08/26/2026
FACULTY FEATURE: CAMILO PÉREZ-MEJÍA
What makes the cello so special? Maybe it's the rich, warm sound. Maybe it's the way it can sing a melody one moment and provide the foundation for an entire ensemble the next. Or maybe you just want to find out for yourself! 🎶
Meet Camilo Pérez-Mejía, our cello instructor AND Maestro for Shepherd Community Orchestra at Community Music at Shepherd!
Camilo brings a lifetime of performance, teaching, and ensemble experience to his students. But his lessons are about much more than simply learning how to play the notes. He wants students to become confident, expressive musicians who enjoy making music.
🎵 In lessons with Camilo, students can explore:
🎻 Building strong technique and fundamentals
🎶 Developing tone, intonation, and musical expression
🎼 Classical repertoire and performance skills
🤝 Learning how to play confidently with an ensemble
✨ Preparing for auditions, recitals, and performances
🌟 Building musicianship that lasts beyond the lesson
Camilo has performed throughout Colombia, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, and the Mid-Atlantic region, and currently performs as principal cellist with the National String Symphonia and assistant principal with the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra and Loudoun Symphony Orchestra.
He's also passionate about helping musicians grow as part of a community. Camilo serves as music director and conductor of both the Charles Washington Symphony Orchestra and Shepherd University's Community Orchestra.
Whether you're holding a cello for the first time or looking to take your playing to the next level, Camilo is ready to help you find your sound.
🎻 Ready to start your cello journey?
Study cello with Camilo Pérez-Mejía through Community Music at Shepherd!
📚 Fall registration is open.
🎶 All ages and experience levels welcome.