Camps and Conferences

Cello Fest Clinic

The Cellist as a One-Person Band!

With Mike Block

The cello is such a versatile instrument! In addition to the fun of playing the Bach Suites, it is wonderful to be able to jam in the many non-classical styles of music. Even better is to have the flexibility to walk and play, like violinists and violists can!

Mike Block is one of the world’s premiere innovators and performers in this field. In addition to his stellar career, he has developed performing aids like the “Block Strap,” which allows cellists to easily play standing up.

You won’t want to miss this day of fun, learning, and inspiration that will expand your boundaries as a cellist! This event is available to advance middle school players through adults.

Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Limited to the first 100 registrants. Register by March 1, 2025.


Guest Artist | Mike Block

To register for this event and secure your spot, click the link below and complete the online registration form before Saturday, March 1, 2025. Our events tend to sell out quickly, so it's recommended to register as soon as possible. If the event is already sold out, you can choose to register for the waitlist at no charge. If a spot becomes available and you are next on the waitlist, you will receive an email notification. You will have three days (or less, as indicated in the email) to respond and accept the open spot.

We do NOT accept walk-up registrations at event check-in.

Click Here To Register

Registrants will be asked the following questions in the registration. Please have the information prior to registering:

Participant details: Legal first & last name, preferred first name, country, address, city, state, postal code, county, email, phone, pronouns, birth date, age at the time of the event, current grade, school attending, group/team you belong to, years of experience, how did you hear about this event, accommodations/comments

Health details: Health insurance carrier, will the registrant be taking any medication while attending, does the registrant have any conditions, other health issues/additional information, medication allergies (list), non-medication, dietary or other allergies (list), describe any limitations or restrictions, dietary preferences

Acknowledgments: I agree to the terms and conditions, I understand the refund/cancelation policy, I agree the deposit is non-refundable, minor  arriving to campus via, I have reviewed the event Code of Conduct with my camper, I agree to the code of conduct, I agree to the field trip policy

Custodial guardian details (max 2, min 1):  First & last name, phone number, email, can drop off, can pick up, is emergency contact, and relationship to the participant

Emergency/Authorized pick-up contacts (max 5, min 1):  First & last name, phone number, email, can drop off, can pick up, is emergency contact, and relationship to the participant

Event specific: Level of cello playing, orchestra type: Simplice or Con Fuoco


Credit Card

Your online registration and payment are always safe and secure. We accept MasterCard and Visa credit card payments in our online registration system. We will NOT accept credit card payments over the phone. We will accept checks made out to "UW-Whitewater" and mailed to UW-Whitewater Camps and Conferences, 800 West Main Street, Room 2005 Roseman Hall, Whitewater WI 53190.


Confirmation Emails
Once you register to attend an event (including waitlisted), a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you registered with. Contact cesevents@uww.edu if you do not receive this confirmation email. You must have a working email address on file with us to be able to receive important announcements and updates about this event.

Refunds: In the event of a cancellation, Continuing Education Services should be notified no later than 21 days before the start of the event to receive a refund, less the 20% administration fee. Cancellation requests received less than 21 days from the start of camp will receive a refund minus a 50% late cancellation fee. Cancellations due to medical reasons will receive a full refund, less the 20% administration fee if the cancellation is requested and medical documentation is provided prior to the start of the event. Valid medical cancellations must include a signed letter from a licensed physician to qualify. NO REFUNDS will be given for withdrawal due to early departures, disciplinary reasons, or no-shows after the camp has started. 

All cancellation requests must be submitted to cesevents@uww.edu; provide the registrant’s name, camp title, and medical documentation, if applicable. Refunds will be returned to the name and address of the payer. 

We reserve the right to cancel any event for any reason; in such case, all fees paid will be refunded, or contact cesevents@uww.edu for alternate arrangements.

Cancellations and payments: All registrant accounts must be paid in full 21 days prior to the start of the event. Registrants with outstanding balances after payment is due in full are subject to being removed from the event roster without a refund. Please contact Continuing Education Services at cesevents@uww.edu prior to this deadline if extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing a payment.

Cost Information

Fee

  • Early Bird (Before 2/1/25): $40*
  • Standard: $50*

The fee include instruction, an event t-shirt, and insurance. Additionally, if a participant registers for the camp by Saturday, February 15, 2025, they are guaranteed a t-shirt in their preferred size.

A surcharge of 2.85% will be added to the final purchase price for all credit/debit card transactions, applied at checkout, to cover processing costs. Payment by check will be exempt from the additional surcharge. Checks can made out to "UW-Whitewater" and mailed to UW-Whitewater Camps and Conferences, 800 West Main Street, Room 2005 Roseman Hall, Whitewater WI 53190.

All registrant accounts must be paid in by 21 days prior to the event. Registrants with outstanding balances after payment is due in full are subject to being removed from the event roster without refund. Please contact Continuing Education Services at cesevents@uww.edu prior to this deadline if extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing a payment.

Cancellations and payments: All registrant accounts must be paid in full 21 days prior to the start of the event. Registrants with outstanding balances after payment is due in full are subject to being removed from the event roster without a refund. Please contact Continuing Education Services at cesevents@uww.edu prior to this deadline if extenuating circumstances prevent you from completing a payment.

In the event of a cancellation, Continuing Education Services should be notified no later than 21 days before the start of the event to receive a refund, less a 20% administration fee. Cancellation requests received less than 21 days from the start of camp will receive a refund minus a 50% late cancellation fee. Cancellations due to medical reasons will receive a full refund, less the deposit if the cancellation is requested and medical documentation is provided prior to the start of the event. Valid medical cancellations must include a signed letter from a licensed physician to qualify. NO REFUNDS will be given for withdrawal due to early departures, disciplinary reasons, or no-shows after the camp has started. 

All cancellation requests must be submitted to cesevents@uww.edu provide the registrant’s name, camp title, and medical documentation, if applicable. Refunds will be returned to the name and address of the payer. 

We reserve the right to cancel any event for any reason; in such case, all fees paid will be refunded, or contact cesevents@uww.edu for alternate arrangements.

For participants who will be receiving a sponsorship to attend this event, please follow these steps to redeem your sponsorship:

  • Register for the event and use the promo code provided by your sponsor during checkout.
  • The sponsorship amount will be deducted from your invoice. Any remaining balance will be the participant's responsibility.
  • If you need to cancel your registration, please note that the sponsorship funds will be returned to the supporting organization.

Please note that any qualifying discounts given by the event will not be applied after you have paid in full. Be sure to use the promo code during checkout to receive your discount. You will be charged if you do not qualify for the requested discount at the start of the event.

If a refund is issued due to overpayment on your account, a processing fee will be assessed.

If you have received an award or scholarship without a promo code or want to use two promo codes, please call Continuing Education Services at 262-472-3165 or email cesevents@uww.edu before registering to avoid overpayment fees.

Want to Sponsor a Registrant?
If you would like to sponsor a registrant and cover all or partial fees, you can request a promo code to give to your chosen registrant. Get more information about sponsoring a registrant.

Arrival Information

Check In

Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the atrium of the Center of the Arts.  

Driving Directions

Parking
You will NOT need a permit to attend this event. More information on parking is on the Visitor Center website.

By registering for an event, you agree to our Registration Terms and Conditions. UW-Whitewater will hold all registrants responsible for their conduct. Serious misconduct or disruption will lead to immediate dismissal from event. Registrants dismissed from the event will not receive a refund. Please review the Terms and Conditions for more details.

Be aware that we recommend that all portable electronic devices be left at home, but ultimately it is your decision. We know that parents and children value the ability to be able to call each other at a moment's notice. For that reason, we do not prohibit cell phones at camp, but ask that cell phone use does not interfere with the event and other participants. Parents are responsible for setting clear guidelines for cell use with their child. We will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.

We receive many questions from registrants. We have prepared a page with answers to our frequently asked questions about registering and attending an event.

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.

By 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 the use of said photographs and/or videos. Any media shared with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on social media or use of its hashtags grants the University use of media for any purpose.

Insurance

Registrants are encouraged to have their own health insurance as accident insurance provided by the University is limited. Each registrant will be covered by a limited accident insurance policy. The insurance includes primary coverage up to $10,000. Insurance does not cover pre-existing injuries and is for accidents only. The cost of insurance is included in the registration fee.

What to Bring

  • Cello and bow
  • Rockstop
  • Please check the weather that morning in order to dress comfortably
  • Lunch money or bring a non-perishable lunch

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/.

Event Schedule

Time Activity
8:30 am Welcome
9:00 am Cello Orchestra Rehearsal
10:30 am Workshop by Mike Block
12:00 pm Lunch/Trying out cello strings and instruments
1:00 pm Performance by Mike Block
2:00 pm Masterclass by Mike Block
3:00 pm Cello Orchestra Rehearsal
4:00 pm Cello Orchestra Concert
4:45 pm Adjourn

Meet the Staff

Benjamin Whitecomb Bio

Benjamin Whitcomb
Cello Fest & String Camp Director

Charles Rasmussen

Charles Rasmussen
Cello Fest

David Caplan

David Caplan
Cello Fest

Richard Petarius

Richard Petarius III
Cello Fest

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