What is learned in Sacramento Trad Jazz Camp

This is just 1 of many blessings that God has given me in life. I was told by a friend 16 years ago, Lou Trovato, about a jazz camp in Pollock Pines, Ca. I went that year and watched one of their evening performances. Completely blown away hearing such great music, I signed up the next year.
These musicians know how to play music the way it is supposed to be played. One can hear the melody with clear words when sung. And the harmonies and rhythm keep the flavor so palatable because these players know what their place is in the group. This takes great talent which they all have and unbelievable teamwork that takes a good deal of listening to each other. These guys and gals do it all extremely well, even on the fly.
In the 5 years attending this camp, I was forced to read music, which I had never really done, learned new techniques of how to compliment a team, learned that “less is more”, got confidence in those on the team, & most of all had fun while learning and performing. I have been playing the piano for 70 years now, mostly as a solo. So, even with God given talent which I have had from birth, I never got beyond beginning band at camp. (Beginners, Intermediate, & Advanced) Humbly, I had a lot to learn. I tried, but not being able to read music quickly kept me there as a beginner. I was found out every year during auditions. The first year I was asked to play from sheet music the song “Jada”. Being under the pressure of others watching, I did my usual of pretending to read and started playing by ear what I thought the song was. But the teacher, not being stupid, patiently watched as I played the wrong song. I did know my signatures and played it in the key it was written but, of course, that did not cut it. We all got a laugh as I sheepishly told the truth that I could not read at any speed. Having an ear for music, I had always depended on what I hear and not on written sheet music. Even at a young age I never disciplined myself to not use my ear because it was like torture to read. I could at a very young age easily pick out any song just by hearing it. So that is the way I have always gotten by in music.
However, because of this experience, I now, after long hours, can read, can play in every key, do a stride, and truly enjoy playing now more than ever before. Because of my age physically, my fingers and brain don’t operate very fast, so I have learned to slow down. This is another skill that these great musicians have and tried hard to get me to do. I think I am now learning this important skill also.
Again, what a blessing is has been over the years to have listened, watched, and learned how to produce good music from all of these professionals. This video is just a snippet of the wonderful music that these experienced musicians are capable of. Watch and enjoy them.