What Byron Siegal has created with Jazz Vermont is truly extraordinary. He has provided a valuable resource for jazz musicians, and enthusiasts. It is the up-close and personal access to modern jazz genius Jerry Bergonzi, that distinguishes Jazz Vermont as one of the premier jazz camps in the world. Byron has done a great job in creating the ideal setting to relax, study, listen to and play jazz. An intense five-day program allows students to focus on all aspects of music. It is a unique opportunity for private or group study, daily interaction, and performances with seasoned musicians like Bergonzi, Vinnie Cutro, and up-and-coming talents like Mary Gatchell.

The experiences of each summer have improved my playing in so many ways. Each year I leave Jazz Vermont feeling positive, and playing better than ever. Yet the sense of direction and satisfaction of a week of focused self-improvement are inevitably pushed aside by the realities of daily life. With this in mind, I contacted Tony Adams and Mark Stoltze and we developed the idea for this website. JAZinc will provide a resource for Jazz Vermont Alumni to serve as both a meeting place and a forum for exchanging ideas. It will exist as a venue for serving up musical recipes and for sharing tips and techniques of a theoretical or practical nature. Our goal is to use this site to re-enforce the positive experiences and knowledge acquired at Jazz Vermont by fostering a sense of interaction and community for all students of jazz. Enjoy!

- Peter Arike