Tutti Days 2025!
Danny O'Connell, cello
began studying cello at age four at Wheaton College's Community School of the Arts. Under Carol Ourada and Dr. Tanya Carey, he honed his skills for thirteen years. His talent has taken him worldwide, performing in Alaska, Spain, Scotland, and Austria. Notable achievements include winning the 2016 Norman Cooper International Chamber Music Competition and the 2018 Sigma Alpha Iota La Grange Chapter competition. Danny has served as rotating principal cellist for the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia, and participated in prestigious events like the Credo chamber music summer camp. He's also excelled academically, receiving scholarships and recognition. Danny is dedicated to education, teaching at Tutti Chamber Music camp and mentoring younger musicians. Selected for the 2024 ASTA National Conference Collegiate Cello masterclass, he continues to expand his skills and repertoire. Danny is also involved in film production and is set to graduate from the Eastman School of Music in 2024. He plans to pursue a Master's Degree at USC Thornton School of Music. When not immersed in music, he enjoys outdoor activities with his dog and playing golf. 
Christina D'Antonio, viola
is a masters student at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music studying with Ivo-Jan van der Werff. As an orchestral musician, Christina is an extra member of the Houston Symphony Orchestra and has performed with Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Fireland Symphony Orchestra, the Erie Symphony Orchestra and sits Principal in The Shepherd School of Music Orchestras. Summers at Credo Chamber Music, Domaine Forget, Bowdoin Festival, and an orchestral viola fellowship at Aspen Music Festival School have forged a deep passion for chamber music and orchestral performance. An avid teacher, Christina takes pleasure in teaching at multiple youth programs and in her own private studio. 
Christopher Pettit, cello*
currently enjoys teaching beginning string students at Richmond Intermediate School in St. Charles. The orchestra program has flourished during his time there, and currently has three ensembles with sizes ranging from 30 to over 100 students. He also teaches Suzuki and Preparatory cello students, group classes, and chamber classes at the Wheaton College Community School of the Arts, and the Music Institute of Chicago. Christopher holds Bachelor Degrees in Music Education and Cello Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. While at the university, Christopher received numerous performance and education awards, worked and taught at the Illinois Summer Youth Music camp, and gave free lessons to students in an organization called “Make More Music.” His primary teachers have been Carol Ourada, Dr. Tanya Carey, and Dmitry Kouzov. About:
Tutti Days is alternative programming offered in lieu of the signature summer camp in 2025. This 2-day event reunites long-time Tutti attendees, allows newcomers to get a "taste" of Tutti, celebrates chamber music in the community, and is led by strong Christians musicians who are active as performers and teachers! Who: Tutti Days is open to string and piano students ages 8-20, and younger students should be able to navigate a schedule independently (students will not be chaperoned at all times when on "campus"). Recent alumni are more than welcome to attend! We are also seeking college student helpers and parent volunteers! Level: This 2 day event is aimed towards students who can sight read and learn music independently. The typical entry level for a Tutti student includes the ability to play in multiple keys through a few sharps and a few flats, shift, hold a steady tempo, and multitask (think Suzuki Book 4). The advanced Tutti student is eager to dive into standard chamber music repertoire at a high level. Students who cannot yet read music independently may not have the best experience at Tutti Days. When: Friday August 8 - Saturday August 9, 2025 Location: Based at Bethel Presbyterian Church (1401 S Naperville Rd) in Wheaton, IL with travel to Chicago and Aurora Tentative Activities (subject to change): OPTIONAL GRANT PARK TRIP: Join Tutti students and faculty/staff for a train trip downtown to see violinist Joshua Bell in concert on Wednesday, August 6th at 6:30 PM FRIDAY (10 AM-6PM) Chamber Music Session #1 Lunch (bring your own) Workshop Orchestra Reading Session with Dr. Benjamin Klemme Piano Masterclass Optional Sight Reading Party SATURDAY (9AM-6PM) Field Trip to Off-Campus Service Project Lunch (provided) Devotionals and Hymn Singing Chamber Music Session #2 Supplemental Workshops 4:30 PM Bake Sale and Play-A-Thon fundraiser! |
To Register:
Performer:
*Tuition assistance is available and sibling discounts are available. Please contact us for information. |