Cello: An American Experience Summer Academy

Cello: An American Experience is a premier international summer academy open to aspiring young cellists ages 15-22.ﾠDuring the two weeks of July 22-August 5, 2012 we offer opportunities for you to study with fine teachers and cellists, gain performance experience, and attend group lessons and master classes. Our teachers are from some of the most respected Universities and Colleges in the United States.

 Last year we were able to provide quality education for our students and received positive feedback from both students and parents. This year we have expanded our program to include a concert series featuring our faculty and students. Our faculty members will spend 14 days on the St. Olaf College campus presenting recitals and helping students develop as performers. Our hope is that our festival will provide the community of Southeastern Minnesota with an accessible educational opportunity. We will open select master classes and discussions to the public and encourage people of all ages to attend.

Check out the Cello: An American Experience facebook page for videos, faculty updates, a photo tour of the camp, and more.

St Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota

St. Olaf College, will be the host-site for our Cello Academy this summer. Located in historic Northfield, Minnesota, this beautiful campus is only 30 miles south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Most of our activities for each day will take place at the Christiansen Hall of Music which includes a large concert hall and choir room where master classes will be held. There are 24 practice rooms in the building, along with studios for individual practice sessions and lessons. We have access to state of the art facilities for practicing and performing along with air-conditioned dorms and an excellent food service.

2012 Faculty 

Cellist  Mark Summer grew up in Los Angeles, California playing piano, guitar, and, starting at the age of nine, cello. Besides the thriving Turtle Island Quartet, which has now has fifteen albums to its credit, Summer has played with many other crossover artists. He has also composed many pieces for solo cello, including 'Kalimba, and Julie-O, (both the solo and duo versions), the last of which has become very widespread and popular among many cellists.  

Cellist Joshua Koestenbaum combines his career as Associate Principal cellist of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra with solo and chamber music performances as well as being a popular and dynamic teacher in the Twin Cities. 

Artaria String Quartet cellist Laura Sewell is an experienced teacher and cellist.This summer she will present a Masterclass about Jacqueline duPre and the time she spent in London studying with her. She performs regularly with the Minnesota Orchestra and St Paul Chamber Orchestra, and studied with Leonard Rose and Alan Harris. 

Cellist Hong Wang is a graduate of Shanghai Conservatory, University of Kansas, and the University of Minnesota where he received his Doctorate in Music. Recognized as an outstanding performer, recitalist, and teacher, he was assistant to Jeffrey Solow during a performing and teaching tour in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China during the summer of 2007.  

Cellist Tanya Remenikova has inspired critical acclaim during her international performing career. Currently professor of cello and chamber music at the University of Minnesota School of Music, Remenikova has a large and thriving studio of young cellists from all over the world.

 Bruce Uchimura studied and performed with Leonard Rose and Alan Harris. He is a member of the Merling Trio and  faculty at Western Michigan University, where he teaches cello and conducts the Symphony Orchestra.