THE JAZZ EXCHANGE SUMMER WORKSHOP 2026

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DATES

Monday, June 15 - Friday, June 26, 2026

Saturday, June 27th - Final Concert 

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LOCATION

Pebble Hills High School 

14400 Pebble Hills Blvd

El Paso, TX 79938

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AGES + LEVELS

Age range: 11-18; all skill levels welcome.

Requirement: Participants must have at least 1 year of experience in band or music classes.

Instrument: Participants must own or rent an instrument, except for pianists and vocalists.

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IMPORTANT DATES

• Monday, June 1st - Deadline for Tuition Assistance Applications

• Friday, June 5th - Audition Deadline (Will NOT be extended)

• Friday, June 5th - Registration Deadline 

• June 6th - 11th - Late Registration

  • (full price, no discounts/1 installment plan only due Tues. June 16th ) 

• Sunday, June 14th - 9:00 am -2:00 pm Drum Kit Load-In Day & Setup                           

  • (All student drummers registered are required to attend to set up their drum kits)

• Monday, June 15th - First Day of Summer Workshop *8:00am Arrival for Check-In

• Wednesday, June 17th & 24th - The Garrison - Faculty Concert & Combo Concert

• Thursday, June 25th - Awards Ceremony/ T-Shirt Distribution/ Picture Day ​

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• FRIDAYS ONLY:

• Fridays, June 19th & June 26th (only) 10:00 am -4:00 pm    

• Due to the closure of all SISD schools on Fridays, the two Fridays during our Summer Workshop will be held with our new partners, the El Paso Library (Main Library Downtown), the MACC Museum, and  La Nube Children's Museum. Rest assured, snacks and water will be provided, but students are kindly requested to pack their lunches on these two days. We will confirm more details during the first day of the Summer Workshop. ​​

• Friday, June 19th - Big Band Performances for Juneteenth at La Nube Children's Museum & Field Trip at La Nube Museum (more details during workshop)

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• Friday, June 26th -  TBC closer to the summer workshop 

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*Parent Volunteer/Chaperone: will be available and appreciated. More information will be given during the summer workshop. 

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• Saturday, June 27th | Grand Finale

       More Info Coming Soon...

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SUMMER WORKSHOP STAFF

Candice Reyes  

Dora Reyes

Pamela Reyes 

Maritza Quintana

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SUMMER WORKSHOP FACULTY 2025

Abel Mireles 

More Info Coming Soon!

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GUEST FACULTY 2026

Coming Soon! 

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2026 Special Guest Artist: ​

Coming Soon! ​​​​​

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​TUITION

• Total Tuition: $650.00 (includes $50 registration fee) per student for two weeks + 3.5% Credit Card Fee on top of the total tuition ($673.00 includes the 3.5% online fee)​​

• Registration Fee: $50 per student (included in the total tuition listed above) 

• Registration Deposit: $250.00 (non-refundable) upon registering online

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IMPORTANT: Discount Codes Cannot Be Combined

• Early Bird Discount till April 28th - May 11th:

  • $100 off with Discount Code: EARLYBIRD26

• Family Discount: $250 off the entire Tuition of 2 students from the same family/household/siblings with Discount Code (must register two kids at once with this discount code): SUMMERFAMILY26 

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• Payment Plan Options: Upon registering, you will pay the $250 depoist online first. The remaining balance participants have the option to pay in full upon registration or to choose payment plans when filling out the registration form, which is limited to a specified number of installments with designated due dates. There will be no exceptions for exceeding the maximum number of installments or missing the due dates. Additionally, late fees of $15 per day will be incurred for installment payments not paid by the due dates.

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• School/Organization Partner Discounts: Public or private schools with four or more students interested in attending the 2026 Summer Workshop are eligible for a 15% tuition discount per student. Each school may enroll up to 10 students per school (parents must register), for a total at the discounted rate. For more information, please contact The Jazz Exchange at contact@thejazzexchange.org

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AUDITIONS - Deadline to Submit Friday, June 5th 

Auditions will be judged first and foremost on accuracy, so please prioritize a smaller portion of well-prepared material over performing everything (quality over quantity). The Jazz Exchange will better understand your skill level with more material presented through your audition. As this is a placement audition, we do not need to hear you perform everything perfectly, but instead are looking to understand the best placement for your optimal learning experience. 

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LUNCH / SNACKS

During the Summer Workshop, students will receive FREE lunch from the Pebble Hills High School Cafeteria from Monday - Thursday (we will provide the lunch schedule). Students are allowed to bring a packed lunch if they prefer. Additionally, snacks and water will be available throughout each day for all students.   

 

We're also excited to announce that we'll have some special treats and visits from local businesses for students to enjoy! Stay tuned for more information during the Summer Workshop.

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QUESTIONS

Email: thejazzexchangecontact@gmail.com

Volunteers/Interns/Teaching Assistants Needed for Summer Workshop. For more information please contact us. 

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CANCELLATION 

A full refund of tuition (minus the $250 non-refundable registration deposit) will be issued for cancellations made on or before June 5. After June 5, we are unable to offer refunds due to program planning, staffing, and facility commitments. In the case of documented emergencies, cancellation requests may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

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DAILY SCHEDULE

Monday – Thursday  8:30 am -5:00 pm 

Fridays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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• 8:30 AM Arrival

• 8:45 AM Announcements

• 9:00 AM  Period 1 - Instrumental Tech (Woodwinds, Brass, Drum, Piano, Bass, Guitar)

• 10:00 AM Period 2 - Improv Classes 

• 11:00 AM Period 3 - Guest Artist Symposium

• 12:00 PM Lunch / Jam Sessions Auditorium

• 1:00 PM  Period 4 -  Combo Classes

• 2:30 PM  Period 5 Jazz History Class 

• 3:20 PM  Period 6 Big Band Class

• 5:00 PM Dismissal/Pick-Up 

​*Subject to change

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Jazz Exchange Summer Workshop – FAQ

What is The Jazz Exchange Summer Workshop?

The Jazz Exchange Summer Workshop is a two-week-long immersive jazz program designed for middle school, high school. Students work closely with experienced faculty and guest artists through combo rehearsals, big band, masterclasses, and performances.

Who can attend?

The workshop is open to middle school, high school aged 11yrs -18yrs of all instruments and voice types with prior experience in jazz or ensemble playing, at least one year of band. Placement is determined by skill level to ensure the best group experience from their audition video.

What are the dates of the workshop?

The 2026 workshop runs Monday, June 15 – Saturday, June 27, with the final Jazz Showcase

Where is the workshop held?

Daily sessions take place at Pebble Hills High School, Monday through Thursday, 8 am -5 pm, and Fridays, 10 am -4 pm, at the listed locations above, with the final concert held Saturday, June 27th. (Listed above)

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What’s included in the program?

• Daily combo rehearsals and big band

• Masterclasses with faculty and guest artists

• Theory & improvisation classes 

• Jam sessions 

• Community performance opportunities

• Field Trips & more

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Who are the instructors?

Our faculty includes professional local jazz musicians, educators, and guest artists from across the region and beyond. Each member of our team brings a strong background in education and a deep commitment to working with young musicians.

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Is housing provided?

This is a day program; housing is not included. However, we’re happy to recommend nearby lodging options for out-of-town participants from Las Cruces, Juarez, and beyond. 

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What should students bring?

Bring your instrument, a notebook, a pencil, and any necessary accessories (reeds, cables, amp, etc.). Drummers should bring sticks; pianists, bassists. Most of all, bring a positive and good attitude every day. 

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Is food provided?

Free lunch will be provided by the school cafeteria. Students can plan to bring lunch. Snacks and drinks will be available throughout the day. No food delivery services or drop-off due to safety reasons and chaperoning. Lunch will be on campus in the lobby, and you will NOT be allowed to leave campus to purchase food. 

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How do I register?

Early Bird Registration opens Monday, April 27th - May 11th. Registration will run until June 5th. Late Registration will be from June 6th to 11th with an additional fee added to your deposit. 

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Is there a cost to attend?

Yes — tuition details and payment information are posted on the registration page. Payment Plans are available. Tuition Assistance is available upon request, and parents will be sent a form asking personal questions regarding why they will need assistance. We will have a deadline to apply for tuition assistance on June 1st. 

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Is the Saturday concert open to the public?

Yes! The Jazz Exchange Showcase on Saturday, June 27, is open to the public and ticketed. It features all workshop students, faculty, and guest performers. Tickets and details will be available closer to the date. 

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Can a student attend just one week of the summer workshop?

We strongly recommend attending both weeks of the workshop to ensure students receive the full educational and performance experience. Each week offers unique programming, rehearsals, and preparation leading up to The Jazz Exchange Showcase on Saturday, June 27th.​ We understand that extenuating circumstances (such as family obligations, travel, or summer school conflicts) may prevent a student from attending the full two weeks. In those cases, tuition will still be required, and adjustments to cost or participation will be handled on a case-by-case basis with our Student Services Director. Please note that if your child plans to attend one week we will not offfer payment plans, they will need to pay the adjusted tuition with the registration fee all at once. Please contact us directly at contact@thejazzexchange.org for more details.

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That said, students who only attend Week One (June 15th -19th)  will not be eligible to perform in the final showcase, as they will miss key rehearsals and performance preparation. Students who attend only Week Two (June 22nd -26th) may be considered for limited participation in the showcase, but will not receive the same performance opportunities as those who participate in both weeks. This policy is designed to ensure fairness and uphold the quality and integrity of the final performance, while also allowing the student to experience the workshop and perform. We appreciate your understanding and encourage full participation whenever possible.​​

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What if my child is turning 11 during the summer workshop?

If your child is 10 years old but turning 11 during the workshop, they may still be eligible to participate. We ask that they have at least one year of experience on their instrument (such as school band, private lessons, or equivalent playing experience).

To ensure the workshop is a good fit and that your child won’t feel overwhelmed, we require a short audition video to be submitted before registration. This allows our faculty to assess readiness and confirm appropriate placement.

For audition guidelines and submission instructions, please contact us at contact@thejazzexchange.org

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If I have two children/siblings interested in participating, is there a discount?

Yes! We offer a Family Discount for households with more than one student enrolled in the workshop.

Family Discount:
$250 off the total tuition for two students from the same family/household
Use Discount Code: SUMMERFAMILY26 during registration to apply the discount

If you have more than two students participating or have questions about the discount, feel free to contact us at: contact@thejazzexchange.org

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If my child needs medical care or is on prescribed medication, what should I do?

If your child has any medical conditions, allergies, or is currently taking prescribed medication, please make sure to provide complete medical information during registration.​ All medications must be clearly labeled and submitted with written instructions. Our staff is not permitted to administer medication, but we will ensure your child has access to what they need and is supported appropriately during the workshop.

If your child requires specific accommodations or has a medical plan in place, please reach out to us ahead of time to discuss how we can best support them.

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For questions or to coordinate medical needs, please contact us at: contact@thejazzexchange.org

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Are teaching assistants needed for the summer workshop?

We are seeking motivated music majors, college students, and individuals with experience in music education or student teaching to join our Summer Workshop as Teaching Assistants (TAs).

Priority & Selection Process

First priority for TA positions will be given to alumni students who have previously participated in The Jazz Exchange programs and are interested in returning to be part of the Summer Workshop. Remaining positions will then be opened to qualified applicants who have not yet participated in our programming.

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Voluntary & Paid Positions
All first-year TAs will be considered for voluntary positions, designed to provide hands-on teaching experience, mentorship, and performance opportunities.

Returning TAs may be considered for a limited number of paid TA positions, based on experience, availability, and program needs.

 

Paid TA Expectations (Limited Positions)
Paid TAs must be available for both weeks of the workshop, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for extended hours as needed. Responsibilities include assisting with daily operations, supporting student instruction, and helping coordinate workshop logistics. Paid TAs will also participate in performances and must be available for all Friday concerts and the final concert on Saturday, June 27.

 

Voluntary TA Opportunities
Voluntary TA positions are ideal for first-year applicants or those with limited availability. These roles offer valuable teaching and performance experience, including opportunities to perform with students and TA combos. Availability for select rehearsals, events, and performances will be required.

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Jazz Exchange Summer Workshop Internship (Volunteer)​

Join The Jazz Exchange this summer for a volunteer internship at our annual Summer Workshop! This opportunity is ideal for college music majors, business majors, and aspiring educators who are passionate about music, teaching, and community engagement.

As a volunteer intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience by supporting daily workshop activities, marketing, scheduling, event coordinating, and helping with rehearsals, sectionals, and performances and events. You’ll also get an inside look at how a jazz education program operates—from instruction to event coordination.

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This role is perfect for those looking to build teaching experience, develop leadership skills, and connect with a network of professional musicians and educators. While this is a voluntary (unpaid) position, it offers meaningful, real-world experience in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Be part of a program that fosters growth, creativity, and a love for jazz! 🎷

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General Requirements
All TAs must have access to reliable transportation and be willing to assist with workshop logistics, including load-in, setup, unloading equipment, and supporting performances and events.

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We will provide families with a Welcome Packet with all details and information for the Summer Workshop on the first day of class, with a folder and their schedules.