Your future, our focus
While jazz camps across the nation have been failing, Neil Hansen, a professor of music at Northwest College, has continued to run thriving, growing camps for over 20 years. The Jazz Educators Network (JEN) decided to tap into Hansen’s expertise for its 2011 annual conference in New Orleans.
JEN asked Hansen to share his secrets of success at its conference in January. His clinic is titled “Jazz Camp 101: How to start and run your own successful jazz camp.” He’ll share strategies on selecting camp faculty and location, developing a budget, finding funding sources, scheduling, marketing and avoiding potential pitfalls.
It’s hard to miss the impact Hansen has had on the Wyoming music scene since his arrival here in 1982. He founded the Wyoming Jazz Educators, Yellowstone Jazz Camp, Yellowstone Summer Music Camp and Northwest Jazz Festival. He serves on the Wyoming Arts Council and chairs the National Association of Schools of Music Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
In 2007, Hansen received the Wyoming Governor's Arts Award for his contribution to music in the state of Wyoming. Currently, he chairs the NWC Visual and Performing Arts Division and directs the Wind Band and Jazz Band I.