Our rock band program, called “Band Chops”, is the most unique and dynamic teaching environment in our entire school.  There are more than 40 active bands at any given time, each meeting at least once a week with our expert coaches.  And keeping the repertoire, band dynamics, and rehearsal schedules all straight requires the most professional and dedicated teachers out there.  At the same time, they must be multi-instrumental, and playing at a very high level – after all, they aren’t just the coaches; many times, they’re what the students are modelling themselves after.

Merriam School of Music is proud to call Mike Siracusa, the director of our Band Chops program, a contributor, friend, and huge force within the school. Mike’s cadre of of equally talented studio musicians from around Toronto means that students within the band chops program are getting top-level exposure and coaching from the very best players and teachers in the industry.

Mike has been leading this department for well over a decade, and still finds time on the weekends and evenings to be a regular fixture on the top stages in and out of Toronto. Joining him is Calvin Beale, Lou Bartolomucci, and others.