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Summer Music Camp
June 10 - 15, 2024
Summer is a perfect time for busy students to focus on their interests. That’s why in 2005, Reaching Heights launched Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp to give students in the CH-UH school district’s instrumental music program a chance to explore music in an intensive yet leisurely environment.
After a 2 year hiatus during the pandemic, camp returned in 2022. We are glad to welcome campers for the summer of 2023. This fun-filled week is designed for emerging musicians who want to play wonderful music, explore music in many forms, improve, and experience the rewards of sustained effort. The Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp serves instrumental music students who live in the CH-UH school district and are ready to immerse themselves in music.
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Music camp is open to all 6th-8th graders who are currently enrolled in instrumental music. We will also include 5th graders upon recommendation by their music teacher.
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A ratio of one instructor for every three students creates excitement and growth. Our staff includes Cleveland Heights-University Heights music educators, professional musicians, and college and high school student mentors. Daniel Heim, Director of Orchestras at Heights High is the camp music director and conductor.
It's a jam-packed week of music exploration with orchestra and chamber group rehearsals, interactive music theory activities, and master classes and sectionals with instrument specialists. Each camper can also choose one elective for the week: jazz, choir, percussion, or ukulele. No prior experience needed.
Jeffrey Altonen Scholarship for Summer Music Camp
The Roxboro and Monticello Middle School PTAs and parent music booster groups established the Jeffrey Altonen Scholarship for Summer Music Camp in memory of Monticello Middle School instrumental music teacher, Jeffrey Altonen, who passed away in 2019. This scholarship is a wonderful tribute to Mr. Altonen who was always thinking of ways to support student musicians. Donations to this fund help supplement tuition costs so every young musician can attend camp.
Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp
Eligibility: Instrumental music students enrolled in 6th - 8th grades during the 2023-2024 school year who live in the CH -UH school district. Fifth graders with adequate skills are also eligible.
Location: Heights High School, 13263 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights.
Hours: Monday - Friday, June 10 - 15, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (early drop off can be arranged), and Saturday, June 17, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Finale Concert: All campers perform for family, friends, and the community in the end-of-camp concert to be held on Saturday, June 15 at 10:30 am. It's an inspiring display of musical development! Camp ends after the concert and reception.
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Tuition: Camp fee is $200. Write checks payable to Reaching Heights. Please write Music Camp on the memo line. Full payment is due no later than June 5. Multi-camper families may request a $25 discount.
Scholarships: Tuition aid is available so that all interested musicians can attend. To request financial support, submit with your application a brief statement of need and how much you can pay. Scholarships will be awarded as applications are received.
Skills Assessment: Before seating the orchestra and assigning campers to chamber groups and theory classes, the director meets with all new campers. This takes place during the last week of school.
Lunch and Recreation: The camp day includes breaks for lunch and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Campers can bring their own lunches or use the district's free lunch program.
To Reserve a Space: Submit the Camp Application and a $25 deposit to Reaching Heights by May 5, 2023. Late applications will be considered but space is limited. Camp applications are available online or from middle school instrumental music teachers. Return completed paper camp applications and payments by check to to Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp, 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.
Questions? Contact Krista Hawthorne at 216-932-5110 or krista@reachingheights.org. Camp administrator, Susie Kaeser, can be reached at susankaeser@sbcglobal.net