Band

July 18 – 29 • 9:30am – 4:30pm

Make friends, memories, and beautiful music at Merit’s summer Band Camp! Brass, woodwind, and percussion students will build skills together in large ensemble rehearsals and have a chance to try something new in two engaging elective classes, with exciting options ranging from West African Drumming to Songwriting. After students spend two weeks having fun, making friends, and refining their skills with the support of Merit’s celebrated faculty, the camp will conclude with a fun final performance.

This camp is best for students who have studied a band instrument for a minimum of two years (at Merit or elsewhere). No teacher recommendation or placement audition required!

> Learn more & register now!

July 11 – 15 • 10:00am – 2:30pm

Join other young clarinet players from across Chicagoland for a week-long intensive led by Merit’s renowned faculty. It will be a fun and exciting week filled with large group rehearsals, challenging music, practice tips, and chamber music. Come prepared to work hard, meet new friends, and sharpen your skills! The last day of camp will include performances for family and friends.

This camp is best for students who have studied clarinet for a minimum of two years (at Merit or elsewhere). No teacher recommendation or placement audition required!

> Learn more & register now!

August 8 – 12 • 10:00am – 2:30pm

Join other young flute players from across Chicagoland for a week-long intensive led by Merit’s renowned faculty. It will be a fun and exciting week filled with large group rehearsals, challenging music, practice tips, and chamber music. You’ll have the opportunity to work with special guest artists, including Sharon Bezaly (soloist) and Aaron Goldman (National Symphony Orchestra). Come prepared to work hard, meet new friends, and sharpen your skills! The last day of camp will include performances for family and friends.

This camp is best for students who have studied flute for a minimum of two years (at Merit or elsewhere). No teacher recommendation or placement audition required!

> Learn more & register now!

July 5 – 9 • 10:00am – 2:30pm

Join other young French horn players from across Chicagoland for a week-long intensive led by Merit’s renowned faculty. It will be a fun and exciting week filled with large group rehearsals, challenging music, practice tips, and chamber music. You’ll have the opportunity to work with special guest artists, such as Carl Alexander (Countertenor), Daniel Gingrich (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), Dr. Natalie Grana (DePaul University), Neil Kimel (Lyric Opera Orchestra), and Sound Mind (Mental Health Advocacy Group). Come prepared to work hard, meet new friends, and sharpen your skills! The last day of camp will include performances for family and friends.

This camp is best for students who have studied French horn for a minimum of two years (at Merit or elsewhere). No teacher recommendation or placement audition required!

> Learn more & register now!

June 21 – 25 • 10:00am – 2:30pm

Join other young percussionists from across Chicagoland for a week-long intensive led by Merit’s renowned faculty. It will be a fun and exciting week filled with large group rehearsals, challenging music, practice tips, and chamber music. You’ll have the opportunity to work with special guest artist, Vadim Karpinos (Chicago Symphony Orchestra). Come prepared to work hard, meet new friends, and sharpen your skills! The last day of camp will include performances for family and friends.

This camp is best for students who have studied percussion for a minimum of two years (at Merit or elsewhere). No teacher recommendation or placement audition required!

> Learn more & register now!

July 11 – 15 • 10:00am – 2:30pm

Join other young saxophone players from across Chicagoland for a week-long intensive led by Merit’s renowned faculty. It will be a fun and exciting week filled with large group rehearsals, challenging music, practice tips, and chamber music. Come prepared to work hard, meet new friends, and sharpen your skills! The last day of camp will include performances for family and friends.

This camp is best for students who have studied saxophone for a minimum of two years (at Merit or elsewhere). No teacher recommendation or placement audition required!

> Learn more & register now!

June 27 – July 1 • 10:00am – 2:30pm

Join other young trombone players from across Chicagoland for a week-long intensive led by Merit’s renowned faculty. It will be a fun and exciting week filled with large group rehearsals, challenging music, practice tips, and chamber music. You’ll have the opportunity to work with special guest artists, including musicians from professional groups like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera Orchestra, and more. Come prepared to work hard, meet new friends, and sharpen your skills! The last day of camp will include performances for family and friends.

This camp is best for students who have studied trombone for a minimum of two years (at Merit or elsewhere). No teacher recommendation or placement audition required!

> Learn more & register now!

June 27 – July 1 • 10:00am – 2:30pm

Join other young trumpet players from across Chicagoland for a week-long intensive led by Merit’s renowned faculty. It will be a fun and exciting week filled with large group rehearsals, challenging music, practice tips, and chamber music. You’ll have the opportunity to work with special guest artists, including Christopher Scanlon and Dorival Puccini, Jr. of Axiom Brass Quintet. Come prepared to work hard, meet new friends, and sharpen your skills! The last day of camp will include performances for family and friends.

This camp is best for students who have studied trumpet for a minimum of two years (at Merit or elsewhere). No teacher recommendation or placement audition required!

> Learn more & register now!

June 27 – July 1 • 10:00am – 2:30pm

Join other young tuba and euphonium players from across Chicagoland for a week-long intensive led by Merit’s renowned faculty. It will be a fun and exciting week filled with large group rehearsals, challenging music, practice tips, and chamber music. You’ll have the opportunity to work with special guest artists, such as Robbie Black (Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra), Dana Hofer (Brass Repair Inc), and Dr. Max Briggs (Vandercook College of Music). Come prepared to work hard, meet new friends, and sharpen your skills! The last day of camp will include performances for family and friends.

This camp is best for students who have studied tuba or euphonium for a minimum of two years (at Merit or elsewhere). No teacher recommendation or placement audition required!

> Learn more & register now!

June 20 – August 23 • Times TBD

Merit’s Summer Wind Ensemble unites advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion students from around Chicagoland to rehearse and perform together in the summer months. This ensemble is conducted by esteemed Merit faculty member Chip Staley and performs a concert around the city each summer.

Merit Conservatory students are recommended for this ensemble if they are in any Conservatory band. We also welcome new students to join if they have at least four years of playing experience and are comfortable performing music at a grade three or higher. New Merit students are required to complete a placement audition.

> Learn more & register now!