FAQ’s – Summer Summit

General Questions:

Q: What is the daily schedule for JazzWire Summit?
A: You can check out our Saxophone & Improvisation schedule here.

Q: I’d like to work on the JazzWire Summit music ahead of time. Will you be sending that out to us?
AFar beyond sending out the music in advance, JazzWire Summit attendees have the chance to work on all the music for weeks and months in advance at JazzWire.net. There will be weekly lessons, discussions and posts on all the music, at three different ability levels. You will show up to camp feeling confident and comfortable.

Q: I can no longer attend the JazzWire Summit, but have paid. What is the refund policy?
A: We don’t offer full refunds, but you can get a partial refund depending on when you cancel. Please check our Workshop Information page for detail and dates on the refund policy. 

Q: I want to attend the Summit, but I don’t think I want to do JazzWire. Can I still attend join you?
A: Everyone who attends the Summit will become a JazzWire member, so yes, we need you to be a part of the JazzWire club! Imagine arriving at a camp where you already know everyone. Imagine showing up knowing the music inside out. Imagine if your teachers knew how you played ahead of time. Imagine feeling supported in your work, day in and day out, for months beforehand, and for months after camp. Those are the reasons JazzWire is integral to the Summit. Your experience with us will be deeper than any other camp on earth can offer. We are proud of that.

Q: JazzWire is a six-month commitment, correct?
A: Yes, you are subscribed to JazzWire, and your card will be billed at the rate of $49.95/month. During this time, you’ll be working on the Summit music, meeting new friends from around the globe, and getting support for your development like you’ve never received in your life. And after the Summit, you’ll have a plan to keep the ball rolling for yourself.

Q: Who is the faculty?
A: All of our faculty for the Saxophone & Improvisation Summit is located here.

Q: How and where can I book a hotel for the group rate of The Summit?
A:

The Bethesdan Hotel by Hilton
8120 Wisconsin Ave
Bethesda MD, 20814

Write us, and we will let you know when our preferred rate at the hotel becomes available.


The Bethesdan has been our partner hotel for many years, and they are newly renovated and looking and feeling great! We’ll be hosting a jam session (7/24) and the faculty concert (7/25) in their bar/restaurant, so make plans to stay here during the Summer Summit.

Q: Are there amplifiers provided for guitar players, or need I bring one?
A: Guitarists usually bring their own amps (AND music stand), but if you’re flying, we’ll help get you set up, please let us know in advance.

Q: What is everything I should bring to the Summit?
A: When you come to the workshop, make sure you have your:

Instrument

Music (Provided on Jazz Wire for you)

A Music Stand

Any appropriate equipment for your select instrument

Q: I have a special diet, who should I speak to since the meals are provided?
A: Please let us know your food allergies in advance. We will send out reminders before the event regarding food allergies. Otherwise, please make plans to bring your own meals IF they are extreme restrictions.

Q: I have a lot of equipment, Is the facility multiple floors tall?
A: Yes. The facility is 2 floors tall, however there is an easily accessible elevator for all to use.

Q: Is there a refrigerator?
A: Sorry, there is nothing available for the use of the participants.

Q: Are there bathrooms in the facility?
A: YES! There are 2 sets of bathrooms, located on each floor of the building.

Q: Is there transport from the hotel to the facility?
A: We do not provide transportation, but it is a short 5 min drive; folks often carpool or share ubers

Q: How much are tickets to the final concert that I will be performing at on July 27th?
A: The final concert tickets are $25 per person at the door, and $20 online in advance. Any family and friends who come to hear you play will purchase a ticket. Tickets will be available for on-site purchase, OR, a discounted rate if purchased ahead of time online, when made available.

Q: I’m from out of town, coming to the Summer Summit early, and staying on a bit later to see the sights. What is around and good to see?
A: Most importantly, connect with the many folks on JazzWire and at the Summer Summit who live in the DC/Baltimore/Virginia area. You have a lot of friends who are eager to spend time with you in the real world. Reach out to them in advance. A few suggestions for seeing and doing things here in DC:

– DC is well known for its hot summers, so come prepared. The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang has good, detailed forecasts. The church we’re at is well air-conditioned, even chilly to some, so be prepared for that too.

– A good website for Jazz-related events in the area is Capital Bop.

– There’s a great deal to see and do in the area, and the Washington Post is a great overall source. Much of its material is behind a paywall, but you might be able to pay for access for just a few weeks (or buy the paper editions). Most information about things to do is in the weekend section on Friday and the Arts nad Style section on Sunday.

– The mostly free Smithsonian museums by themselves could keep you busy for weeks.

– The best way to get around is Metro Rail, which is the DC subway. However, be prepared to potentially walk significant distances from one place to another.