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 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. Please scroll down to view the list of camp instructors.

2026 CAMP DATES

Tuesday-Friday, June 9-12, 2026: Marcos De Niza High School from 8:30am-3:30pm.

Saturday, June 13, 2026: Tempe Center for the Arts from 12:00pm-6:00pm for high school campers and 2:00pm-6:00pm for middle school campers. Free culminating Camper Concert from 4:00-6:00pm in the Tempe Center for the Arts Theater.

ENSEMBLES

The camp will have four large ensembles. Ensemble placement audition music/instructions will be emailed to registered campers in April 2026. Placement recordings are due by May 11, 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.

• 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 incoming 7-9th graders.

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 Tuition is due at time of registration. Tuition is $390 if paid between 3/16/26 - 5/1/26. Tuition is $400 if paid between 5/2/26 - 6/9/26. There are NO REFUNDS available for MEF Band Camp deposits or tuitions paid.

Limited financial aid is available. Contact Carol Mellis, Camp Director, at cmellis@musicianenrichmentfoundation.org to request financial assistance. After financial aid is approved, please register and make the financial aid payment at time of registration.

Minimum Experience Required

10th-12th graders/graduating seniors: 2 years of band instruction or equivalent 

7th-9th grade: 9 months of band instruction or equivalent

HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM

High School Leadership Team (HSLT) is open by application to 15 exceptional students entering 11th grade, 12th grade or graduated 2026 seniors. HSLT members participate in all camper activities, receive leadership training, coach middle school chamber ensembles, provide leadership for the younger campers and assist the camp staff as needed. Tuition is $150 total. Apply to the HSLT here.