This summer, three Merit musicians were selected to participate in the Weill Institute of Music’s National Youth Orchestra of the United States (NYO-USA) programs and experienced extraordinary performance opportunities, like the chance to play in Carnegie Hall, go on tour, and travel throughout Asia with their orchestra. Quincey Trojanowski, a senior bassoonist, performed with … Continued
On August 8, fifteen enthusiastic members of ComEd’s awesome Strategy and Technology team, directed by Merit Trustee Jennifer Montague, volunteered their time and muscle to organize the music room at Pilsen’s Whittier Elementary Dual Language School and put a fresh coat of paint on the cafeteria walls. Whittier is a long-standing member of … Continued
Meet Merit Alum Siblings Emily Alvelo & Samuel Alvelo Year(s) Attended Merit: EMILY: 1991 to 2001 SAMUEL: 1991 to 1996 Program(s): EMILY: Private Lessons Program and Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory Class of 2001 SAMUEL: Merit Music in Communities (formerly Bridges) and Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory Instrument(s): EMILY: Cello and Voice (I also … Continued
Meet Alumnus Dr. Neal Robert Abarbanell Year(s) Attended Merit: 1980 to 1982 Program(s): Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory Class of 1982 Instrument(s): French Horn Hometown: Chicago, IL Education: Residency in Emergency Medicine at University of Florida (Jacksonville); Medical Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, followed by an Internship at University of Chicago; Bachelors … Continued
MEET ALUMNa Jasmin Preciado Year(s) Attended Merit: 2004 – 2007 Program(s): Merit Music in Communities and Instrumental & Vocal Music Program Instrument: Flute Hometown: Chicago — Hermosa Neighborhood Education: Bachelors in Human Resources with a minor in Economics, DePaul University & Society for Human Resources – Certified Professional Favorite Merit Memory: My favorite Merit memory is … Continued
Earlier this month, five Merit chamber ensembles were named semi-finalists of the M-PRIZE international chamber arts competition at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, & Dance. Four of the ensembles–Precipice Saxophone Quartet, Purple Hippopotami Flute Quartet, The Bone Rangers, and Visceral Brass Quintet–are participating in the Junior Winds division and competing for … Continued
MEET ALUMNUS Jacob Mezera “My recent experience subbing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was a dream come true!” – Jacob Mezera Year(s) Attended Merit: 2007 – 2013 Program(s): Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory (Class of 2013). Jacob received Merit’s 2013 Mary Herron Replogle College Scholarship. Instrument: Trombone Hometown: Tinley Park, Illinois Education: Bachelors … Continued
Merit School of Music, a nationally accredited music school, will honor renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Chicago-based philanthropist Howard Gottlieb at its annual gala on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the Ritz-Carlton (160 E Pearson). The evening will include a reception at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner and performances at 7:00 pm. Merit School of … Continued
Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest independent charity evaluator and leading donor advocate, has named Merit School of Music one of the top ten music charities in the country! Listed alongside like-minded organizations Third Street Music School Settlement (New York), McPhail Center for Music (Minnesota), and Pasadena Conservatory of Music (California), Charity Navigator hailed Merit … Continued
MEET ALUMNA KAMILA MUHAMMAD Year(s) Attended Merit: 2007 – 2012 Program(s): Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory (Class of 2012). Kamila received Merit’s 2012 Mary Herron Replogle College Scholarship. Instrument(s): Clarinet – primary instrument; Saxophone – secondary instrument Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Education: Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University (received full scholarship) Memorable Merit Moment: One … Continued