SEQUIM — Camp Heebie Jeebie, an annual Lake Crescent summer school for youth and older musicians is in need of help, the camp’s lead fundraiser said.
Bud Critchfield, a longtime Clallam County youth music supporter from Sequim, who stepped in to head up fundraising when the Jazz in the Olympics Society silenced operations in 2010, is sounding the horns for scholarship donations that will allow up to 40 Clallam County youths to attend the music camp.
The cost is $550 per musician.
How it was named
Named for a song by jazz great Louis Armstrong, Camp Heebie Jeebies enters its 17th summer season, to take place July 1-7 at Camp David Jr. on Lake Crescent.
“The big deal now is getting funds for kids,” said Critchfield, a former Port of Port Angeles commissioner.
He said the recession has made it hard for parents to cover camp costs.
Critchfield said support will assure the preservation of the big-band music played by Armstrong, Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey.
The camp’s 12 faculty members include Chuck Easton, a guitarist from Nordland; Craig Buhler, a saxophone player who directs the Stardust Big Band based in Sequim; and Sanford Feibus, director of Sequim City Band.
Vicky Blakesley, president of Sequim City Band’s board and a bass clarinetist, said band members raised more than $500 for at least one scholarship.
“I’m looking to see if there’s any other means to raise money,” she said.
A typical day at Camp Heebie Jeebies begins with breakfast, followed by a 50-minute theory class, a two-hour traditional band rehearsal, lunch with entertainment, sectionals and improvisation for front line players.
Big-band rehearsals are scheduled one after another from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
After dinner, the students have jam sessions.
To help sponsor a Camp Heebie Jeebies youth musician, contact Critchfield at 360-582-3082, or write a check to the nonprofit Karayco Productions Inc., 500 W. Hendrickson Road, No. 5035, Sequim, WA 98382.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2390 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
