Our camp director James Berry co-founded the Hilton Head Jazz Camp in 2011 with saxophonist Josh Kravette, modeled after a similar camp he taught at in North Conway, NH. Partnering with the Junior Jazz Foundation under the guidance of the Bob and Lois Masteller, the initial camp has expanded into four summer jazz programs over the past 14 years, attracting over 130 students to the Lowcountry every June & July from all across the United States.
James Berry holds music degrees from Gordon College and Boise State University and has been a dedicated music educator since 2001. He currently serves as Director of Fine Arts at Hilton Head Christian Academy and is the founder and director of the acclaimed Hilton Head Jazz Camp, presented annually by the Junior Jazz Foundation.
A highly versatile multi-instrumentalist (piano, trumpet, and more), Mr. Berry performs regularly with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, The Jazz Corner, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Palmetto Bluff, and numerous other regional ensembles. He is also a founding member of the popular 1920s-style speakeasy band Folderol, a Lowcountry favorite!
Through the Junior Jazz Foundation, Mr. Berry has led the award-winning JJF “Rising Stars” youth ensemble, which has opened for jazz legends including Joey Alexander, René Marie, Jane Monheit, Freddie Cole, Bucky Pizzarelli, Monty Alexander, John Pizzarelli, Wycliffe Gordon, and many others. The Hilton Head Jazz Camp and its faculty have been featured in DownBeat Magazine, JazzTimes, South Carolina Public Radio’s Sonatas & Soundscapes, Island Packet, Hilton Head Monthly, and Celebrate Hilton Head (CH2) magazine.
With more than 20 years of experience as a music director, arranger, and freelance performer, Mr. Berry maintains an active national career in both classical and jazz settings, collaborating and recording with artists across the country while continuing to mentor the next generation of jazz musicians through the Hilton Head Jazz Camp has produced dozens of young artists now studying at Juilliard, Berklee, Manhattan School of Music, University of Miami, and other top programs.
To find out more about Mr. Berry and to support his work, follow him @bearnotchstudios on many platforms.
James Berry – piano
Brett Belanger – bass
Dr. Tim Fischer – guitar
Justin Varnes – drums
Juan Rollan – tenor sax
Mark Rapp – flugelhorn