9 - 10:30 Presentation & Techniques Class

10:30 Break

10:45 Advanced Masterclass

Presented by ESCMF & Taught by Cellist Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb

This workshop is open to cellists of all levels.

To sign up, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/uEdAxVn4N4EEugrDA

Wednesday June 3, 2026

9 AM - 12 PM $25 to Sign up for the workshop

Baldwin County Youth Orchestra Buidling

809 Nichols Ave, Fairhope, AL

Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb is a musician, teacher, scholar, and performer who has received numerous awards for his teaching, research, and service. Through reading his books, viewing his publications, listening to his CDs, and watching his performances, you can gain more insight into his cello style and teaching philosophies. As a Professor of Cello and Music Theory at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, he helps his students develop an understanding of how to play the cello, provides guidance on cello career paths and how to integrate practice throughout your life, and enjoys teaching music theory to provide a foundation for how music works. Benjamin also coordinates the UWW Cello Day, the Theory/History Colloquium speaker series, the Musical Mosaics Faculty Concert Series, the Chancellor’s Quartet program, and the Summer String Camp. His teaching philosophy was uniquely influenced by his studies with Phyllis Young, George Neikrug, Evan Tonsling. Phyllis Young who emphasized using imagery to connect life to cello playing. Inspired by Neikrug’s theory of manufactured talent, Benjamin believes you were not born with the talent, but you can create it on your own and continues to inspire his students to reach their full potential. The influence of Evan Tonsling brings an artistic approach to expressing how we live life, feel strongly, and how to connect with our music.