"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.
|
|
|
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. Music DirectorsMusic 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
Joanna Van Eizenga - Troy Schools
Joanna Van Eizenga is a professional violinist and school orchestra teacher who has been teaching since 2011. She currently teaches fifth grade orchestra at Troy School District. She holds two degrees in Music Education; a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University and a master's degree from Michigan State University. In the past, Mrs. Van Eizenga taught middle and elementary school orchestra at Detroit Country Day School. Outside of school, Mrs. Van Eizenga enjoys performing with many orchestras in Southeast and Northern Michigan. In her spare time, she loves to read science fiction and fantasy books. 
Sam Farmer - Novi Community Schools
Sam Farmer is a cellist and music educator who has been teaching since 2016. She currently teaches 7th and 8th grade orchestra at Novi Middle School. Mrs. Farmer holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University and a master's degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan. In addition to her public school position, Mrs. Farmer teaches cello lessons privately, has coached cello sectionals for multiple school districts in Southeast Michigan, helps organize the MSBOA District 4 & 16 Honors Orchestra, and enjoys subbing in the cello section for the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra. Session 2
Matthew Briere - Saline Area Schools
Matthew Briere is an experienced music educator and violinist. Driven by a passion for making music, he takes pride in connecting with students of all ages. During his time in Saline Area Schools, the SAS Orchestras have performed at Disney World, Orchestra Hall in Detroit, Orchestra Hall in Chicago and more. The orchestras and fiddle clubs regularly collaborate with a variety of composers, professional and collegiate conductors and nationally known performers in a variety of styles. Mr. Briere was awarded Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association District 12 “Orchestra Teacher of the Year” in 2023. Previously, Mr. Briere founded the orchestra program at Trillium Academy in Taylor, Michigan where he was recognized by the Michigan Association of Public School Academies as the 2010-11 Charter School Teacher of the Year. 
Sarah Maurice - Rochester Community Schools
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. Session 3 CoachesDuring 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
Steven Fernandez - Brighton Area Schools
|
|
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.
