iCONNECT 2026

ICI’s program for cellists ages 9 - 15 years old.

Dates: July 27 - Aug. 1, 2026

The weeklong iConnect Program held on the campus of St. Olaf College offers cellists ages 9-15 the opportunity to experience ICI while receiving lessons, classes, and coaching tailored to their individual levels. Students should have at least reached Suzuki book 2 or an equivalent level (note: we are not a Suzuki-based program) and be comfortable with reading music. There is no maximum level, and advanced students are welcome. Held during the second week of the primary ICI program, iConnect students have unparalleled performance and mentorship opportunities with ICI’s class of advanced high school and college students and complimentary access to masterclasses and performances featuring ICI’s world-class faculty.

iConnect students can commute daily to St. Olaf College; non-local students and families can choose to be housed on campus or find their own accommodations in Northfield. When choosing to stay on campus, students must have an accompanying adult stay with them in the dorms.

***Applications coming mid-December 2026***

The iConnect Curriculum

The iConnect curriculum includes: two private lessons with iConnect core faculty, daily group classes on technique and musicianship, a masterclass with a guest clinician, small ensemble coachings, and a side-by-side large ensemble with high school/college ICI students. The week culminates with a concert on Saturday afternoon, featuring our iConnect students in solo and ensemble performances. Additionally, iConnect students will have ample opportunity for social interaction and mentorship with the older students through daily practice help and optional masterclass/recital attendance.

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE

  • 8:45 am: Student Drop-Off

  • 9:00 am - 9:45 am: Private Lessons or Individual Practice Time

  • 10:00 am -10:45 am: Group Class or Masterclass

  • 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Private Lessons or Individual Practice Time

  • 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch Break (students may eat in the cafeteria or bring their own lunch. Students bringing their own lunch will remain at Christiansen Hall of Music).

  • 1:30 pm- 2:15 pm: Side-By-Side Large Ensemble Coaching

  • 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm: Small Ensemble Coaching

  • 3:15 pm: “FLEX TIME” - masterclass observation (featuring main program students), supervised recreational activities, or individual practice time

  • 4:30 pm -4:45 pm: Student pick-up (we are unable to offer student supervision after 4:45 PM)

  • Evenings: Optional attendance at concerts/recitals in the main ICI program on select dates, featuring older students and internationally-renowned guest cellists. Keep an eye on our calendar to see who's playing and when!

iConnect Faculty

  • Zachary Preucil

    iCONNECT DIRECTOR / FACULTY

    Currently based in Madison, Wisconsin, Dr. Zachary Preucil serves as principal cellist of the La Crosse Symphony, maintains a multi-level private studio in Madison and online at the Virtu Academy program, co-directs the Farley’s Chamber Music Program, and is a faculty member at the Madison Cello Ensemble. He has served on the faculties of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, Carroll University, the Music Institute of Chicago, the Kanack School of Musical Artistry, Music for Youth of Arlington Heights, and the UW-Madison Community Music School, and is active as a performer and guest clinician throughout the midwest. Read more about Zachary here: https://www.zacharypreucil.com/bio

  • Adalus Low-Manzini

    iCONNECT FACULTY

    Adalus Low-Manzini is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma in Cello Performance at the University of Cincinnati. She teaches a studio of cellists both in Michigan and Ohio. Adalus serves as Social Media Director and Co-Director of Operations for the International Cello Institute. She is dedicated to advocating for new compositions, particularly by Latin American and women composers, and regularly commissions works for both solo cello and for her ensemble, Trío Líneas. Adalus began her musical journey in "El Sistema," performing with renowned maestros like Gustavo Dudamel and Sir Simon Rattle. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and Master’s and Specialist’s degrees from the University of Michigan. Adalus has soloed with orchestras all around Venezuela, as well as in Louisiana and Michigan.

  • Meghan McGuire

    iCONNECT FACULTY

    Meghan started playing the cello at age three. She performed for Yo-Yo Ma when she was fourteen years old and made her solo debut with the Minnesota Orchestra a year later. She has participated at the Aspen Music Festival and the Castleman Quartet Program, and spent multiple summers at Madeline Island Music Camp. Meghan studied with Bonnie Hampton at The San Francisco Conservatory, and with Lubomir Georgiev at The Florida State University, School of Music. She has played with the Atlanta Symphony, Opera, and Ballet Orchestras and has collaborated with members of the Atlanta Symphony on numerous occasions. In addition to teaching and performing throughout the Twin Cities, Meghan is an experienced coach, clinician, adjudicator, and private instructor.