faculty members Nathan Havey (drum set), Matt Rhyner (drum set), Chang-Ping Gu (theory, improvisation) and Tom McComb (guitar).

The intensive will end with a student showcase in Caroline Mark Concert Hall, time TBD.

Registration is $40 and includes lunch and snacks for all participants. Registration opens on Monday, November 9.

If you have questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section below. Questions that are not answered should be directed to Executive Director Susan Bender at susan.bender@wausauconservatory.org or by calling 715-845-6279 Ext. 4

Faculty

Mathew Buchman

Piano

Chang-Ping Gu

Theory

Jessie Crandall

Double Bass/Piano

Nathan Havey

Drums

Zach Finnegan

Trumpet

Tom McComb

Guitar

John Greiner

Saxophone

Matt Rhyner

Drums

Frequently Asked Questions

The faculty will assess student levels at the beginning of the day with a few quick tools (scales, sight-reading and ear training).  Students will be placed in groups that match their level of ability. 

No formal audition is required for participation.  Faculty will conduct a theory placement (written) and a playing assessment (on your child’s instrument) to determine which groups will best suit the level of each performer. 

We welcome all student performers on a variety of instruments.  The core combination instruments in a jazz combo include drum set, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano, string or electric bass, rhythm guitar.  But we welcome students studying clarinet, flute, voice, clarinet, violin… any instrument can be included in a combo.

Because a one-day camp moves quickly, students should arrive with a few core concepts fresh in their minds.   

  • It is preferable but not required that your child know their major scales: aim to have at least 4 to 6 basic major scales (especially Concert Bb, Eb, F, and C) memorized and comfortable. 
  • Brush up on the C Major Blues Scale: C – D – E flat  – E – G – A. Being able to play through this as a baseline will prepare you for improvisation sessions. 
  • Placement:  We will hold an initial placement assessment of your skills before placing you in specific theory classes and will help the faculty place you with other performers. 

Yes.  If your child’s band director or private instructor can make a recommendation for their participation, we’d love to have your child join us.  Children should be independent as they move from classroom to classroom. 

Yes, all participants will perform in a small combo at the end of the day beginning around 4 PM. 

WCM will provide healthy snacks as well as water and juice all day. We will be providing pizza for lunch.  If your child has food allergies or other dietary restrictions, please feel free to send that food along with your child.  We have a refrigerator where it can be kept at a safe temperature.