UPDATES AS OF MARCH 27, 2020

We hope that you and your loved ones are well and know that you, like all of us here at Merit, are figuring out how to navigate the challenges we face as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

Thank you for your continued ​dedication to Merit during this challenging and unique time. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to those of you ​who have shared messages of support or posted beautiful tributes to music on social media. We are so grateful to have all of you as part of the Merit community!
LET'S MAKE MUSIC AT HOME

To keep our community healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we're moving our spring Early Childhood classes online. Sign up today to continue music and playtime at home!

BONUS!  Sign up for your preferred Early Childhood class today and get unlimited access to ALL of Merit’s virtual classes until Merit is able to resume in-person programming.
SUMMER AT MERIT

For the time being, we are planning to move forward with summer camps and classes. We will certainly stay on top of the current situation and keep you appraised of any changes ASAP. 
EARLY CHILDHOOD
All Classes Going Virtual!
Spring session classes begin this week
  • Our Early Childhood classes will continue virtually at their normal class meeting times. Watch your email for communication from Sally Blandon (sblandon@meritmusic.org) for instructions on how to join your virtual class via Zoom.
  • BONUS! Sign up for your preferred Early Childhood class today and get unlimited access to ALL of Merit’s virtual classes until Merit is able to resume in-person programming.

Merit's Suggested Family List of @Home Instruments/Musical Resources  
  • Any musical toy instruments  
  • Towels 
  • Pots/Pans 
  • Wooden, plastic or metal utensils 
  • Balls 
  • Hula Hoops 
  • Drums (DIY resources available upon request) 
  • Shakers (DIY resources available upon request) 
  • Streamers (DIY resources available upon request) 
  • Bubbles (DIY resources available upon request) 

Spring/Summer Sessions EC Registration Open
  • Registration is still open for both Spring and Summer classes
  • Refer a friend and receive $20 off when they sign up for our spring session!
  • Reserve your spot early to secure your ideal class day/time/instructor
  • Receive 10% off when you register for both Summer and Spring Sessions
  • Click here to view class options and to register. 
GROUP CLASSES | INSTRUMENTAL & VOCAL MUSIC
NEW UPDATE: Classes Going Virtual!
Small group classes will be going virtual beginning next week (March 30)! Please check your email for information regarding which virtual platform your class will be using and log in instructions. Information will be sent to the email address on file in your ASAP account. If you have questions regarding virtual group classes, please reach out to:
 
NEW UPDATE: Adjusted IVM Calendar
As a result of building closures this month, the IVM program calendar for the remainder of the academic year has been adjusted. 
  • March 16-21: Early Spring Break - no classes
  • March 23-28: No classes due to COVID-19 (will be made up May 18-23)
  • March 30-May 16: Regular class days - virtual learning
  • May 18-May 23: Final week of IVM classes - virtual learning
CONSERVATORY
NEW UPDATE: In-Person Conservatory classes concluded, virtual experiences available
  • Per Mayor Lightfoot’s extension of CPS’s closure until April 20, we have made the difficult decision to officially conclude Conservatory classes for the 2019/20 school year.
  • While in-person classes have been concluded, Merit’s Conservatory faculty are still finding ways to connect with students virtually! Please see below for a schedule of virtual check-ins available to students.
           
Symphonic Band Morning Power Hour via Zoom - ALL CONSERVATORY STUDENTS WELCOME!

Wind Symphony Zoom Meeting

Piano Department Zoom Meet-Up
  • Saturday, March 28 from 10:55-11:55am
  • Check your email for the Zoom link from Ms. Elena

Perfect Cadence Zoom Meeting

Voices of Merit Zoom Meeting

String Orchestra Zoom Meeting

Merit Guitar Ensemble Zoom Meeting

Jazz Forum Zoom Meeting

Merit Philharmonic Zoom Meeting

Theory Classes and Final Exams:
For those students enrolled in Theory 1, 2, or 3, final exams will be sent out to be completed virtually on April 25 . In preparation for this test, final exam prep classes will be hosted virtually via Zoom every Saturday beginning on April 4.  You are welcome to join whichever class best fits your schedule. Check next week's newsletter for schedule and Zoom links!

Spring Concerts Cancelled
Due to restrictions from our state and local governments, Conservatory Spring Concerts are cancelled .

2020/2021 Audition Sign-ups Available Online

Leadership Institute: Personal Finance and Budgeting
Virtual by appointment
  • We encourage you to take advantage of this resource while stuck at home! Reach out to Meredith Richard at marichard@meritmusic.org if you would like to setup a virtual appointment.

Senior Graduation Survey & RSVP Deadline
Deadline extended to April 1
  • We still want to hear from you! Seniors have received an email with a survey and RSVP for Graduation. If you are not receiving graduation related emails, please contact Amy Bischoff at abischoff@meritmusic.org

Adelson Scholarship Applications Deadline
Deadline extended to April 1
  • We are still giving out this scholarship! Seniors have received an email with details about the Adelson scholarship opportunity. If you are not receiving graduation related emails, please contact Amy Bischoff at abischoff@meritmusic.org

Graduation
Postponed
  • We are so sorry, but Graduation must be postponed for the time being. Merit is absolutely looking to reschedule this event later this spring or summer. Once we know more about the long-term trajectory of COVID-19, seniors will receive more information. If you are not receiving graduation communications, please contact Amy Bischoff at abischoff@meritmusic.org
MERIT MUSIC IN COMMUNITIES
All Classes Suspended
 Due to the state mandate and CPS closure, all programming has been suspended until at least April 21 at this time.

Stringtacular
As Stringtacular attracts a crowd of close to 1,000 people, we unfortunately must cancel this year's performance due to mandates from the state . Naturally, if the situation changes, we will look to reschedule if at all possible.
SUMMER CAMPS & CLASSES
Summer Registration Open
  • For the time being, we are planning to move forward with summer camps and classes. We will certainly stay on top of the current situation and keep you appraised of any changes ASAP. 
  • Summer registration is open for all classes and camps. You can register by logging into your ASAP Account. Any questions or concerns about registration and/or financial aid can be directed to studentservices@meritmusic.org
PRIVATE LESSONS
Virtual Lessons
As you have heard, private lessons will move to the virtual space until further notice . It's important to keep up with your lessons even if they're not in-person! Please contact your teacher regarding your lesson schedule and how to get set up with virtual lessons.

If you have issues setting up virtual lessons, please reach out to one of the following Merit staffers:

Recitals Postponed
Private Lesson Recitals have been postponed until further notice.
STUDENT SERVICES & LIBRARY
Student Services
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Merit's physical Student Services office will be closed until further notice. Summer registration is still open and available online . If you have a question or need assistance with registration, we’re still here for you virtually! Please email us at studentservices@meritmusic.org with any questions or concerns.
 
We care deeply about the welfare of our Merit families, and we understand the current events may have impacted your family financially. Any suspension notice or accompanying deadlines that you may have received should be considered postponed for the time being.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to  esalgado@meritmusic.org with any questions or concerns you may have.
Library
Merit's physical library will be closed until further notice. We're still here for you virtually! Please email library@meritmusic.org with any questions or concerns.
 
Currently, the 2019-20 Academic Year instrument rental period is scheduled to expire on May 31. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, w e will reevaluate this deadline if necessary.

Planning on signing up for summer camps or classes? Email library@meritmusic.org to renew your instrument rental after you complete your summer enrollment.