Summer Jazz Institute

 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average age of the students?
The Institute accepts students ages 15 to adult, and (though it varies slightly each year) the majority of students are in high school and college.

When will I hear about my application?
In order to arrange combos by instrument and level, application tapes are juried after the March 1 deadline. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials before the deadline, but the program cannot make early acceptances. The size of the applicant pool varies from year to year, and we do our best to notify applicants of their status by April 1.

Where is the closest airport?
Albany International Airport in Colonie, New York, is the closest airport.  It is approximately 45 minutes away from campus.

Can I get a ride to campus from the airport or bus station?
We are unable to offer transportation services to everyone; therefore you must find your own way to campus. Please refer to the Travel Information Guide located in the Guest Information section of the Dean of Special Programs Web site for information. If you are looking to share a taxi or travel with another participant coming from your area, please contact a member of our staff with your travel arrangements. If someone else has a similar itinerary, we will put you in touch.  

Are students under age 18 supervised in the dormitories?
The program has a qualified Resident Staff that lives with program participants in the dormitories.  The staff is responsible for workshop students under the age of 18, attends daily classes and meals, plans extracurricular activities, and is a great resource for all program participants.      

Are the dormitory rooms single or double occupancy?  
We do our best to offer participants age 18 and older single rooms. If space is limited, we will house participants in a double room with a roommate of the same gender and age. Participants under age 18 will have a roommate and stay on the same floor as a resident counselor. Adult participants are housed on a separate floor. Registered participants may request specific roommates.

What should I pack?
Participants are responsible for bringing their own instrument and all necessary equipment (staff paper, reeds, ext. cords, amps, etc.). Refer to the packing list in the acceptance materials or check the Web site for additional items specific to the program.  

I play the drums; how do I get them there?
If you are not driving to campus, it is recommended that you ship your drums before arriving on campus.  

Please notify a member of our staff when they will be arriving, and they will be secured in your rehearsal space for you to unpack and set up upon arrival. Information on local instrument rental, if needed, will be available in the spring.

Will students perform at the Institute?
Participant concerts are held Fridays at 1 p.m. in the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall in the Zankel Music Center. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.

Do I need formal attire for the Friday afternoon student concerts?
Formal attire is not required, though participants will want to look their best when performing.

What do we do in the evenings and on weekends?
Concerts with Institute guest artists are scheduled during weekday evenings. Participants will attend the Freihofer's Jazz Festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center the weekend of June 29–30. Tickets and transportation will be provided. Students are also encouraged to make use of the College's facilities, rehearsal studios, library, weight rooms, tennis courts, swimming pool, and Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery during their free time. Additional activities will be announced..

Is there a recommended place for my family and friends to stay when they drop me off or pick me up?
The Saratoga Springs Chamber of Commerce Web site is a good resource for local hospitality and entertainment.