Free Winter Concerts Presented by Merit School of Music’s Top Conservatory Students Sure to Impress and Delight, December 11 and 12
CHICAGO, IL – Make Merit School of Music, 38 S. Peoria in Chicago’s West Loop, your live music destination on Friday and Saturday, December 11 and 12, because top student musicians from all over the city will be ready to impress and delight, for free, at Merit’s always-popular Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-Free Conservatory Winter Concerts.
The music begins Friday, December 11 with a Merit Tuba Christmas at 6:45 p.m., when more than a dozen tuba players will serenade early arrivers with deep renditions of everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. The Conservatory Winter Band Concert follows from 7:30 to 10 p.m., showcasing the talents of Merit’s Trombone Choir, Junior Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony.
On Saturday, December 12, starting at 9:30 a.m., drop by anytime to enjoy carols, spirituals, pop standards and traditional and international songs performed by the full array of Merit’s top conservatory ensembles. The Concert Jazz Band, Honors Jazz Combo and Merit Jazz Ensemble start at 9:30 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by the Brass, Guitar, Clarinet and Trumpet Ensembles. Voice students are featured at 1 p.m., with performances by the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Opera/Musical Theater Ensemble and Conservatory Choir. At 3:30 p.m., Merit’s String and Chamber Orchestras will wrap up a wonderful day of live music, free for the community.
Merit’s Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory is home to some of the most talented, committed, passionate and disciplined youth musicians in the entire Chicago area. Conservatory students receive college preparatory level training from Chicago’s finest music instructors valued at $2,500 per year, tuition-free. Nearly 100% of the conservatory’s graduating seniors are accepted into college, and most continue their music studies at top colleges, universities and music conservatories.
Conservatory students meet on Saturdays during the school year at Merit School of Music’s state-of-the-artJoy Faith Knapp Music Center. For more information, including how to audition for the 2016-17 conservatory, visit meritmusic.org/alice-s-pfaelzer-conservatory, email studentservices@meritmusic.org or call (312) 786-9428.
About Merit School of Music
Merit School of Music is a nationally respected music school located in Chicago’s Near West Side. For 37 years, it’s been home to a diverse community of talented young musicians and a springboard for personal transformations. Known for providing access to high-quality music education, Merit serves over 4,000 students on site and off.
The school offers a continuum of programs, including early childhood classes, instrumental music instruction and private lessons. Training takes place at Merit’s Joy Faith Knapp Music Center and within local schools through the unique Bridges: Partners in Music program. More advanced student musicians can audition for the highest-level program, Merit’s Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory.
Merit is devoted to giving students-especially those living in economically disadvantaged communities-the opportunity to grow through music. It provides substantial financial support so that motivated students can participate in every program regardless of economic circumstance.
To learn more about Merit’s music education programs, visit meritmusic.org or call (312) 786-9428.
Photos by Jasmin Shah
