Launched in 2003 to support music education in public schools—JumpStart in Music is a low-cost, high-impact version of our Summer Music Camp. JumpStart brings together Bay Area public middle school students and their music instructors—along with high school mentors and parent chaperones—for an action-packed three day music immersion program at our camp during the school year.

During their stay, JumpStart students participate in an intensive schedule of practice, rehearsal, and performance. This is a rare opportunity for music students who usually meet just a few hours per week to immerse themselves in an exciting and challenging musical repertoire. They make rapid progress both individually and as an ensemble. We also provide plenty of time for rest and play, offering activities including sports, games, environmental education and arts and crafts.

At night, students sleep outside on tent decks beneath the majestic redwood trees and star filled sky. We provide three delicious, healthy meals per day cooked from scratch. Each day closes with a different evening program and the weekend culminates in a formal student concert attended by proud family and friends. JumpStart is truly a unique school music retreat!

In order to qualify for the program students must attend one of our partner public schools and be an active member of their school music program. Our JumpStart in Music program serves over 700 youth during a typical year from the Berkeley and Oakland Unified School Districts, West Contra Costa County and schools throughout Sonoma County.

• Four to five hours of practice and rehearsals on both Friday and Saturday.
• Extra help and coaching from high school music mentors.
• Time for rest, recreation and enjoying the beauty of the redwood forest.
• Group activities including campfires, skits and a special staff and mentor concert performed just for the campers.
• A student concert held Sunday afternoon in our beautiful amphitheater.