MEF BAND CAMP: JUNE 9-13, 2025
This project is partially funded by a City of Tempe - Community Arts Grant
Monday-Thursday, June 9-12, camp will be held in Marcos de Niza High School, 6000 S. Lakeshore Dr., Tempe from 8:30am-3:30pm. Friday, June 13, camp hours at Marcos de Niza High School will be 9:30am-6:00pm. (Campers may arrive at 8:15am if necessary for transportation). The free camp culminating concert will be held in the newly remodeled, spacious Marcos de Niza HS Auditorium on Friday, June 13 from 4:00-6:00pm.
High school campers selected by recorded ensemble placement auditions for High School Honor Chamber Ensembles will have an extended camp day until 4:30pm, Monday-Thursday. Middle school campers selected by recorded ensemble placement auditions will arrive at 8:00am for Middle School Chamber Ensemble rehearsals Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00-8:30am.
Camp is open to students entering 7th grade in Fall 2025 through graduating seniors spring 2025. Registrations are accepted until the start of camp, space permitting.
Camp Tuition is paid on this website. Please click on "Payment” on the right side of the menu bar. If you prefer to pay by check, please mail payment to: MEF, 435 W. Rio Salado Pkwy #337, Tempe, AZ, 85281. Thank you!
Camp Tuition - $400
Limited financial aid is available. Please indicate your need on your band camp application.
Financial need can be indicated on the online camp application. A camp representative will contact the parent/guardian after the application, with financial need indicated, has been submitted.
High School Leadership Team (HSLT) Tuition is $150 total. The full payment confirms placement on the HSLT. The team is open to exceptional students entering 11th grade, 12th grade or graduated 2025 seniors. There is a separate online application for the HSLT on the menu bar under Band Camp.
The camp will have three large ensembles. Online ensemble placement audition music/instructions will be emailed to registered campers after registration form/payment is received.
Wind Ensemble: A one/two on a part ensemble designed for exceptional high school musicians and graduated seniors 2025.
Symphonic Band: A full band designed for high school level musicians. Exceptional middle school musicians may be accepted into Symphonic Band.
Concert Band: A band ensemble designed for middle school musicians.
Some campers will be selected by their ensemble placement audition to participate in the High School Honor Chamber Ensembles (rehearses 3:30-4:30pm Monday-Thursday) or the Middle School Chamber Ensembles (rehearses 8:00-8:30am Tuesday-Thursday and Friday from 8:50-9:20am).
CAMP STAFF:
Camp Artistic Director: Carol Mellis, MEF Executive Director; Scottsdale Community College
Administrative Assistant: Joe Beringer, MEF Vice-President
Office Assistant: Jessica Bondy, MEF
Site Coordinator: David Willers, Marcos de Niza High School
Wind Ensemble Director: Dr. Jamal Duncan, ASU
Symphonic Band Director: David DuPlessis, Corona del Sol High School
Middle School Honor Band Director: Arlie DuPlessis, Kyrene Pueblo Middle School
Concert Band Director: Philip Lemar, Connolly Middle School
Flute Instructor: Tracy Werner, Kyrene Aprende Middle School
Oboe Instructor: Dr. Maja Dinger, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Yavapai Community Colleges
Bassoon Instructor: : Dr. Joseph Kluesener, Chandler-Gilbert and Scottsdale Community Colleges
Clarinet Instructor: Dr. Joshua Gardner, ASU
Bass Clarinet/Clarinet Instructor: Dr. Stefanie Gardner, Glendale Community College
Alto Saxophone Instructor: Dr. Bonson Lee, Glendale Community College; Ottawa University, Campo Verde High School.
Low Saxophone Instructor: Jade Deatherage, ASU Teaching Assistant
Trumpet Instructor: Emery Harvison, Auburn University
Horn Instructor: Alex Austin, Chandler-Gilbert and Scottsdale Community Colleges
Trombone Instructor: Dr. Jason Malloy, Gilbert Public Schools
Euphonium Instructor: Brian Wilson, Summit Academy
Tuba Instructor: Dr. Deanna Swoboda, ASU
Percussion Instructor: Ian Grzyb, Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School
Percussion Instructor: Steve Fitch, Phoenix Symphony
Music Composition: Dr. Jody Rockmaker, ASU
Music Theory for High School - Scales and Chords, Spencer Arias, ASU
Instrumental Conducting: Dr. Jamal Duncan. ASU
Cobra Ensemble and Jazz Combo: Eric Rasmussen, Scottsdale Community College
Theater Games: Natalie Trelstad, Roadrunner Elementary School
Visual Art - Mixed Media “Inner Self Portrait”: Dr. Jeanine Zinner, Tempe High School
Music Theory 101, Games and Exploration: Selena Ryan, Kyrene Middle School
Music Theory 102, Scales and Chords, Spencer Arias, ASU
Hear from Previous Campers:
“I loved all the staff and I love my band teacher who is really nice. I would come here any day.”
“My favorite musical activity was sectionals because it was fun to work with a professional of my instrument.”
“I would come back and recommend this to many friends that are in band. It is a fun experience.”
“I learned how to stop being self conscious about my performances and to properly direct my focus to producing a quality sound.”
“This was a great way to meet new people that also enjoy music.”
“I grew as a musician because now I can play rhythms I wasn’t able to play before and I can take longer amounts of measures before breathing.”
“I learned new cool things in sectionals and the music challenged me to be a better player.”
“I liked masterclass because we could learn about other instruments and about musical pieces.”