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Summer Music Camp
June 8 - 13, 2026
Welcome
Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp 2026
June 8 -13, 2026 at Cleveland Heights High School
Registration opens January 1, 2026
The Heights Summer Music Camp 20th season will offer instrumental music students another jam-packed week of music exploration, sustained effort, and success.
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Campers are transformed by immersion in music, expert instruction, high expectations, and a nurturing musical community. They have fun, make friends, and work hard. No matter what skills they start with, campers discover their own capacity to do more. Their skills and confidence grow.
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Campers develop their playing skills and understanding of music during a daily master class and interactive music theory sessions. Team work is key during twice daily orchestra rehearsals for all campers and staff, and in daily chamber group practice. Each camper selects an elective that builds their musical interests in jazz, choir or percussion. No prior experience is needed.
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The camp philosophy for this multi-generational community is everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner. A ratio of one instructor to every three students guarantees individual attention, connections, and improvement. Cleveland Heights-University Heights school district music educators, professional musicians, and college and high school student mentors provide guidance and support.
Daniel Hershman-Rossi, general music teacher at Noble Elementary School and long-time camp staff member is the Music Director. Dan Heim will be on sabbatical.
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Performing for an audience is the final camp experience and reward for a week of rehearsals and serious engagement. Campers become performers during the chamber group recital on Friday afternoon and Orchestra Concert for the community on Saturday morning. The Finale Concert is thrilling for campers and the community.
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Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp is possible because of committed families, motivated students, generous donors, caring educators, and an invaluable partnership with the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District.
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Camp Basics
Eligibility: Camp is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders who live in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school district, and have at least two years (including this school year) of instruction in their school instrumental music program. Fifth graders with sufficient skills are included by invitation. All participants must be in good standing with their school.
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Location: Cleveland Heights High School, 13263 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights.
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Dates: June 8 to 13, 2026.
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Hours: Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00AM to 1:00 PM.
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Finale Concert and Reception: All campers perform for family, friends and the community in the end-of-camp concert on Saturday, June 13 at 10:30 AM in the Heights High Auditorium. The dress rehearsal begins at 9:00AM. Participation in this inspiring display of musical development is rewarding and required. Camp ends with a reception.
Fee and Financial Aid: Tuition for the week is $200 and due by June 8. We ask families to contribute whatever they are able toward the fee so that cost is not a barrier. A minimum of $10 is appreciated. Requests for financial assistance are made on the registration form.
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Camp Registration: Campers are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand is high. Space is limited and cannot be guaranteed after May 1. Early registration is encouraged. Register on-line here or send a paper form to Reaching Heights Music Camp, 3 Severance Circle, P.O. Box 18069, Cleveland Heights 44118. A $25 deposit is appreciated with registration.
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Skills Assessment: New campers meet with the music director during the first week of May for an informal skill assessment. This informs orchestra and chamber group placement.
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Lunch and Recreation: The camp day includes breaks for lunch and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Campers can bring their own lunch or participate in school lunch program.
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Cancellation/Refund Policy: If your plans change, please notify us immediately so another student can be included. Any camp payments will be refunded if a written request is made by May 31. After that date refunds can only be made for medical or other emergencies. No refunds are made once camp begins.
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Questions? Contact Reaching Heights Executive Director Erica C. Penick at 216-932-5110 or Erica@Reachingheights.org, or Camp Administrator Susie Kaeser at susankaeser@sbcglobal.net.
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Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp is possible because of committed families, motivated students, generous donors, and a strong partnership with the Cleveland Heights - University Heights School District.
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Reaching Heights is a participating ACE provider.
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