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 three summer jazz programs over the past 9 years, attracting over 130 students to the Lowcountry every July from all across the United States.
With degrees from Gordon College and Boise State University, Mr. Berry has been a music educator since 2001, and currently serves as the director of Fine Arts at Hilton Head Christian Academy. As a versatile multi-instrumentalist, he has performed with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Corner, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Palmetto Bluff, May River Theatre, Hilton Head Chamber Music, and many others.
Through his work with the Junior Jazz Foundation, the JJF ‘Rising Stars’ under his leadership has opened for Joey Alexander, Rene Marie, Jane Monheit, Freddie Cole, Bucky Pizzarelli, Monty Alexander, and many more. Mr. Berry has collaborated with several artists all across the country and performed both live and in the studio. He has over 15+ years of experience as a music director, freelance musician and arranger, with a focus on classical/jazz piano and trumpet.
To find out more about Mr. Berry and to support his work, visit his page @ patreon.com/bearnotchstudios.
James Berry – piano
Brett Belanger – bass
Dr. Tim Fischer – guitar
Justin Varnes – drums
Juan Rollan – tenor sax
Mark Rapp – flugelhorn