Two Tracks for Cello Ensemble

Do you like to come to cello-related events like these just for a day of fun, or are you a driven, serious cello-playing machine? This year we will accommodate both types of attendees:

“Simplice”
If you would like to show up on the day of the event with no need to bring anything but a cello in your hand and a smile on your face, choose the “simplice” option. The parts that you will play will be sight-readable, so that they can be prepared to concert readiness in one day.

“Con fuoco”
If you are a serious cello player that loves to practice and enjoys a challenge, choose the “con fuoco” option and register by April 21. You will be sent repertoire to prepare during the month before the event. You will get to play the melody. You will play in treble clef. You will play alongside other hotshots. Oh yeah.

Simplice Registration (April 21 - May 19): $50

Early Bird Simplice and "Con fuoco" attendees (before April 20): $40

Bring-A-Friend Discount (before April 20th): $30

Returning attendees can receive a $10 discount off their fee by bringing one new attendee with them this year to Cello Fest. Both the returning attendee and the new attendee will receive the discount when they list each others name on the registration and register by April 20th. Use promo code 2FRIEND10 at check out.  Discount cannot be applied after you register and pay.  You will be charged $20 if listed friend does not attend.

Fees Include

The event fee includes lunch, instruction and insurance.  The day’s events will also include a session on the history of cello making, a reading session of newly published works for cello, and a session on the Popper etudes by Benjamin Whitcomb. In addition, there will be strings and instruments to try out over the lunch break.

Refunds

Early cancellations will receive a full refund minus 6% cancellation fee if the cancellation is requested 7 days prior to the camp. NO REFUNDS will be given for no shows or registrants sent home for disciplinary reasons.  All cancellation requests must be submitted to cesevents@uww.edu; provide registrant's name and event session. Refunds will be returned to name and address of payer.

What to Bring

• Cello
• Rockstop
• Family and friends to concert
• Proper attire for the concert: bright clothing
• A Clinic Health Information Form to check-in.

Any additional questions can be directed to Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb at 262-472-5573 or whitcomb@uww.edu.  More information on UW-Whitewater String Area: uww.edu/cac/music/.

Check In

Check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts Building. The recital hall is located just inside the south entrance to the Center of the Arts Building. 

Health Form

Please bring a completed Clinic Health Information Form to check-in on the first day of your session. 

Clinic Health FormClick to download.

Driving Directions

Directions to the campus can be found online by clicking here. A campus map can be found here.

Parking

Parking permits are not required on the weekends to park on campus.   You may park in Lot 1 for free.  More information on parking can be found on the Visitor Center website.

Registration Terms & Conditions

By registering for an event, you agree to our Registration Terms and Conditions. Please review the Registration Terms and Conditions for more details.

Be aware that we advise you to leave all non-essential, portable electronic devices at home (iPod, iTouch, cell phones, etc), but ultimately it is your decision. We will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items and we do not have open Wi-Fi for electronic devices.

Composition and Arrangement Competition

Do you compose or arrange for cello ensemble? Would you like to have your piece performed by an orchestra of cellists? Submit your original works for consideration by April 21th to Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb whitcomb@uww.edu. Winning compositions and arrangements will be announced via email by April 27th, and performed at the concert.

Schedule

 *All times are subject to change.

Guest Artist

Charlie Rasumssen

Charlie Rasmussen enjoys an active career as both a modern and Baroque cellist and as a teacher at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Mr. Rasmussen was previously on faculty at the Talent Education Suzuki School in Norwalk, CT where he taught private and group cello lessons, musicianship classes, and coached chamber ensembles. Mr. Rasmussen strives to help his students develop a lifelong passion for music and cello playing. Mr. Rasmussen holds a Masters of Music in Cello Performance from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG), where he was a graduate assistant and studied with Dr. Alexander Ezerman. He also received a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Theory from UNCG. Before his studies at UNCG, Mr. Rasmussen graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in music from Luther College where he studied with Dr. Eric Kutz. Mr. Rasmussen studied the Suzuki Method with Carol Tarr at the University of Denver, and he is trained to teach Books 1-10 through the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Mr. Rasmussen performed as cellist in the Spiritoso Quartet from 2015-2016 and the Immer String Quartet while he was a student at UNCG. As an orchestral musician, Mr. Rasmussen has served as a principal cellist of the Danville Symphony Orchestra (VA), University of North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, and the Luther College Philharmonia. He has also performed with the Fayetteville and Norwalk Symphonies. An advocate of new music, Mr. Rasmussen performed in the premiere of Alejandro Rutty’s Cantabile Hop at the 2012 North Carolina Music Teacher’s Association in Chapel Hill and premiered a string quartet by Elise Grant in 2015. He has recorded for Grammy Award-winning Broadway and film composer Paul Bogaev.

As a Baroque cellist, Mr. Rasmussen has appeared at the Boston Early Music Festival with the New York Continuo Collective and with American Bach Soloists where he participated in the Academy program. Mr. Rasmussen has soloed with Greensboro Early Music and presented solo recitals through the Seabury Academy of the Arts in Norwalk, CT. He attended Phoebe Carrai’s Baroque Cello Bootcamp and the Magnolia Institute where he studied with Brent Wissick. He currently performs in the Vitali Ensemble with Baroque Guitarist Meredith Connie.

Camp Staff

Insurance

Each camper will be covered by a limited accident insurance policy. The insurance includes primary coverage up to $7,500 and $300 maximum dental insurance. Insurance does not cover pre-existing injuries and is for accidents only. The cost of insurance is included in the registration fee.

Special Notice

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs, activities and employment policies, for all persons, regardless of race, color, gender, creed, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, Vietnam-era veteran status, parental status and pregnancy.

If you have any disabling condition that requires special accommodations or attention, please advise us well in advance. We will make every effort to accommodate your special needs.

Registering for this event you understand that the University may take photographs and or videos of event participants and activities. You will  be required to agree at the time of registration that the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater shall be the owner of and may use such photographs and or videos relating to the promotion of future events.  You will relinquish all rights that you may claim in relation to use of said photographs and/or videos.