Birch Creek Music Performance Center

3821 County Rd E, Egg Harbor, WI

(920) 868-3763

Birch Creek is a residential summer music academy located in the heart of Door County, Wisconsin.

Advanced student musicians entering grade seven through graduating grade 12 thrive in the natural rural setting of the beautiful 40-acre campus, highlighted by the historic Dutton Concert Barn.

Birch Creek’s Big Band Jazz Sessions offer a one-of-a-kind learning experience with unique mentoring by world-class faculty and a performance-based curriculum. Expert instruction during the day is coupled with student ensemble performances at night. Students are inspired by the renowned Birch Creek Jazz Faculty Orchestra at each concert. With eight public performances per session, plus opportunities to play in pre-concert and outreach combos, students refine their jazz fundamentals and enhance their professional skills.

Two two-week sessions are offered, and both follow the same schedule, curriculum, and performance opportunities, but feature different faculty and student groups. Both sessions are led by Program Director Jeff Campbell, Chair of the Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media Department at the Eastman School of Music.

FACULTY(Faculty are subject to change)

Program Director: Jeff Campbell

Band Directors: Gil Wukitsch, Nic Meyer, Steve Sveum, Jim Stombres

Saxophone: Scott Burns, David Bixler, Todd Williams

Trumpet: Joey Tartell, Lennie Foy, Clay Jenkins, Tanya Darby

Trombone: Nelsen Campbell, Clarence Hines, Steve Horne, Kirby Fellis, Isrea Butler

Piano: Michael Stryker, Adaron Jackson, Reggie Thomas

Guitar: Larry Brown

Bass: Jeff Campbell

Drums: Dennis Mackrel

BIG BAND JAZZ SESSIONS AND DATES:

Jazz I: July 12 - 25, 2026

Jazz II: July 26 - August 8, 2026

DAILY SCHEDULE:

Morning:

Warm up

Big Band rehearsal

Theory class/combo rehearsal

Afternoon:

Master classes/Seminars/Technique classes/Sectionals

Lesson/Practice time

Free time

Evening: Big Band Rehearsal or Performance Jam

SessionTuition:  $2,400 includes tuition, room, and board

Room & Board: Residency required. Scholarships are available.

Percussion, Steel Pan & World Music Dates:

June 14 – 27, 2026

The Percussion Session focuses on improvised, popular, commercial, and world percussion, providing an immersive learning environment centered on individual growth in both small and large group settings. Students work side by side with creative, accomplished percussion performers and teachers to present up to eight public concerts.

Guyette Named Scholarships are available to select students.

Tuition:  $2,400 includes tuition, room, and board

Room & Board: Residency required. Scholarships are available.

Symphony Dates:

June 28 - July 11, 2026

In the Symphony Session, students experience Birch Creek’s unique side-by-side rehearsal and performance model. Seven public concerts showcase four different programs, allowing students to put their skills into practice in a rich and supportive learning environment.

Additional opportunities for chamber music performances, including pre-concert showcases and a final recital, further enhance their experience. In-person, video, or virtual auditions are required.

Tuition:  $2,400 includes tuition, room, and board

Room & Board: Residency required. Scholarships are available.

Birch Creek Music Performance Center

3821 County Rd E

PO Box 230

Egg Harbor, WI 54209

920-868-3763

MainOffice@BirchCreek.org

www.BirchCreek.org