During the Easter weekend, we will once again be working with a group of musical youngsters from 12-18! Together we will spend a weekend learning and rehearsing, holding jam sessions and master classes but of course also having a lot of fun. At the end of the Bootcamp, this group will form the new batch of JONG JOC our young talent big band, and also play at more venues around the country. The bootcamp will be held at the Akoesticum, Ede.

The next bootcamp will take place from April 3rd to 6th during the Easter weekend of 2026.

Also want to join the JONG JOC Bootcamp? Sign up for our newsletter for more information!

Thinking about signing up for the JONG JOC Bootcamp? Any questions? Hopefully you'll find the answer below.

Other questions? Please contact marjanne.wilmink@jazzorchestra.nl
 

I play an instrument other than the 'normal' big band instruments, for example horn, violin, accordion, harp, or... vocals. Can I sign up as well?

Absolutely! We select on level & motivation and want everyone who would like to experience this to have the opportunity to do so. We cordially invite kids with a non-big band instrument to apply!

Am I eligible? - I am not between 12-18, can I still sign up?

If you are 11 or just under 18 at the time of the boot camp, please sign up! Please mention this with your application. We strive for a big band with high school students. Sometimes they are older than 18 or younger than 12. We are flexible.

I am not in a young talent program. Can I still participate?

Sure. We are looking for a diverse group of musicians - not just experienced jazz musicians, but others who come from a different background, or are just curious about jazz.

I won't be attending one day of the bootcamp. Can I still participate?

Unfortunately no. We expect full availability from every participant from March 29 to April 1.

I am mostly used to playing classical music / pop music / folk.  Can I participate then?

Yes. If you are used to playing other styles and it seems 

Do I go home at the end of a rehearsal day?

No, basically everyone stays in the Akoesticum in Ede for the night.

Will I also get food & drinks during boot camp?

Yes, that is all taken care of. Chic right?

Are we also going to give a concert at the end?

Yes indeed! Your family and friends are probably curious about what you did during the boot camp so you can invite them to the final concert on April 1!

Will I also get lessons on my instrument?

You will not get private lessons, but we will work with all the individual 'sections'. Master classes will be provided for the sections by Jazz Orchestra players.

What happens after I sign up?

A panel of musicians will listen to your application. This always includes someone with an affinity for the instrument. There are several eyes and ears looking at the applications so that the judgement can be as objective as possible.

I don't have good videos to send, what now?

The quality of the videos is not important. What is important is that you make clear where you stand and what you are doing. Do you have an affinity with big band or jazz? Then show that too! But whether you stand in your living room and film with your phone, or are captured by a film crew in the Concertgebouw, the jury doesn't really care.

I wasn't selected for the big band. Can I forget about a future as a musician now?

No! This is one of many ways to develop, as a person and as a musician. But there are many roads that lead to Rome, and it says nothing about your musical future if you are not selected.

Do I have to have all the dates available?

Yes, yes, and again yes. It's a bootcamp and that means there will be hard work (music) and we can't miss you for a whole day or half a day.

Do I need to prepare anything for the bootcamp?

Yes, you will receive sheet music. You are supposed to prepare the music with your teacher so we can start making music right away!

Begeleiding JONG JOC Bootcamp

Vincent werkt als producent en helpt sinds 2022 de JONG JOC Bootcamp te organiseren. In zijn dagelijks leven is hij klarinettist, zingt en volgt drumles. Hij studeerde klassieke muziek in Den Haag, speelt nu in een jazz/pop band maar speelt ook graag klezmer. Je hoort het al: Vincent wordt gelukkig van alles wat muziek is!

Mette is de linkerhand van Vincent en Chris als begeleider en aanspreekpunt van het JONG JOC. Ze is theater- en muziekdocent maar ook theatermaker, zangeres en begeleidt zomerkampen. Ze zit zelf al sinds haar achtste in een bigband, op bastrombone en vocals.

Wat ze geweldig vinden aan de JONG JOC Bootcamp? Er werd het hele weekend muziek gemaakt! Klaar met repeteren? Dan werd er gejamd: voor het ontbijt, tijdens de lunch en tot in de laatste uurtjes. Dat toont het plezier wat iedereen heeft voor het samen muziek maken, het allermooiste wat er is!