Camp to offer hands-on jazz instruction for middle school students
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (July 7, 2026)–Kirkwood Community College’s jazz radio station, 88.3 KCCK, will host its annual Middle School Jazz Band Camp July 13–17 on the college’s main campus in Cedar Rapids. The weeklong camp will bring together middle school musicians from across Eastern Iowa for hands-on instruction in jazz performance, improvisation and music theory led by experienced music educators. The camp is designed to help students strengthen their musical skills while gaining experience performing and collaborating in a jazz ensemble.
Celebrating its 20th year in 2026, the camp has introduced nearly 400 students to jazz while helping them prepare for future opportunities in school music programs. Many former campers have gone on to earn leadership roles in their high school bands, perform in the Iowa All-State Jazz Band and receive music scholarships.
Students entering grades six through nine with at least one year of school band instruction or private lessons will participate in either a morning or afternoon session. Throughout the week, campers will rehearse in jazz combos, attend master classes, receive private instruction and participate in sectionals and classes covering jazz theory and history. The camp welcomes students who play traditional band instruments, as well as guitar, bass and piano.
Instruction is provided by experienced middle school, high school and collegiate music educators, assisted by college and high school students studying music performance and music education. The camp will conclude with ensemble performances showcasing the skills students developed throughout the week.