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Cello Haven High School Camp, LLC

 Monday, July 7th through Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center, Clarkston, MI

Jamie Fiste, Professor of Cello at Central Michigan University
Anna Mamassian, Orchestra Director, Midland High School

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We are pleased to announce the fifth 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 7th through Wednesday, July 9th, 2025. 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 2025 we are anticipating 30 students. Registration is first come first serve. If it is after April, 2025, please email me first at fiste1ja@gmail.com to be sure there is still room.


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. 

Single room with private bathroom (limited availability): $380
Single room without private bathroom: $348
Double room with private bathroom: $348 (only available with specific roommate request)
Double room without private bathroom: $338 (only available with specific roommate request)

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: $225 plus purchase of individual meals (breakfast: $12, lunch: $15, dinner: $16)

Please Email Me If You Plan To Snail Mail Your Registration!
Contact Jamie Fiste with any  questions.

 
Registration Form
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