September 21, 2017

MERIT HONORED BY CEDILLE RECORDS

Jim Ginsburg, Cedille Records founder and president,with Charlie Grode, Merit President & Executive Director

Noted classical music label Cedille Recordshonored Merit with its 2017 Musical PartnershipAward at its Cedille Soiree 2017 benefit on Sunday,September 10 at Venue Six10 at the SpertusInstitute in downtown Chicago. Honoring the top Chicago community musicschool was a highlight of the evening, whichattracted distinguished Merit alums DeMarre andAnthony McGill, principal flute of the SeattleSymphony Orchestra and principal clarinet of theNew York Philharmonic respectively, who were onhand as Merit President and Executive DirectorCharles Grode accepted the award on behalf ofthe organization.

"Cedille Records is thrilled to honor Merit School ofMusic with this year's Musical Partnership Award,which honors organizations that havedemonstrated an extraordinary commitment tostrengthening Chicago's vibrant and diverse

In This Issue

Early Childhood

Instrumental & Vocal Music

Private Lessons

Merit Music in Communities

Conservatory

Still Time to Register

There is still time to register for classesat Merit! Visit meritmusic.org toregister online.

Registration DeadlineSeptember 17

For questions please contact StudentServices by phone at 312.786.9428or email.

Community Performances

classical music community through their support oflocal musicians," said Cedille Records founder andpresident James Ginsburg. "Merit's dedication toenriching lives through music education has aprofound impact not only on the lives of itsstudents, but on Chicago's cultural community as awhole."

To read more about the event click here. To check out CedilleRecords latest albumrelease, "Portraits -Works for Flute,Clarinet and Piano"with Merit alumsDemarre andAnthony McGill andpianist MichaelMcHale click here.

MERIT IN THE NEWSNBC5's "Making a Difference"Merit was thrilled to have our very own facultymember, Scott Tegge, featured in a segmentfor NBC5's "Making A Difference" on September 6,2017. The "Making A Difference" series aims tohighlight Chicagoans who are rising to thechallenge to help others. NBC5 profiled Scott'swork and dedication with tuba student IsaiasNava. Watch NBC5's story below.

Merit on WGN RadioPresident and ExecutiveDirector, Charlie Grode,and the Dean ofPrograms, Kurt Gildow,talk with Rick Kogan about their work at the MeritSchool of Music. Charlie and Kurt explain theimportance of having children experience live

As summer concluded Merit studentsperformed at a couple of eventsthroughout the city. We thank thestudents and their teachers fortaking the time to represent Meritand showcase their talents!

Members of Alegre Stringsperformed Elizabeth Morse GeniusCharitable Trust on September 14 atthe Chicago History Museum.

The Bane Rangers helped open theWest Loop Art Fest with aperformance on the DJ Stage onSeptember 16.

The Summer Conservatory ChoirCamp concluded their week with aperformance at Whole Foods WestLoop. You can click here watchvideo from their performance.

Alumni Spotlight

Since Merit's founding in 1979, morethan 50,000 children have benefitedfrom its high-quality music education

music, musical expression, and more. We alsolearn about their latest activity to reach out tostudents - on the 2nd Monday of each month, theMerit School of Music provides a FREE EarlyChildhood Storytime series.Click here to listen to the interview.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Saturday, September 23Fall classes registration deadline

Saturday, September 30Fall session Early Childhood classes begin

- Please check your e-mail for your student'sschedule confirmation and orientationinformation

Notes from your teacher:Ms. Amy welcomes her new and returning families toher fall classes! You will be singing seasonal songs anddancing through autumn. Be ready to move to thebeats, play simple percussion instruments, and have funexploring basic elements of music! Ms. Brigid is so looking forward to meeting her studentsand family members during the fall session. You'regoing to have a fun and wonderful year together, fullof musical learning!

INSTRUMENTAL & VOCAL MUSIC

Saturday, September 23Fall classes registration deadline

Thursday, September 286:00 PM = Parent Meeting (Gottlieb Hall)

- One representative from each family enrolled inthe Instrumental & Vocal Music Program shouldplan to attend this meeting

Monday, October 2 - Friday, October 6Fall semester classes begin

- Parents & students: Please plan to arrive at least15 minutes early to complete the check-in process

PRIVATE LESSONS

Saturday, September 23Fall classes registration deadline

Week of Monday, September 25Academic Year Private Lessons begin

MERIT MUSIC IN COMMUNITIES

programs. We are proud of thepositive impact Merit alumni aremaking around the world. We areexcited to introduce you to our newmonthly "Spotlight on Merit Alumni"where we'll introduce you to avariety of individuals -- sharing whatMerit has meant to them and howtheir experiences have put them ona pathway to success. Click here toread more about Merit AlumnusDante' Pope.

Discounted CSO Tickets

Student tickets to see the CSO arenow $15 with a valid student ID! Totake advantage, visitcso.org/students.

Offer expires September 30.

Student Services Hours

Thursday, September 21Choir classes begin at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School

Monday, September 25Band classes begin at Carson Elementary

Monday, October 2Band classes begin at Palmer Elementary

String classes begin at Gunsaulus Elementary

Tuesday, October 3String classes begin at Nobel Elementary

General Music classes begin at Perez Elementary

Wednesday, October 4World Percussion classes begin at Moving EverestCharter School/By the Hand Club

Thursday, October 5Early Childhood classes begin at Burley Elementary

ALICE S. PFALEZER TUITION-FREECONSERVATORY

Saturday, September 30Conservatory classes begin

9:00 am, Noon, or 2:45 pm = Parent OrientationMeetings (Gottlieb Hall)

- Parents should plan to attend one of themeetings. You may choose which time works bestfor your schedule.

11:50 am = Live from Gottlieb (Gottlieb Hall)Guests: The Gaudete Brass Quintet(http://www.gaudetebrass.com/)

Tuesday, October 36:30 - 8:30 pm = Wind Symphony Rehearsal (GottliebHall)

Please note the Student ServiceOffice will be closed fromSeptember 25 - 29.

Office Hours (Beginning Sept. 30)Monday - Thursday = 2:30 - 6:30 pmFriday = ClosedSaturday = 10:00 am - 3:00 pmSunday = Closed

Additional appointments availableby request.

Library Notes

Beginning Saturday, September 30,the Library will resume normal hours.

Library Open HoursMonday = Closed

*note the Library will be openopen the 1st Monday ofInstrumental & Vocal Musicclasses from 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Tuesday - Thursday = 4:00 - 7:00 pmFriday = By appointment onlySaturday = 9:00 am - Noon and

12:30 pm - 3:00 pmSunday = Closed

Instrument RentalsAll Library payments must be paid infull at the time of instrument rental,renewal, or pickup. No paymentplans will be applied to accounts.

For other instrument or rentalquestions, please contact AnnaekaJohnson via email.

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Merit School of Music | Joy Faith Knapp Music Center38 S. Peoria St., Chicago, IL 60607 | 312.786.9428 | www.meritmusic.org