Band

Whether you’re learning to play oboe in your school’s band, have always dreamed of being a percussionist, or want to study alongside some of the best trombone players in Illinois, Merit’s celebrated faculty is here to help you unlock your full musical potential.  

For over 40 years, Merit students have auditioned into All-State Band, gone on to attend some of the country’s best music conservatories, pursued careers as teaching artists and performers, and gained confidence to chase their dreams in music and beyond. 

Merit offers Band camps, classes, workshops, and private lessons for the following instruments:

  • Bassoon
  • Clarinet
  • Euphonium
  • Flute
  • French Horn
  • Oboe
  • Percussion
  • Saxophone
  • Trombone
  • Trumpet
  • Tuba

Each year, Merit Band students of all ages come together to perform in concerts at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center and at venues throughout Chicago. Past performances include concerts at Symphony Center, Millennium Park, The University of Illinois’ Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and the Illinois Music Education Conference. Even when we can’t make music together in person, the Merit community finds new life online through virtual group classes, Zoom concerts, and socially-distanced private lessons.

Browse fall band classes

Fall registration opens August 3! Here’s a preview of the virtual programs we’re offering this fall.

VIRTUAL BEGINNING BAND

Try your hand at something new and join the band! This class is designed to give students their first introduction to clarinet, flute, classical percussion, saxophone, trombone, euphonium, or trumpet. Our celebrated faculty will help your young musician develop life-long musical skills and learn the basics of playing a new instrument. Classes will focus on instrument-specific technique building in a fun and engaging virtual environment.

Sign Up

VIRTUAL CONTINUING BAND

Merit’s Continuing Band classes are best for clarinet, flute, classical percussion, saxophone, trombone, euphonium, and trumpet students with 1-3 years of experience. Students will build their technique and stay connected with the Merit musical community in these engaging, online group classes led by Merit’s celebrated band faculty.

Students will learn the following skills:

  • Musical notation
  • Listening skills
  • Vocal tone and technique

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Programs for musicians of all levels

Group Classes & Ensembles

Temporarily Virtual

Hone your technique and skill alongside other driven young musicians. Beginners welcome!

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Private Lessons

Temporarily Virtual

Work one-on-one with skilled and supportive faculty to explore your individual talents and musical interests.

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Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory

Temporarily Virtual

Join the best of Merit’s talented student musicians by auditioning for Merit’s prestigious tuition-free Conservatory.

AUDITION

Summer Camps & Workshops

Virtual Summer 2020

Safely make friends, memories, and music all summer long with Merit’s online camps, classes, and workshops.

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Chicago’s finest band faculty

“The Band program at Merit takes a comprehensive approach aimed at helping each individual student realize their potential. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. By focusing on each student’s individual skills, strengths, and weaknesses, we are able to ensure that every student receives exactly the guidance that they need to progress as musicians and as members of society.”

– Andrew Zweibel
Band Program Director

Clarinet Student

Our celebrated teaching artists are working jazz, classical, and pop musicians who have toured nationally, led ensembles, and supported students in achieving ambitious goals. Committed to helping Merit students succeed in music and in life, our Band faculty provides students with the immersive training, feedback, and mentorship they need to learn and grow. 

BROWSE BAND FACULTY

Meet Merit BAND Students and Alumni

Merit’s Purple Hippopatami Flute Quartet performs on NPR’s From the Top 

Merit alum Marquis Hill shares advice for young musicians

Merit alum Anthony McGill performs at President Obama’s Inauguration

Merit alum Nico Segal releases “brilliant debut album”