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- Why Choose Merit
Individual lessons and group classes for students at any level.
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Bringing accessible, high-quality music education to Chicagoland communities.
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The highest level of achievement for Merit students in tuition-free, audition-based programs.
- About
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Merit's supporters remove barriers to music education, ensuring access for Chicago's youth.
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Associate Board
Whether you’re a musician, concert-goer, or avid music listener, Merit’s Associate Board welcomes young professionals who believe in the transformative power of music education.
The Merit Associate Board (Merit AB) is committed to furthering the Merit School of Music’s mission to remove barriers to high-quality music education. We are a group of Chicago-area young professionals who volunteer our time, expertise, and resources to support Merit and its students. Associate Board members strive to develop themselves as model philanthropic leaders and next-generation advocates for the musical arts.
Members support the school by:
- Collaborating with students to enhance their personal growth and help prepare them for the future
- Growing our Associate Board by bringing diverse perspectives and skills to Merit
- Working to develop new sources of support to meet Merit’s mission and provide financial aid to students
- Increasing public awareness of Merit by serving as ambassadors for its mission and impact
Get Excited about Supporting
Music Education by:
Fundraising
Help host the Associate Board’s annual fundraising event that helps keep the cost of programming affordable for all Chicago families.
volunteering
Volunteer with Merit students to support music learning, enhance personal growth, and prepare students for the future.
Networking
Work with a diverse group of Associate Board members at regular meetings, participating in a committee, and building your network through board social events throughout the city.
Meet the Associate Board Executive Committee
Andy Scroggins
Chair
Seyfarth Shaw
What I love about the Merit:
What I love about Merit is the sense of community – passionate students, supportive parents, engaged alumni, talented and committed instructors, inspirational leaders, dedicated staff, and active boards – and its deep roots in our city.
John Kalil
Vice chair
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What I love about Merit:
The incredible talent that exists in each student and the happiness music education brings to them. It is palpable in the students’ energy in and around the school.
I would love to have dinner with:
Elvis
McKay Harline
Mayer Brown LLP
What I love about Merit:
Merit provides opportunity for Chicago students – and it’s an opportunity to learn and grow and engage in a powerful medium that can enrich a young person’s life.
I would love to have dinner with:
My favorite violinist, Hilary Hahn
Maureen Miller
Finance Chair
Deyonne Wealth Advisors
Tom Severson
Fundraising chair
Morgan Lewis
My favorite Associate Board Event:
Play On! I am so excited to bring back this event in person this year at my favorite music venue, City Winery!
Jamal Elam
Pinnacle Live
My favorite Merit experience:
Interviewing prospective Conservatory families during their audition process. I got to see both the parents and the students’ viewpoints while welcoming new students into Merit.
My favorite thing about Merit:
Merit has always felt like a home away from home every time I walk in the building. I love the fact that there is an open arms feeling with both the students and staff. It’s very warm and welcoming.
Angie Chiesa
School Relations
Co-Chair
Chamberlain Group
What I love about the Merit:
I love that Merit works to remove the economic barrier that keeps many kids out of classical music. I firmly believe finances should never keep a child from engaging with classical music, and Merit’s mission supports this fully.
Eduardo Lopez
School Relations Co-Chair
Razorfish Health
Katie Schmelzerᴬ
Social Team Chair
KIPP Public Charter Schools
Associate Board Members
Fred Carmean
@properties
Alexandra Demers
Ketchum
Bethany Evon
Self-Employed
Anne Glaza
Grenzebach Glier and Associates
Arianna Halpert
Ralla Klepak Foundation
Vincent Lin
Annie Mercadoᴬ
Kamila Muhammadᴬ
Alphawood Foundation
Kopano Muhammadᴬ
Oneta Resort
Julian Reidᴬ
Self-Employed
David Ubriaco
Johnson Controls
Thomas Weinheimer
Catholic Extension
Darren Williams
L.E.K. Consulting
Catie Wloch
Davis Bancorp
Matt Wloch
JPMorgan Chase – Private Banking
Sustaining Members
Adam Birnbaum
ClearPath Group
Peter Buse
William Blair
Jerald Garyᴬ
Community Capital Investment Partners LLC
Jacob Henry-Camille
McDonald’s Corporation
Pamela Meadowsᴬ
University of Illinois at Chicago
Michelle Michelini
University of Chicago
LeRoy Ousleyᴬ
Wells Fargo
Tammy Ousley
AT&T
Rachel Pawlisz
Kaplan Higher Education
ᴬ Merit Alum
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the committment for being on the Merit Associate Board?
All Merit Associate Board members are required to attend monthly board meetings, serve on a committee, act as an ambassador for Merit, volunteer with Merit students, attend Merit fundraising events, go to social events and Merit concerts as available, and fulfill the annual $500 board member give/get commitment.
How can I find out if the Merit Associate Board is a good fit for me?
Fill out the Merit Associate Board interest form to learn more. Someone from the Associate Board will reach out to you to talk with you about your interest in joining, answer your questions, and connect you with a current Associate Board member who can tell you more about their experience on the Merit Associate Board.
Do I have to be a musician in order to join?
No, you do not need to be a musician or a classical music expert to join! The Merit Associate Board is open to young professionals who love music and have a desire to meet like-minded individuals, are interested in giving back to the community, and are eager to spread awareness about the importance of making music education accessible to all.
Is there a deadline for applying?
No, there is no deadline to join the Merit Associate Board. Our membership is rolling, so you can join the Merit Associate Board at any point during the year.
The Merit Associate Board sounds awesome! How do I join?
Start by filling out this short form. We’ll follow up with more information on joining the Associate Board and to get to know you better. The final step will be to complete the full member application and make your new member donation of $100 upon approval to join the board (which counts towards your annual $500 give/get commitment).
