"My favorite thing from MASTA has to be the life long friends I've made, the music I've played along with all the amazing experiences I've had there. It's a camp full of musicians, with staff that makes you feel at home what isn't there to love about that?" Jordan W.
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Camp Staff
Counselors
Counselors at MASTA String Camps are music majors at various universities in Michigan or are professional music educators from public and private schools in the state. All counselors are professional string musicians who specialize in classical music, as well as fiddling, jazz, and other alternative styles. There are one or two counselors per cabin, dependent on cabin size, who are trained to handle camp related issues and to ensure that all campers have a safe and enjoyable experience. If you have any questions, concerns, or anything counselors should be aware of, feel free to speak to your child's counselor when you arrive at your child's cabin on registration day.
In Sessions I & II Counselors lead the small rote ensembles that students participate in outside of orchestra rehearsal. They also lead sectionals and participate in all camp activities with campers.
During Session III counselors lead chamber groups, organize social activities within the cabin, participate in all recreation activities with campers, and assist during orchestra rehearsals.
Counselors at MASTA String Camps are music majors at various universities in Michigan or are professional music educators from public and private schools in the state. All counselors are professional string musicians who specialize in classical music, as well as fiddling, jazz, and other alternative styles. There are one or two counselors per cabin, dependent on cabin size, who are trained to handle camp related issues and to ensure that all campers have a safe and enjoyable experience. If you have any questions, concerns, or anything counselors should be aware of, feel free to speak to your child's counselor when you arrive at your child's cabin on registration day.
In Sessions I & II Counselors lead the small rote ensembles that students participate in outside of orchestra rehearsal. They also lead sectionals and participate in all camp activities with campers.
During Session III counselors lead chamber groups, organize social activities within the cabin, participate in all recreation activities with campers, and assist during orchestra rehearsals.
Music Directors
Music Directors at all sessions are leading music educators in the state of Michigan. They lead orchestra rehearsals and participate in various activities with campers during each session.
Session 1
Abigail Alwin - Ann Arbor Schools
Nina White - Retired from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Session 2
Sarah Maurice - Rochester Community Schools
Ms. Sarah Maurice received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Michigan State University and her master’s degree in music education from the University of Michigan. Sarah currently teaches orchestra at Van Hoosen Middle School and Rochester Adams High School in Rochester Hills, MI. She previously taught orchestra with both Hudsonville Public Schools in Hudsonville, MI and Black River Public School in Holland, MI. Throughout her 23 year career, Sarah has shared her passion for string instruments; creating high quality ensembles and learning experiences for her students. Her ensembles consistently earn high praise from colleagues, clinicians, and adjudicators alike. While at Black River, her Advanced Orchestra performed at the Michigan Music Conference. In addition to teaching in public schools, Sarah has presented pedagogical sessions at the Michigan Music Conference, the Midwest Clinic, and the ASTA National Conference. She is a sought after clinician and mentor. Sarah has been a member of ASTA throughout much of her career and has served MASTA Strings Camp as a cello coach, Chamber Music Director, Instructional Coach, Music Director, and Program Director. Outside of teaching, Sarah and her husband, Chris, share their home with two children and an ever-evolving menagerie of pets. Her family has also opened their home to six international exchange students and Sarah maintains close relationships with her global daughters. She enjoys performing, knitting, and spending time with family and friends.
Session 3
Wendy Stuart - Troy Schools - 2025 MASTA Teacher of the Year!
Wendy Stuart is the Orchestra Director at Troy High School. Before moving to Troy in fall of 2021, she taught for twenty-one years in the Clarkston Community Schools. She serves as the conductor the Philharmonia Orchestra, one of the four ensembles that comprise the Oakland Youth Orchestras. Ms. Stuart frequently serves as clinician; from day long Orchestra Honors Orchestras/Day for Strings to Pre-Festival clinics. She is also an adjudicator for MSBOA Solo and Ensemble festivals. She has taught at many summer music camps, including Music Director and Cello Coach at MASTA String Camp, Session III, conducting at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, and the Troy Sound Power Camp. Ms. Stuart earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Cello Performance from Eastern Michigan University and her teaching certification and Masters of Music in Music Education from the University of Michigan. Ms. Stuart was the Director of MASTA String Camp, Session III, for six years and was an Adjunct Professor of String Methods for four years at Concordia University in Ann Arbor. She was MSBOA District IV’s Orchestra Teacher of the Year in 2014 and 2021. Ms. Stuart was recently named the 2025 MASTA Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching, Ms. Stuart is the principal cellist for the Oakland Symphony Orchestra, the assistant principal cellist for the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, and performs with other orchestras and ensembles throughout the year.
Wendy Stuart is the Orchestra Director at Troy High School. Before moving to Troy in fall of 2021, she taught for twenty-one years in the Clarkston Community Schools. She serves as the conductor the Philharmonia Orchestra, one of the four ensembles that comprise the Oakland Youth Orchestras. Ms. Stuart frequently serves as clinician; from day long Orchestra Honors Orchestras/Day for Strings to Pre-Festival clinics. She is also an adjudicator for MSBOA Solo and Ensemble festivals. She has taught at many summer music camps, including Music Director and Cello Coach at MASTA String Camp, Session III, conducting at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, and the Troy Sound Power Camp. Ms. Stuart earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Cello Performance from Eastern Michigan University and her teaching certification and Masters of Music in Music Education from the University of Michigan. Ms. Stuart was the Director of MASTA String Camp, Session III, for six years and was an Adjunct Professor of String Methods for four years at Concordia University in Ann Arbor. She was MSBOA District IV’s Orchestra Teacher of the Year in 2014 and 2021. Ms. Stuart was recently named the 2025 MASTA Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching, Ms. Stuart is the principal cellist for the Oakland Symphony Orchestra, the assistant principal cellist for the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, and performs with other orchestras and ensembles throughout the year.
Session 3 Coaches
During Session III there are coaches whose responsibilities are to lead sectional rehearsals as well as chamber groups. Sectional coaches are professional musicians and music educators in the state of Michigan.
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Mr. Ted McDonald, Program Director
Mr. Ted McDonald has been working at the MASTA String Camps since 2006, holding many different positions throughout the years! He is currently the Orchestra Director at Reuther Middle School in Rochester Community Schools. He graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelors in Music Education and completed a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan. Mr. McDonald is an active member of both the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (MASTA) and the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA). His main instruments are the cello and piano, but he also enjoys playing all the string instruments, as well as singing! When not teaching or working at camp, Mr. McDonald enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, reading a good book, playing tennis, or playing video games.
Mr. Joe Harmsen, Assistant Director
Mr. Joe Harmsen has been working at the MASTA String Camps since 2010 in various roles, and is thrilled to continue joining in on the fun as the Assistant Director! Outside of camp, he is the Assistant Director of Orchestras at Jenison High School. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education with Performance Honors from Grand Valley State University and his Master of Music in Music Education from Michigan State University. His main instrument is the viola, but he also enjoys picking up his guitar and saxophone when time allows! He enjoys spending his free time outdoors (especially while riding a bike!), playing video games, playing D&D, and catching up with friends & family.
