SUMMER 2025
Mason Jazz Camp website: https://music.gmu.edu/visit-us/mason-jazz-camp
ABOUT THE CAMP
The Mason Jazz Camp, held on the George Mason University Fairfax Campus, is an inclusive, intensive program for musicians (instrumental and vocal) of all levels with a desire to advance their musical artistry and professionalism
The Mason Jazz Camp offers classes in improvisation, jazz theory, ear training, performance practice (big bands and combos), composition, arranging and jazz history. Participants study and participate in master classes and concerts with leading educators and performers in the Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland region.
The 2025 Mason Jazz Camp will run from Monday, June 23rd, 2025, to Friday, June 27th, 2025. The camp day is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The final student concert will take place on Friday, June 27th , 2025, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the Center for Arts (4373 Mason Pond Drive Fairfax, VA 22030-4444) All are invited to attend.
Sample Schedule:
• 8:00 am - Check-in begins (de Laski Performing Arts building lobby)
• 8:30 am - Improvisation
• 9:30 am - Theory
• 10:30 am - Large Ensemble rehearsal
• 12:00 noon - Lunch
• 1:00 pm - Instrument masterclasses with Mason Jazz Faculty
• 2:00 pm - Combo rehearsal
• 3:30 pm - Concert by a professional jazz group
• 4:30 pm - Camp day ends - Check-out begins (de Laski Performing Arts building lobby)
WHAT TO BRING
Musical Instruments and Equipment
• Participants (other than pianists) must bring their own instruments. Be certain they are clearly labeled with name and contact information.
• Drummers must bring sticks, brushes, and cymbals. Drum sets will be provided.
• Electric guitar and bass players must bring their own portable amplifiers. Please bring all necessary cables and extension cords.
• Pianos and/or electric keyboards will be available for ensemble rehearsals and concerts
• The Mason Jazz Camp is not responsible for any instrument and/or accessories lost or stolen while at the camp. Be careful with your equipment and take it with you throughout the day. If you wish to store an instrument in a locker, bring your own lock and notify camp staff at sign-in.
Lunch / Snacks
Residential participants will be provided three meals a day, either in the Southside Dining Hall or in retail locations in the Johnson Center.
The Mason Jazz Camp does not provide food or drink for commuter participants. A lunch break is scheduled each day. We suggest all participants bring a nut-free lunch (due to safety concerns), a water bottle, and snacks each day. Participants may also purchase lunch from various restaurants in the Johnson Center. No refrigeration or heating is available, so please pack non-perishable food.
Dining Services operate with limited hours and options in the summer. Click here for the latest information: https://masondining.sodexomyway.com/
Options usually include Panera Bread, Chipotle, Steak ‘n Shake, Akeno Sushi, The Halal Guys, and Express (convenience store).
Additional Items to bring
• Notebook for notes
• Staff paper (some will be provided)
• Pencil
• Backpack for class supplies and handouts. A Mason backpack will be provided to you upon registration.
• For large equipment, a wheeled carrier is best for fast transport and comfort.
• Large equipment can be left in designated lockers (you must provide your own lock) and locked overnight. Bring your own lock on the first day of camp.
Dress
Participants and faculty dress in “camp” style – casual and comfortable – t-shirts and shorts. Classrooms are air-conditioned so you may want to bring a sweatshirt in case the room becomes cold.
GENERAL HEALTH SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Participants are strongly encouraged to be up to date with all recommended vaccines prior to arrival, there is no pre-arrival COVID testing requirement. International participants should follow CDC guidance on travel to the United States
If you become ill during the camp, please alert camp staff to determine the best course of action.
TRANSPORTATION, CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT
Directions
Most camp activities take place in the de Laski Performing Arts Building (PAB) located at 4480 Aquia Creek Ln, Fairfax, VA 22030. Detailed directions and a map will be emailed to you.
Transportation
of Minors to and from Mason Campus
Please be advised that due to university policies, no minors under the age of 15 are allowed to transport themselves to or from any program unaccompanied by an adult. Parents are responsible for supervising their children until they are checked in and under Mason Jazz Camp staff's supervision.
For minors ages 15-17, a parent must sign a PICK-UP AUTHORIZATION to allow their child to check themselves in or be released for self-transport after the day ends. This form can be found as part of your welcome email and must be completed and uploaded PRIOR to the first day of the camp. No child will be permitted to take an Uber/Lyft/Car Service home.
Check-In and Check-out Procedure
• Parent/guardians should park in the Mason Pond Parking Deck visitor section and walk participants to and from the PAB. (The Mason Pond Parking Deck allows 30 minutes of free parking).
• Minor participants and parents will physically check-in and checkout each day with Mason Jazz Camp staff between 8am and 8:30am.
• Only minor participants whose parents indicated “self-transport” on their PICK-UP AUTHORIZATION can check-in or check-out without a parent/guardian present.
• For any participant who does not check-in by 9:00am, a Mason Jazz Camp staff will call the phone number provided by parent/guardians to assure whereabouts of said participant.
• For commuter participants, parents/guardians should plan to arrive at the PAB between 4:15pm and 4:30pm.
• Commuter Camp participants can ONLY be released to parent/guardians listed on the PICK-UP AUTHORIZATION.
• To ensure everyone’s safety, please follow all instructions for check-out procedures provided by onsite Mason Jazz Camp staff.
All-Day Parking
Participants staying on campus will be provided with a parking pass and do not need to purchase one.
Parking Services will enforce parking throughout the week. If you do not have a parking pass, we recommend either the Mason Pond Garage ($15 per day) or the Weekly General Permit (Fairfax/SciTech) permit ($35/week) which will allow you to park in Lot K for the whole week. You can purchase and print it here: https://transportation.gmu.edu/parking/
Parking Map: https://transportation.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/23-169-Fairfax-Parking-Map-2023for-ATI_Plunkett_ATI.pdf
REGISTRATION & REFUNDS
Registration
Registration is available online on a first come/first-serve basis. Payment can be made on Mason Marketplace with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover).
Registration Confirmation
Participants will receive an email confirmation upon completion of online registration. We will send a welcome email at least one week before the program starts with full details.
Refund Processing Time
Refunds by credit card will be processed immediately and will show up on your credit card statement within 3-5 working days. Fees apply.
Withdrawals and Refunds
Withdrawal from a program requires written notice via email to Camp Coordinator, John Kocur at jkocur@gmu.edu
• 100% Refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee) If you withdraw from a program no later than two weeks before the program start date.
• No refund—If you withdraw from a program within two weeks of the program start date or after the program start date.
• Exception: you may receive a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee) with valid medical documentation.
Absences
The Mason Jazz Camp is not required to make up classes/lessons/rehearsals due to participant’s illness or non‐attendance.
ADDITIONAL POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Required Forms
All required forms must be completed and submitted to the coordinator by June 13th, 2025. A secure portal can be found here: music.gmu.edu/visit-us/mason-jazz-camp/
• PHOTO, AUDIO, VIDEO AND COMMENT RELEASE FORM
• PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT
• PICK-UP AUTHORIZATION (MINORS)
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK FORM
• MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION TO TREAT
Media Release Policy
Participants/Parents/Guardians must complete the PHOTO, AUDIO, VIDEO AND COMMENT RELEASE FORM prior to the start of camp. The Mason Jazz Camp reserves the right to use photographs/videos taken of participants during classes or programs for use in Mason Jazz publications and social media
channels for promotional purposes only. A participant’s name will never be used unless express permission is obtained from the participant/parent (in case of minors).
Standards of Conduct
Participants/Parents/Guardians must complete the PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT prior to the start of camp.
For the safety and well-being of all participants attending the Mason Jazz Camp, the following STANDARDS OF CONDUCT will be in effect for the duration of the program. Participants in violation of these regulations risk expulsion. Refunds will not be authorized.
The Mason Jazz Camp celebrates and values diversity as a strength. We intentionally cultivate an inclusive climate in our daily endeavors as faculty, staff, and participants. We are committed to respecting differences and accepting multiple perspectives.
As a participant I agree with the following:
• I will obey all applicable University policies and all rules or regulations issued by the Mason Jazz Camp Director and the University.
• I will demonstrate cooperation and respect to Program Staff and Participants as well as University employees, students, and visitors.
• I will not harass (verbally, electronically, or through other means) any other individual. I will not knowingly or intentionally physically harm other participants or Program Staff. I understand that hitting, pushing, kicking, fighting, bullying, and other behavior which may harm another person will not be tolerated.
• I will respect the property of other Participants, Program Staff, and George Mason University. I will not take anything that does not belong to me. I will not knowingly or intentionally deface or destroy campus property, the property of others, or nature.
• I will follow all the safety rules and regulations given for each activity in which I participate. This includes, but is not limited to, following the rules regarding curfew, lights out, and being at my assigned activity at the assigned time.
• I understand that the possession and use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco at the Mason Jazz Camp is unacceptable and prohibited.
• I understand that I am responsible for my own medication and agree that I will not share my medication with others.
• I understand that I should inform Program Staff of any personal injury or medical condition which could affect my ability to fully participate.
• I understand that I must inform the Program Staff if I am having a problem with, or feeling threatened by, another Participant, a member of the Program Staff, or anyone I encounter.
• I understand that I must wear appropriate clothing each day, and that what clothing is deemed appropriate or inappropriate is at the discretion of Program Staff.
• I understand that weapons, look-alike weapons, or objects that may be used to threaten, intimidate, or harm others or to damage property may not be brought to the Mason Jazz Camp. Any object that may hurt or place another person in fear of his/her safety may be considered a
weapon and bringing that item to the Mason Jazz Camp is grounds for immediate disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal
• I will participate in all instructional classes and activities and exhibit proper behavior in all campus facilities – academic, residential, dining, and recreational.
• I will cooperate with university staff in the performance of their duties and respect the University facilities.
• All university buildings are smoke-free. No smoking will be permitted in any indoor spaces, including classrooms, studios, and dormitories.
• Parents/guardians of minors are responsible for loss, property damage, induced accident or injury, costs of mischievous fire alarms, and other expenses incurred by the participant while attending the Mason Jazz Camp.
Participant Dismissal / Disruptive Behavior
If a participant displays disruptive behavior and is a hindrance to the progress of a class, that participants (and parents of minors) will receive one warning. If the behavior continues, the participant will be asked to leave the program permanently with no refund granted. The following are examples of unacceptable behavior that will not be tolerated and will cause disciplinary action to be taken:
• hitting/fighting/causing physical harm
• verbal assault or sexual misconduct
• profanity/disrespect to staff or participants
• refusal to cooperate
• violation of rules and policies
• possessing weapons/drugs/alcohol/tobacco
• stealing
• leaving facility grounds
• bullying
The Mason Jazz Camp reserves the right to dismiss any participant due to non‐payment of tuition or excessive absences.
Medication
Participants in the Mason Jazz Camp are responsible for their own personal medication. Parents/Guardians must complete the MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION TO TREAT prior to the start of camp.
Inclement Weather Closures
The Mason Jazz Camp will follow the George Mason University closure decisions for inclement weather. In any closure event, we will contact participants via email and make announcements on the website and social media. To receive text message notifications on weather-related closure, sign up for Mason Alert at alert.gmu.edu
Emergency Procedures
1. Participants (and parents/guardians) should register for Mason Alert here: https://ready.gmu.edu/masonalert/
2. In case of a fire or other evacuation warning, congregate at the designated area below and check-in with your instructor. Gather and take personal belongings (wallets, keys, phones) but leave instruments in place. Do not use elevators if the fire alarm sounds. Be sure to assist individuals with disabilities. https://ehs.gmu.edu/firesafety/faqs/
3. In the event of a tornado, earthquake, or severe weather, move to one of the indoor shelter areas below and shelter away from windows, skylights, and large furniture that may fall.https://ready.gmu.edu/be-prepared/
4. In the unlikely event of an active shooter or other act of violence, experts recommend the following actions (in order of priority): 1. RUN 2. HIDE 3. FIGHT https://ready.gmu.edu/active-threat-response/
Participants with Disabilities
The Mason Jazz Camp strives to make its programming available to everyone, including participants with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities. Please contact the Camp Coordinator, John Kocur, at jkocur@gmu.edu, if you have questions regarding participation in the camp.
Non‐Discrimination Policy
The Mason Jazz Camp is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or age. The Mason Jazz Camp shall adhere to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity/affirmative action statutes and regulations.
HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE & GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY POLICIES
FOR RESIDENTIAL PARTICPANTS ONLY:
Check-in for Residential participants is Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, at 3pm in front of Taylor Hall. You can temporarily park a vehicle on Presidents Park Drive or in Lot R. If you are leaving a vehicle on campus for the duration of the camp, we will issue you a parking permit for Lot R.
Check-out will be Friday, June 27th , 2025, at 7am (before breakfast) in the lobby of Taylor Hall. You may store your belongings in PAB 338 until the end of the final concert that afternoon.
Housing accommodations feature:
• 24-hour front-desk staff
• Free shuttle service from Mason to the Vienna Metro stop
• Free shuttles to local shopping and dining
• Furnished bedrooms, with an extra-long mattress
• Linen package with a pillow, pillowcase, sheet set, blanket, towel, and washcloth.
• Cable service (guests must provide a television and proper cords)
• Wireless/wired Internet access (guests must provide Ethernet cord)
Additional recommended packing items: PERSONAL ITEMS:
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Shower Shoes
• Bath Soap and Shampoo
• Brush and Comb
• Curling/Hair Irons
• Hair Styling Products
• Shaving Supplies
• Medicine
• Toilet paper is provided at the front desk
• Personal electronics or entertainment
• Gym clothes
• Cash or payment for optional after-camp activities
LAUNDRY SUPPLIES (Laundry machines available for free during your stay):
• Detergent (Pod-Style or Liquid Only)
• Hangers
• Dryer Sheets
WIFI is available for free through Apogee. WIFI instructions will be available upon check in for your guests. WIFI Support is available 24/7 Support@apogee.us phone and chat are available as well at https://gmu.apogee.us/
Sample After-Camp Activities for Minors:
Sunday - quick campus tour, games in the Taylor Hall lounge
Monday - basketball at the RAC gym (no cost, bring gym clothes if desired)
Tuesday - $5 movie night at University Mall (bring cash or card to participate)
Wednesday - video and table games at the Corner Pocket (no cost)
Thursday - jam session (location: TBA)
Housing Contact Information
Location: Eisenhower Hall (across from Taylor Hall, next to Ike’s Restaurant)
Phone number: 703-993-2750
(See email for overnight supervisor contact information).
General Residential Policies
• Males are not permitted to enter the rooms of females, and females are not permitted to enter the rooms of males.
• Participants over-18 and under-18 are separated by wings and should not enter each other’s areas.
• After 6pm, participants under 18 are expected to stay in Taylor Hall unless supervised by a Mason student worker.
• There are community recreational spaces for congregating at appropriate times and under the supervision of Mason Jazz Camp staff.
• Quiet hours will be observed during the following times: 10:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. SundayThursday
• Minors will meet downstairs by 7am to move towards breakfast with camp staff.
Meals for Resident Participants
When entering the Dining Hall, you must present your camp lanyard as identification. Times and locations for meals are as follows:
• Breakfast, 7:15am-8am – Southside Dining Hall, meet downstairs at the Taylor Hall when instructed by camp staff.
• Lunch – On your own at the Johnson Center. You will be provided with a Mason Money card with $15/day to use.
• Dinner, 5pm-5:45pm – Southside Dining Hall, meet in the de Laski PAB lobby when the camp day ends.
For accounting purposes, residential participants of all ages should travel to the dining hall together.
HOUSING CODE OF CONDUCT
(For Participants staying overnight in on-campus housing)
1. Alcoholic Beverages
a. Guests who are under the legal drinking age (21 years of age) may not drink or possess alcohol anywhere on campus grounds. Mason Staff may require underage guests to dispose of alcohol. Any person who violates the University’s alcohol policy or the Commonwealth of Virginia’s law regarding the use of alcoholic beverages may be subject to being barred from the campus. Any alcohol may be confiscated by the University and anyone who violates these regulations may be subject to penalties including reporting to the appropriate Commonwealth of Virginia authorities.
b. Of age guests who provide alcohol to underage guests are subject to removal from the residence halls. Guests of legal drinking age may only possess and store alcohol in quantities that reasonably can be considered for personal consumption.
c. Drinking games, common source containers, and/or containers designed for rapid consumption of alcohol are prohibited. Unauthorized kegs containing alcohol are prohibited in residence halls. Possession of excessive amounts of alcohol, and/or common source containers, regardless of age, may result in eviction.
d. Virginia State Law prohibits open containers of alcohol in public areas. No open containers of alcoholic beverages are permitted outside of individual residence hall rooms. No open containers of alcoholic beverages are permitted on porches, balconies, landings, hallways, corridors, in lounges or courtyards.
2. Cooking - Cooking is NOT permitted in residence hall rooms except for those in Apartment Style housing. Preparation of hot beverages or popcorn by use of appliances with enclosed heating
elements and automatic shut off will be permitted in residence hall rooms. Toaster ovens and hot plates are not permitted in the residence halls.
3. Destruction of Property - Guests are obligated to report to HRL any destruction they witness or in which they are involved. Damage and destruction costs will be recovered through billing the conference. Excessive damage to a residence hall room or to common areas may result in removal from the residence halls. Guests are responsible for common area damages.
4. Compliance with Staff - Guests are required to follow all reasonable direction issued by authorized representatives of HRL or other University officials. Failure to comply will result in immediate removal from residence halls.
5. Electrical Appliances - Electrical appliances authorized for use in guest rooms must have the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. approval (U/L label) on the appliance and the cord must be in good working order.
6. Fire - Tampering with fire equipment including the fire extinguisher, exit signs, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and fire doors is a serious violation of the Commonwealth of Virginia law and University regulations.
7. Fireworks - Firecrackers, cherry bombs, smoke bombs, and other similar devices are strictly prohibited in Commonwealth of Virginia and anywhere on University property.
8. Furniture Removal - Guests may not remove furniture from their room during their stay. A fine will be billed to the conference for any guest who removes furniture from his/her room. The conference will also be billed for the replacement value of furniture not present at checkout.
9. Marijuana & Illegal Drugs - Marijuana remains a prohibited substance on George Mason University property. Possession and/or use or marijuana and/or marijuana paraphernalia is strictly prohibited and may result in Participant removal from the residence halls. The use, possession or sale of dangerous illegal drugs or controlled substances (as defined under applicable federal and local law) is strictly prohibited.
10. Keys and Locks - Guests are issued a key and/or swipe card, which permit them access to their assigned building and room. These keys are given for that particular individual’s personal use and are not transferable. Guests are responsible for their personal security and University property and are encouraged to lock their room doors whenever they leave. Guests who lose keys must immediately report the loss to the designated HRL Desk.
11. Pets -Animals and lab specimens, except for service animals, are not permitted in residence halls. Guests are encouraged to inform the Assistant Director of Residence Life for Summer & Hospitality Operations that a service animal will be in the guest room. The handler is responsible for caring for and supervising the service animal.
12. Weapons - You may not possess, keep, use, display, carry or create firearms, airsoft guns, paintball guns, pellet guns, knives (with the exception of multifunction tools), swords, stun guns/Tasers, or other items deemed to be dangerous, inflict a wound, or cause injury on University property. A weapon may be a substance, instrument, or object.
13. Windows - Due to endangerment of self and others and possible destruction of property, guests may not sit on, or place items on window sills, or project items from windows or tamper with window restrictions.
14. Sports in Halls - Playing any type of sports in the residence hall will not be permitted. Guests are responsible for any damage done during these activities.
15. Reporting Incidents - Guest and staff are mutually responsible for reporting and documenting incidents that occur in and around the residence halls. Incidents should be reported to Housing Staff. An incident report must be completed and filed with Housing and Residence Life.
16. Reporting Maintenance - Guests are responsible for reporting items that need repair to the respective HRL Desk or Housing Staff. This includes items in rooms, common areas and bathrooms. If guests do not report broken items in the room when they occur, guests may be billed for those items at check out.
17. Smoking - In accordance with state law, individuals under the age of 21 are not permitted to purchase or possess any tobacco products. All residential areas are smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited within all residential buildings including stairways and entrances. Outdoors, smoking is permitted 20 feet or beyond a residential building, unless it is a hazardous area or if otherwise posted. Proper disposal of cigarette butts is required. The smoking policy extends to the prohibition of smoking devices including but not limited to hookahs, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and homemade smoking devices. Electronic smoking devices are not allowed to be stored in any residence hall.
18. Violent Behavior- Behavior of a violent nature cannot be tolerated in a community living situation. Guests who commit acts of a violent nature including, but not limited to fighting, physical and verbal threats, and vandalism may be immediately removed from housing.
19. Insurance - The University is not responsible for thefts or destruction of personal property. It is recommended that valuables be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
20. Solicitors and Canvassers- Solicitation is prohibited in the residence halls. Violators should be reported to Housing Staff.