Help Sponsor a Young Musician to the NOLA Trad Jazz Camp

In 2026 the New Orleans Trad Jazz Camp will celebrate its 16th anniversary. According to NOTJC Executive Director Banu Gibson, 1217 students from around the world have received lessons on how to play classic jazz from a distinguished faculty that has included Dan Levinson, Charlie Halloran, Katie Cavera, David Boeddinghaus, Gerald French, and others. Vocalists have received coaching from Meryl Zimmerman, Leah Chase, and Executive Director Gibson.

Gibson also stated that 173 scholarships have been given out to deserving young musicians since 2012. Besides studying with professional musicians, the scholarship students join the other campers for daily practice ensembles, guest lectures on the history of jazz, a Second Line parade, an offsite performance at a venue in the French Quarter and a concert performance for the entire camp on the last day.

This year, as of this date, 22 applications for scholarships have already been received from across the U.S. Students who hope to return include Amelia on banjo, Audrey, Alex, and Doug on saxophone, Gabby on clarinet and Liam and Ryder on guitar. New applications were submitted by Zach on trombone and Nathan on saxophone from the Quad Cities. Abigayle is coming from California for vocals. There are 11 new scholarship applicants and 11 repeat scholarship students hoping to come back. Executive Director Gibson is hopeful that the New Orleans Trad Jazz Camp will be able to host 22 or more students in 2026.

The cost of a full scholarship is $1,500.00 per student. Your tax-deductible contribution in any amount will help to sponsor young musicians like trombonist Jeffrey Miller, who attended the Julliard School of Music after his week at NOTJC in 2013. Another Jazz Camp alumnus is Catie Rodgers, who earned a BA in Music Performance from the University of New Orleans. She is now a full-time musician in New Orleans and teaches at Loyola University. If circumstances permit, Catie will attend the 2026 NOTJC as a mentor to new students.

There are two Jazz Camps this year: June 14-20 and June 21-27. There are still openings at both camps for scholarship students—with your help! Please send your donations to: New Orleans Trad Jazz Camp, P.O. Box 15851, New Orleans, LA 70175. In the memo line, write NOTJC Scholarship Fund. The camp also accepts credit cards by phone (with a small service charge) at (504) 895-0037. For additional details regarding the New Orleans Trad Jazz Camp, email info@tradjazzcamp.com.

Hal Smith

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Hal Smith is an Arkansas-based drummer and writer. He leads the El Dorado Jazz Band and the
Mortonia Seven and works with a variety of jazz and swing bands. Visit him online at
halsmithmusic.com