THE JAZZ EXCHANGE SUMMER WORKSHOP 2025

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DATES

Monday, June 16 - Friday, June 27, 2025

Saturday, June 28th - Final Concert 

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LOCATION

Pebble Hills High School 

14400 Pebble Hills Blvd

El Paso, TX 79938

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AGES + LEVELS

Age range: 11-18; all skill levels welcome.

Requirement: Participants must have at least 1 year of experience in band or music classes.

Instrument: Participants must own or rent an instrument, except for pianists and vocalists.

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IMPORTANT DATES

• Sunday, June 15th - Audition Deadline 

• Saturday, June 14th - Registration Deadline 

• June 16th - 17th - Late Registration (full price - no discounts/1 installment plan only) 

• Saturday, June 14th - 9:00 am -2:00 pm Drum Kit Load-In Day                                   

  • (All student drummers registered are required to attend)

• Monday, June 16th - First Day of Summer Workshop *8:00am Arrival for Check-In

• Wednesday, June 18th & 25th - The Garrison Jazz & Jam Sessions (Evening Events)

• Thursday, June 26th - Awards Ceremony/ T-Shirt Distribution/ Picture Day ​

• New Updates:

• Fridays, June 20th & June 27th (only) 10:00am -4:00pm    

• Due to the closure of all SISD schools on Fridays, the two Fridays during our Summer Workshop will be held with our new partners, the El Paso Library (Main Library Downtown), the MACC Museum, and  La Nube Children's Museum. Rest assured, snacks and water will be provided, but students are kindly requested to pack their lunches on these two days. We will confirm more details during the first day of the Summer Workshop. ​​

• Friday, June 27th - Big Band Performances at La Nube Childrens Museum & Field Trip at La Nube Museum (more details during workshop) ​​

• Friday, June 20th -  Field Trip to the MACC Museum & Combo Performances at El Paso Public Library Main Library (more details during workshop)

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*Parent Volunteer/Chaperone: will be available and appreciated. More information will be given during the summer workshop. 

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• Saturday, June 28th | 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Grand Finale

       🎶 Shrimp Boil + The Jazz Exchange Showcase at Mountain Star Brewery​

Join us for an unforgettable evening of live jazz, food, and community as we close out the Summer Jazz Workshop at Mountain Star Brewery. This special event features performances by all student combos and big bands, along with a set from our faculty and guest artists. It’s a celebration of everything created during the two-week — and a night to remember with family, friends and our community. 

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• Event Details:

- A classic shrimp boil

- Food Truck 

- Local vendors 

- Outdoor patio seating

- Food, drinks, and a family-friendly atmosphere

- Incredible live jazz from students, faculty & guests

- 🎟️ This is a ticketed event.

 

More information will be available as we get closer to the event date.

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SUMMER WORKSHOP STAFF

Candice Reyes 

Autumn Robinson 

Dora Reyes

Pamela Reyes 

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SUMMER WORKSHOP FACULTY

Abel Mireles 

Ricky Malichi

Shaun Mahoney

Christian Chesanek

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GUEST FACULTY

COMING SOON!

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2025 Special Guest Artist: ​

COMING SOON!​​​​​

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​TUITION

• Total Tuition: $650.00 (includes $50 registration fee) per student for two weeks + 3.5% Credit Card Fee on top of the total tuition. ​​

• Registration Fee: $50 per student

• Registration Deposit: $250.00 (non-refundable) upon registering online

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IMPORTANT: Discount Codes Cannot Be Combined

• Early Bird Discount till May 26th, Memorial Day:

  • $100 off with Discount Code: EARLYBIRD25

• Family Discount: $150 off the entire Tuition of 2 students from the same family/household/siblings with Discount Code: SUMMERFAMILY25

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• Payment Plan Options: Participants have the option to pay in full upon registration or to choose payment plans when filling out the form, which is limited to a specified number of installments with designated due dates. There will be no exceptions for exceeding the maximum number of installments or missing the due dates. Additionally, late fees of $15 per day will be incurred for installment payments not paid by the due dates.

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• School/Organization Partner Discounts: Public or private schools with four or more students interested in attending the 2025 Summer Workshop are eligible for a 15% tuition discount per student. Each school may enroll up to 10 students per school (parents must register), total at the discounted rate. For more information, please contact our Student Services Director at Autumn Robinson at contact@thejazzexchange.org

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AUDITIONS

Auditions will be judged first and foremost on accuracy, so please prioritize a smaller portion of well-prepared material over performing everything (quality over quantity). The Jazz Exchange will better understand your skill level with more material presented through your audition. As this is a placement audition, we do not need to hear you perform everything perfectly, but instead are looking to understand the best placement for your optimal learning experience. 

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LUNCH / SNACKS

During the Summer Workshop, students will receive FREE lunch from the Pebble Hills High School Cafeteria from Monday - Thursday (we will provide the lunch schedule). Students are allowed to bring a packed lunch if they prefer. Additionally, snacks and water will be available throughout each day for all students.   

 

We're also excited to announce that we'll have some special treats and visits from local businesses for students to enjoy! Stay tuned for more information during the Summer Workshop.

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QUESTIONS

Email: thejazzexchangecontact@gmail.com

Volunteers/Interns/Teaching Assistants Needed for Summer Workshop. For more information please contact us. 

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CANCELLATION 

There is a 100% refund for tuition (less the $250 initial registration fee deposit non-refundable) until May 30th. There are no refunds beyond May 30th.

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DAILY SCHEDULE

Monday – Thursday  8:30am -5:00 pm 

Fridays 10am - 4pm

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• 8:30 AM Arrival

• 8:45 AM Announcements

• 9:00 AM  Period 1 - Instrumental Tech (Woodwinds, Brass, Drum, Piano, Bass, Guitar)

• 10:00 AM Period 2 - Improv Classes 

• 11:00 AM Period 3 - Guest Artist Symposium

• 12:00 PM Lunch / Jam Sessions Auditorium

• 1:00 PM  Period 4 -  Combo Classes

• 2:30 PM  Period 5 Jazz History Class 

• 3:20 PM Big Band

• 5:00 PM Dismissal/Pick-Up 

​*Subject to change

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Jazz Exchange Summer Workshop – FAQ

What is The Jazz Exchange Summer Workshop?

The Jazz Exchange Summer Workshop is a two-week-long immersive jazz program designed for middle school, high school. Students work closely with experienced faculty and guest artists through combo rehearsals, big band, masterclasses, and performances.

Who can attend?

The workshop is open to middle school, high school aged 11yrs -18yrs of all instruments and voice types with prior experience in jazz or ensemble playing, at least one year of band. Placement is determined by skill level to ensure the best group experience from their audition video.

What are the dates of the workshop?

The 2025 workshop runs Monday, June 23 – Saturday, June 28, with the final Jazz Showcase + Shrimp Boil event on Saturday evening at Mountain Star Brewery.

Where is the workshop held?

Daily sessions take place at Pebble Hills High School, Monday through Thursday, 8 am -5 pm, and Fridays, 10 am -4 pm, a the Museums and Public Library listed above, with the final concert held Saturday, June 28th at Mountain Star Brewery.

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What’s included in the program?

• Daily combo rehearsals and big band

• Masterclasses with faculty and guest artists

• Theory & improvisation classes 

• Jam sessions 

• Communtiy performance opportunities

• Field Trips & more

Who are the instructors?

Our faculty includes professional local jazz musicians, educators, and guest artists from across the region and beyond. 

Is housing provided?

This is a day program; housing is not included. However, we’re happy to recommend nearby lodging options for out-of-town participants.

What should students bring?

Bring your instrument, a notebook, a pencil, and any necessary accessories (reeds, cables, amp, etc.). Drummers should bring sticks; pianists, bassists.

Is food provided?

Free lunch will be provided by the school cafeteria. Students can plan to bring lunch. Snacks and drinks will be available throughout the day. No food delivery services or drop-off due to safety reasons, and chaperoning. Lunch will be on campus in the lobby, and you will NOT be allowed to leave campus to purchase food. 

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How do I register?

Registration opens Tuesday, May 20th. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Is there a cost to attend?

Yes — tuition details and payment information are posted on the registration page. Payment Plans are available.

Is the Saturday concert open to the public?

Yes! The Shrimp Boil + Jazz Exchange Showcase on Saturday, June 28, is open to the public and ticketed. It features all workshop students, faculty, and guest performers. Tickets and details will be available soon.

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Can a student attend just one week of the summer workshop?

We strongly recommend attending both weeks of the workshop to ensure students receive the full educational and performance experience. Each week offers unique programming, rehearsals, and preparation leading up to the Shrimp Boil + The Jazz Exchange Showcase at Mountain Star Brewery on Saturday, June 28th.​ We understand that extenuating circumstances (such as family obligations, travel, or summer school conflicts) may prevent a student from attending the full two weeks. In those cases, tuition will still be required, and adjustments to cost or participation will be handled on a case-by-case basis with our Student Services Director. Please contact directly at contact@thejazzexchange.org

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That said, students who only attend Week One (June 16th -20th)  will not be eligible to perform in the final showcase, as they will miss key rehearsals and performance preparation. Students who attend only Week Two (June 23rd -27th) may be considered for limited participation in the showcase, but will not receive the same performance opportunities as those who participate in both weeks. This policy is designed to ensure fairness and uphold the quality and integrity of the final performance. We appreciate your understanding and encourage full participation whenever possible.​​

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What if my child is turning 11 during the summer workshop?

If your child is 10 years old but turning 11 during the workshop, they may still be eligible to participate. We ask that they have at least one year of experience on their instrument (such as school band, private lessons, or equivalent playing experience).

To ensure the workshop is a good fit and that your child won’t feel overwhelmed, we require a short audition video to be submitted before registration. This allows our faculty to assess readiness and confirm appropriate placement.

For audition guidelines and submission instructions, please contact us at contact@thejazzexchange.org

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If I have two children/siblings interested in participating, is there a discount?

Yes! We offer a Family Discount for households with more than one student enrolled in the workshop.

Family Discount:
$150 off the total tuition for two students from the same family/household
Use Discount Code: FAMSUMMER25 during registration to apply the discount

If you have more than two students participating or have questions about the discount, feel free to contact us at: contact@thejazzexchange.org

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If my child needs medical care or is on prescribed medication, what should I do?

If your child has any medical conditions, allergies, or is currently taking prescribed medication, please make sure to provide complete medical information during registration.​ All medications must be clearly labeled and submitted with written instructions. Our staff is not permitted to administer medication, but we will ensure your child has access to what they need and is supported appropriately during the workshop.

If your child requires specific accommodations or has a medical plan in place, please reach out to us ahead of time to discuss how we can best support them.

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For questions or to coordinate medical needs, please contact us at: contact@thejazzexchange.org

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Are teaching assistants needed for the summer workshop?

Yes! We are looking for music majors who are currently enrolled in college music programs or have experience in student teaching or related fields to apply as Teaching Assistants (TAs) for the summer workshop.

• Paid TA positions require availability for both weeks of the workshop, from 8 AM to 5 PM, with the flexibility to work long hours as needed. Paid TAs will assist with daily activities, student instruction, and supporting workshop logistics. They will also have the opportunity to perform and be part of the exciting performance opportunities throughout the workshop. Paid TAs must be available for all concerts on Fridays and the main concert on Saturday, June 28th.

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• Voluntary TA positions are available for those who cannot commit to both weeks of the workshop. These positions are ideal for individuals who want to gain teaching experience and work with young musicians, but may have scheduling conflicts or can only attend for one week or specific hours. Voluntary TAs will also have the chance to perform alongside the students and with the TA combos. Availabiity for certain events are required.

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All TAs will need to have access to a car and be willing to assist with load-in day for drummers, setup, unloading, carpooling, and other logistical tasks for performances and events. There are limited paid positions, but we offer voluntary TA positions for those who cannot commit to both weeks.

If you're interested in applying for a TA role, please contact us at: contact@thejazzexchange.org. We will provide additional details and the application process.

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We will provide families with a Welcome Packet with all details and information for the Summer Workshop!