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Summer Music Camp
June 9 - 14, 2025
Summer is a perfect time for students to focus on their interests. 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.
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We are glad to welcome campers for a jam-packed week of music exploration starting June 9, 2025. This fun-filled camp is designed for emerging musicians who want to develop their musical skills, perform wonderful music in an ensemble, explore music in many forms, and experience the rewards of sustained effort.
The Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp serves 6th-8th graders who are enrolled in instrumental music during this school year, live in the CH-UH school district, and are ready to immerse themselves in music. We also include 5th graders who are recommended by their music teacher.
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A ratio of one instructor for every three students creates connections and guarantees 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.
Campers develop their playing skills and understanding of music during a daily master class for each instrument group, and interactive music theory activities. All campers participate in a chamber group and orchestra rehearsals where they work with other musicians to prepare to perform for an audience. Each camper chooses one elective for the week that allows them to expand their music interests: jazz, choir, percussion, or ukulele. No prior experience needed.
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Each individual develops their skills, and contributes to the success of their three performing teams: the camp orchestra, their chamber group, and their elective ensemble. Participation in the end of camp chamber group recital and finale orchestra concert is essential to the camp experience. Performing for others is a valuable aspect of musicianship and demonstrates student development over a week at camp. Playing for an appreciative audience is the final reward for the effort campers invest during the week.
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 2024-2025 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 9 - 14, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (early drop off can be arranged), and Saturday, June 14, 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 14 at 10:30 am. It's an inspiring display of musical development! Participation is essential and rewarding. Camp ends after the concert and reception.
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Tuition: Camp tuition is $200. Payment can be made online at the Reaching Heights website as part of on-line registration. Checks payable to Reaching Heights (please write Music Camp on the memo line) can be sent to Reaching Heights, 3 Severance Circle - Box 18069 - Cleveland Heights, OH 44118. Full payment is due no later than June 9. Multi-camper families may request a $25 discount.
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Tuition Assistance: We want every interested musician to attend camp. Request tuition aid when you complete your camp registration. To apply for financial assistance. Please submit information here: https://forms.office.com/r/0jmZHVpkTj
Skills Assessment: Before seating the orchestra and assigning campers to chamber groups and theory classes, the director meets with all new campers to hear them play. 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 Registration form and a $25 deposit to Reaching Heights by May 5, 2025. Late applications will be considered but space is limited. Camp payment and forms can be completed and submitted online at the Reaching Heights website www.reachingheights.org. Middle school instrumental music teachers also have registration forms that should be submitted to Reaching Heights Summer Music Camp,
3 Severance Circle - Box 18069 - Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.
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​Cancellation/Refund Policy: If your plans change prior to May 31, 2025 please let us know in writing or by email and we will withdraw your camper and return any payments you have made.
After that date refunds are allowed for medical or other emergencies. A written request that includes an explanation is required. After the first class of instruction, no refunds will be provided.
Questions? Contact Erica C. Penick at 216-932-5110 or Erica@ReachingHeights.org.
Camp administrator, Susie Kaeser, can be reached 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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