MEF BAND CAMP: JUNE 9-13, 2026
This project is partially funded by a City of Tempe - Community Arts Grant.
Musician Enrichment Foundation's MEF Band Camp 2025 is an exciting opportunity for students entering grades 7-12 (and graduating seniors) to attend a fun and productive week of rehearsals, sectionals, masterclasses and electives designed to enhance all aspects of the campers' musicianship.
Band Camp culminates in a free camper concert at the Tempe Center for the Arts Theater where all students will have the opportunity to perform for family and friends.
Exceptional camp instructional staff includes professors from ASU and Maricopa Community Colleges, members of the Phoenix Symphony, and outstanding directors from high schools, middle schools and private studios.
ENROLLMENT OPENS SOON!
2026 CAMP DATES
Tuesday-Friday, June 9-12, 2026: Location TBD from 8:30am-3:30pm.
Saturday, June 13, 2026: Tempe Center for the Arts from 9:30am-6:00pm
with free camp culminating Concert from 4:00-6:00pm.
ENSEMBLES
The camp will have four large ensembles. Online ensemble placement audition music/instructions will be emailed to registered campers in spring 2026.
Wind Ensemble: A one/two on a part ensemble designed for exceptional high school musicians and graduated seniors 2026.
Symphonic Band: A band designed for incoming 9th-12th grade musicians. Exceptional middle school musicians may be accepted into Symphonic Band.
Middle School Honor Band: A band designed for advanced incoming 8th and 9th graders. Exceptional incoming 7th graders may be accepted into Middle School Honor 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 or the Middle School Chamber Ensembles.
TUITION
Camp registration will open in late fall 2025.
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.
Limited financial aid is available. Please indicate your need on your band camp application and a camp representative will contact the parent/guardian after the application is received.
HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM
High School Leadership Team (HSLT) is open to exceptional students entering 11th grade, 12th grade or graduated 2026 seniors. HSLT members participate in all camper activities, receive leadership training, lead small ensembles and provide leadership for the younger campers. Tuition is $150 total. There is a separate online application for the HSLT.
CAMP STAFF:
Camp Artistic Director: Carol Mellis, MEF Executive Director; Scottsdale Community College
Camp Assistant Director: Philip Lemar, Connelly Middle School
Office Assistant: Jessica Bondy, MEF
Site Coordinator: TBD
Wind Ensemble Director: Dr. Jason Caslor, 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: TBD
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 - Spencer Arias, ASU
Instrumental Conducting: Dr. Jason Caslor, ASU
Cobra Ensemble and Jazz Combo: Eric Rasmussen, Scottsdale Community College
Theater Games: Natalie Trelstad, Roadrunner Elementary School
Visual Art - Dr. Jeanine Zinner, Tempe High School
Music Theory: Selena Ryan, Kyrene Middle School
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.”
“I really enjoyed the small ensemble I was a part of. The coach was amazing, the music was fun and it really made me feel like part of a community.”
“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.”
“MEF Camp is where I have improved the most at 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.”
“Thank you so much for holding this camp every year, it is the highlight of my summer break!”
“As a former band member and music teacher, I as extremely impressed by the quality of music-making. I watched my son transform in one week’s time. His eyes were opened to the whole experience of making music in an ensemble. I saw his confidence grow tremendously over one week’s time.”