At Camp Merit, our largest summer music camp, music is more than just notes on a page—it’s a journey of discovery, growth, and connection. Seventy-two young musicians ages 8-16 gathered for an unforgettable two weeks this summer, immersing themselves in the vibrant world of orchestra, band, and choir. Through intensive ensemble practices and a diverse range of elective classes, they honed their skills, explored new instruments, and found a community of peers who share their love of music. As we dive into the daily rhythm of camp life, you’ll hear directly from the students themselves about what made this experience truly special.
A Day at Camp Merit
Each morning, the students began by rehearsing with their major ensembles – band, orchestra, and choir. Throughout the course of the two weeks, the ensembles worked on learning fun and challenging pieces of music.
After their morning rehearsal, students moved on to their first elective class, which allowed for learning and enrichment outside of their main instrument. The elective classes included Intro to Guitar, Intro to Piano, Intro to Ukulele, Musical Theatre, Intro to Songwriting, Intro to Conducting, Drumline, and West African Drumming.
Students had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a new instrument or explore new dimensions of music making. Then it was time for lunch! The students enjoyed socializing with peers across the three different tracks, and they were always excited for the opportunity to visit Mary Bartelme Park next door when the weather permitted.
After lunch, the students attended another ensemble rehearsal and a second elective class. The students in band and orchestra also had instrument-specific sectionals, while the choir students studied vocal technique and theory.
After two busy, fun-filled weeks of music making, the students showed off all they learned in a final day performance featuring the three main ensembles and the elective classes.
Camp Merit is a delightful, exciting time of learning and growth for the kids. But don’t just take our word for it—let’s hear from the campers themselves, starting with 13-year-old Chloe H., who joined the choir track this summer.
⭐ Fun fact! The Camp Merit choir track is open to kids and teens with no prior music experience, making it a great option for parents looking for a music camp for beginners.
Choir with Chloe
When she wasn’t singing in Musical Theatre class, choir rehearsals, or the hallway, Chloe explored a new instrument: piano. She loved learning something new with other students coming from different musical backgrounds in an encouraging space where the teachers made sure the students knew it was okay to mess up.
Would Chloe recommend Merit to a friend? Let’s hear it straight from her:
Orchestra with James
While Chloe found her voice in the choir, nine-year-old James C. discovered new challenges and joys as a young cellist in the orchestra. During the academic year, he takes private lessons and group classes, but playing cello in a different setting this summer was a fun, exciting experience for James.
“My favorite thing is learning new pieces,” he said. The songs he worked on at Camp Merit were longer than his normal music, which he found gratifying.
“I’ve done lots of pieces that have only one page, and one piece that’s two pages. But this time, most of the songs are two pages and one is three pages!” James also levelled up his skills, learning to shift into different positions on his cello.
Perhaps the most exciting part for James, though, was playing in an orchestra.
Learn More About Summer at Merit!
Explore our summer music camp programs and find out how to elevate your musical journey while school’s out.
