Cello Haven High School Camp, LLC

 Monday, July 6th through Wednesday, July 8th, 2026


Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center, Clarkston, MI


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We are pleased to announce the 6th annual Cello Haven camp for high school students: an intensive three day camp designed to challenge and inspire high school cello students along their path to Cellodom!


Location:  The camp will be held at the beautiful Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center in Clarkston, MI.


Dates: The dates are Monday, July 6th through Wednesday, July 8th, 2026. Check in starts at 9 AM Monday and the final concert is 4:00 - 5:30 PM on Wednesday.


Instructors:  Cello Haven is taught by Dr. Jamie Fiste, Professor of Cello at Central Michigan University, assisted by camp counselor, Anna Mamassian, orchestra teacher at Midland High School.


Who can attend:  The camp is open to all high school students aged 13-18 years of age. Students going into high school and recent graduates are welcome.


What to expect: The camp will include technique and fingerboard geography sessions, cello choir, cello chamber groups, a masterclass, and a final concert. Cello geeks unite!!


Yes, that is a lot in just three days so come prepared for a deep dive.  We will have fun camp activities planned as well.


So come join us! We strive to have a supportive yet challenging environment.


Serious, encouraging, and fun.


That's what we strive to be.  Look forward to seeing you there!


For 2026 we can accept 30 students. If we reach our limit before the May 15 deadline, registration will close at that time.


Registration deadline:  The registration deadline is May 15, 2026.


Please Email Me If You Plan To Snail Mail Your Registration

fiste1ja@gmail.com

Registration Form

 

 

Here is a short video showing you the beautiful grounds of the retreat center.

 

 

 Activities
(subject to change)

Warm up sessions: Students will learn how to care for their bodies to avoid overuse injuries.

Cello technique sessions: Technique sessions will explore different bow strokes, how to release tension, bow arm and hand exercises, action studies, shifting, and vibrato. Time to get geeky about technique!

Fingerboard geography sessions: Students will learn how to map out and conceptualize the fingerboard. Come and explore the unchartered regions of the cello fingerboard! 

Cello choir: Nothing sounds quite like a group of cellists! 

Cello chamber groups: Students will have the opportunity to play in cello chamber groups. Cellists unite!

Master class: Students will have the opportunity to play for the Cello Haven Masterclass. 

Practice strategies: Students will learn practicing strategies they can apply throughout the year and beyond.

Practice time: Students need time to work on their own to apply what they learn from the practice strategies sessions. Plenty of space is available for individual practice.

Fun camp activities: Colombiere has a basketball court, swimming pool, recreation room, walking trails, and plenty of space for camp fun!

Concert: Cello recital by Jamie Fiste.

Final Concert: Students will perform in a final concert in the gorgeous acoustics of the main chapel. Please bring family and friends!

Cost

Costs include tuition, room and board. Rooms are dorm style accommodations. Communal showers have 100% private shower stalls. Gender neutral, private bathrooms are available that include a private shower stall. 

Lodging is Monday and Tuesday nights. 7 meals lunch to lunch: 
• Single with private bathroom: $391.00 per person, per stay (limited availability). 
• Single without private bathroom: $358.00 per person, per stay.
• Double room with private bathroom (only available with roommate request): $358.00 per person, per stay.
• Double room without private bathroom (only available with roommate request): $348.00 per person, per stay.


Meals Included in Cost

Monday: Lunch and dinner
Tuesday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Wednesday: Breakfast and lunch

The dining hall accommodates most dietary requests including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and allergy restrictions.

Commuters

Commuters: $180 plus purchase of individual meals (breakfast: $12, lunch: $16, dinner: $17)

Please Email Me If You Plan To Snail Mail Your Registration
 
Registration Form