Camila Mennitte 

Camila Mennitte Pereyra is a dynamic and versatile drummer based in Chicago, IL, originally from Córdoba, Argentina. Equally at home in jazz clubs, theaters, classrooms, and on tour, she has built a multifaceted career as a performer, composer, improviser, educator, and collaborator. Her experience spans national touring, pit orchestras, jazz festivals, recording sessions, and arts education. She recently completed the North American tour of SIX: The Musical in June 2025 and will continue with the production through 2026. 

Camila began drumming at age 14 at La Escuelita, a private school in Córdoba directed by German Siman. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Percussion from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and her Master’s in Jazz Studies (Drum Set) from Indiana University, both on full ride scholarships. A highly active jazz artist, she has performed at major festivals including the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Fox Jazz Fest, Jazzin’ at the Shedd, Elkhart Jazz Festival, and WDCB Jazz Showcase, leading her own groups and appearing with artists such as Geoffrey Keezer, Walter Smith III, Sharel Cassity, Alexa Tarantino, Greg Ward, Richard D. Johnson and more. 

Some of her recognitions include the Jazz Links Fellowship (Jazz Institute of Chicago), the Mary Jo Papich Women in Jazz Scholarship (Jazz Education Network), and participation as a mentee in the MAESTRA Mentorship Program 2023-2024, where she worked closely with mentors Andra Velis Simon and Rosa Avila. 

In addition to performing, Camila is a dedicated educator. She has taught at the Jacobs School of Music (as a graduate TA), Chicago Public Schools’ Advanced Arts Program, Shell Lake Arts Center, and currently runs a private drum studio. She is also an experienced clinician and adjudicator, regularly offering masterclasses and festival coaching to emerging musicians.