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From the Desk of Trey Devey: A glimpse into the upcoming school year (Letters from the President 625420)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 19:04:55 +0000

From the Desk of Trey Devey: A glimpse into the upcoming school year (Letters from the President 625420) melissa.birdsey Mon, 09/11/2023 - 15:04 From the Desk of Trey Devey: A glimpse into the upcoming school yearPresident Devey previews the highlights of the 2023-24 academic year—from world-premiere performances and a groundbreaking film collaboration to a new IPR recording project and online classes for adult learners.

The 2023-24 Interlochen Arts Academy student body poses for a photo in The Interlochen Bowl.

September 13, 2023

The fall colors are beginning to show through the trees, apple cider is on the menu at the Melody Freeze, and the Concourse is once again filled with the sounds of young artists hailing from 27 countries and 45 US states and territories who have united through their shared love of the arts. The start of an Academy year is a special time indeed; and this year, there is much to look forward to.

This May, we will culminate the three-year exploration of the music and art of the African Diaspora with the world premiere of the opera Edmonia by award-winning composer Dr. Bill Banfield. The opera celebrates Edmonia Lewis (1844-1907), the acclaimed Black and Native American 19th-century sculptor. This interdisciplinary performance will be open to every arts major and will feature alumnus and Grammy Award-winning Broadway performer Sydney James Harcourt (AS 94, IAA 94-97). Dr. Banfield will be a visiting guest artist throughout the year. He will be joined in working with our students by Grammy Award-nominated jazz pianist and R&B singer Patrice Rushen. I highly recommend you reserve your tickets now for the May 3-5 performances.

We are also beginning a three-year project in collaboration with Greenacres Foundation to produce a new film showcasing the power of regenerative farming practices and its connection with human nutrition and the environment. In addition to the work that will be done by our Film & New Media Division, students also have the opportunity to enroll in a new hands-on science class utilizing our on-campus organic farm and the R.B. Annis Botanical Lab. The class, titled Biology: Regenerative Agriculture, will explore the power of regenerative agriculture through the lens of documentary film study.

In further environmental news, Interlochen Public Radio has launched a new partnership with Grist, a national leader in environmental reporting, which includes the placement of reporter Izzy Ross at IPR to cover climate solutions. Interlochen Public Radio will also be bringing alumni back to campus to record albums and perform in our regional community. Up to three recording projects may begin this year, starting with the Kodan Quintet in November. Based in Houston, the quintet is an internationally performing wind group that features three Interlochen alumni. They will be recording works of Victoria Bond and William Grant Still.

A new performance series will provide our students with regional touring opportunities and give our local community even more exposure to the amazing talents of our students and faculty. Interlochen in Town will stage events at the City Opera House and The Alluvion throughout the year. (Again, tickets are available for all of these performances.)

Our students will have the opportunity to take master classes with several other high-profile guest artists, including Nathan Gunn and Imani Winds. The Academy Orchestra will premiere a new work by Mary Watkins, the Dance Division will stage The Sleeping Beauty in collaboration with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, and so much more. Through a partnership with DPTV, some of these performances will gain a wider audience on public television.

This fall, Interlochen Online is welcoming adult learners, offering opportunities for artists of all ages to boost their creativity. As our online offerings continue to grow, we are committed to being a resource for our alumni, providing professional development opportunities for them in areas where they would like to expand and strengthen their skill sets. The next session begins Oct. 23, 2023.

As the curtain rises on a year of inspiration and growth, we invite you to share in the magic that is Interlochen. Please plan to join us in witnessing the convergence of talent and passion, whether in-person, over the airwaves, or online. It’s going to be an incredible year!

With anticipation and gratitude,

Trey Devey

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From the Desk of Trey Devey: A lifelong impact (Letters from the President 624872)

melissa.birdsey — Tue, 23 May 2023 12:48:43 +0000

From the Desk of Trey Devey: A lifelong impact (Letters from the President 624872) melissa.birdsey Tue, 05/23/2023 - 08:48 From the Desk of Trey Devey: A lifelong impactInterlochen alumni are thriving in the arts and beyond.

Three alumni stroll on campus during the Fall 2022 Interlochen Arts Academy Reunion.

May 23, 2023

This morning, campus is abuzz with the joyful sounds of parents greeting their children; faculty, staff, and volunteers cheering on our students; and those students celebrating one another as we kick off our end-of-year Festival showcase. Three whirlwind days of performances and presentations from all seven of our artistic disciplines will culminate in a commencement ceremony during which I will give our seniors and post-grads their last fist bump as students of Interlochen Arts Academy.

It’s an exciting time, where possibilities are endless, and the promise of new horizons is palpable. This new generation of creative changemakers is ready to immerse themselves in larger society; to lead important conversations about what it means to be an artist; to utilize the skills so carefully imparted to them by our faculty like Jean Gaede and Taoufik Nadji; and to make a tremendous impact in the arts and other professional fields.

I know that they are ready, because that’s what our alumni tell us.

Each year, we survey our alumni using the Diener Flourishing Scale to ensure the artistic, academic, and residential education they receive at Interlochen has helped them cultivate core capacities that positively impact their lives and, in turn, the world around them. This year’s results show that our alumni are indeed thriving in both relative and absolute measures. They feel "competent and capable," "contribute to the well-being of others," and "lead a purposeful and meaningful life." I've certainly felt this in my interactions with alumni from all walks of life.

The areas of growth most cited are in things like: self-confidence; maturity; work ethic; academics; ability to accept and learn from criticism; and time management. These crucial skills are required to succeed in a variety of different domains both within and beyond the arts. In fact, 15% of our alumni are currently employed in the medical, technology, and science fields—no doubt bringing a much-valued creative energy to their work.

What this tells me is that the world needs more Interlochen.

Our founder, Joseph Maddy, envisioned “one of the greatest institutions for the development of the arts that the world has ever seen”, but Interlochen has become so much more than that. Interlochen is internationally recognized for its immersive and comprehensive year-round arts education programs dedicated to young artists who develop confidence and find purpose within our creative community.

Our vision now is to achieve new levels of excellence while substantially expanding access: elevating the quality of our programs while also making them more affordable. Family, friends, alumni, and supporters are investing in this vision and helping us enhance excellence in our artistic and academic programs. Their gifts have allowed us to add four new faculty positions and bring more than a dozen visiting artists to campus, including Poetry editor Adrian Matejka; jazz pianist and R&B singer Patrice Rushen; singer-songwriter Claud; Broadway star Alexandra Silber (IAC 95-99, IAA 99-01), and more. We have a firm focus on increasing our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which includes new indigenous people representation and support funds. We are committed to expanding touring opportunities, such as our recent trip to New York, during which 130 students not only performed at David Geffen Hall, but also worked with 15 creative youth development organizations. Next year, we will conclude our three year exploration of the African diaspora with the world premiere of Edmonia, and our students will begin production of a feature-length documentary film exploring the impact of regenerative agriculture in partnership with Greenacres Foundation.

Dedicated philanthropic support is helping make these initiatives possible, while also increasing access to an Interlochen education. Thanks to the continuation of partnerships with programs such as the Miami Music Project and the advent of the NY Phil Interlochen Scholars program, hundreds of students from underserved communities will attend Camp this summer on full-tuition scholarships. While we are grateful for these successes, we recognize that there is still work to do to achieve our goal of meeting the full demonstrated need of every admitted student—one of the pillars of Vision 2028.

This week provides an excellent example of the wonder, joy and transformative power of an Interlochen education. I encourage you to join me in our upcoming festivities, whether in-person or online, to celebrate this next generation of creative changemakers. Our commencement ceremony on Saturday will feature remarks from Elizabeth Marvel (IAC 82-83, IAA 83-87), who represents but one of the many extraordinary examples of the power of an Interlochen education.

With gratitude,

Trey Devey

OnVision

From the Desk of Trey Devey: An Unforgettable Experience (Letters from the President 561198)

melissa.birdsey — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:37:11 +0000

From the Desk of Trey Devey: An Unforgettable Experience (Letters from the President 561198) melissa.birdsey Thu, 03/30/2023 - 12:37 From the Desk of Trey Devey: An Unforgettable ExperiencePresident Trey Devey reflects on Interlochen Arts Academy's amazing performance at David Geffen Hall and celebrates our growing partnerships with New York-area arts organizations.

The Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra performs MUKTI at David Geffen Hall.

April 5, 2023

On March 3, 2023, 131 Interlochen Arts Academy students let their artistic freedom shine to a sold-out David Geffen Hall audience. This performance of MUKTI was a joyous moment in our collaboration with the New York Philharmonic and 15 creative youth development organizations in New York. The collaboration provided an unforgettable experience for our students, and will continue this summer for 30 talented New York students who won a full scholarship to Interlochen Arts Camp through the NY Phil Interlochen Scholars program. Together, these young artists personify the hope we have for a world made stronger and more connected through the arts.

We are excited to be a leader in developing such partnerships, here and elsewhere, and look forward to providing more “only at Interlochen” experiences to our students thanks to the generous support of our donors.

As we approach our upcoming centennial in 2028, we are dreaming of what Interlochen can accomplish in its second century. Guided by Vision 2028, we are investing in the excellence of the student experience and greater access for talented young artists. We know that excellence reaches its full potential when all qualified students, regardless of financial circumstance, can afford to come to Interlochen.

Thank you for being a part of the Interlochen community. Your advocacy, support, and enthusiastic embrace of Interlochen make all the difference. I look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Trey Devey

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From the Desk of Trey Devey: Transformation and Possibilities (Letters from the President 433475)

melissa.birdsey — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:00:13 +0000

From the Desk of Trey Devey: Transformation and Possibilities (Letters from the President 433475) melissa.birdsey Wed, 11/02/2022 - 11:00 From the Desk of Trey Devey: Transformation and PossibilitiesScholarships, touring opportunities, and The Interlochen 5 provide life-changing opportunities for Interlochen students. November 9, 2022

A rendering of the interior of the renovated David Geffen Hall. Photo credit: Diamond Schmitt Architects.

A rendering of the exterior of the renovated David Geffen Hall. Photo credit: DBOX for TWBTA & Lincoln Center.

Dr. Leslie B. Dunner (center) conducts the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra at Miami's New World Center on March 6, 2020.

Just a few short weeks ago, the New York Philharmonic (including 14 Interlochen alumni!) returned home to David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. While the world has changed forevermore, so too, has David Geffen Hall. As New York Philharmonic’s Chief Executive Officer Deborah Borda said in a recent interview, “we stripped it to the walls.” According to New York Times critic Zachary Woolfe, the results of the $500 million renovation are “already obvious.” Some may even say, transformational.

Asked what it means to play in the new hall, New York Philharmonic Principal Clarinetist and Interlochen alumnus Anthony McGill (IAC 91, 93; IAA 94-96, IAC St 96) responded, “I might be able to change a young person’s life by them seeing me on that stage and saying ‘I want to do that.’ That’s the most important thing I could possibly do in my life…is to represent possibility.”

I’m struck by these two themes: transformation and possibility. They are the threads that are woven throughout Interlochen’s history, the promise that attracts students to this magical place, and the vision that our alumni take away with them. And it’s these themes that are reflected in our commitment to invest in excellence and expand access to the Interlochen experience to every deserving young artist.

Right now, visiting teaching artists from the Interlochen Arts Camp and Academy faculty are acting on that commitment, mentoring students at 15 New York City-based creative youth development organizations. A newly established NY Phil Interlochen Scholars program will forever change the lives of 30 of these young artists, providing them with scholarships to attend Arts Camp in the summer of 2023 and experience for themselves the transformation and possibilities that Interlochen provides to young artists.

The announcement of the scholarship recipients will be made on March 3—in David Geffen Hall.

That evening, 140 Interlochen Arts Academy students will experience a transformational moment themselves, as together they become some of the first visiting artists to ever perform in this newly renovated venue. Spanning all artistic disciplines as only Interlochen can, our students will premiere a new multidisciplinary work, Mukti, and the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra will perform side-by-side with musicians from the New York Philharmonic (follow along on our journey to David Geffen Hall here). Experiences like these help students envision themselves as the creative changemakers they will become someday. Tickets for this historic event are now available. Please join us. Let’s celebrate this moment together.

We have heard from generations of alumni that the touring opportunities they had at Interlochen were some of the most transformational moments of their lives. A few weeks ago, we celebrated our Academy reunion weekend, and it was my honor to speak to many alumni who returned to the stately pines—some of whom noted our performances at Lincoln Center, the World’s Fair in Montreal, the Atlanta Olympics, and even the White House lawn as among the most significant moments of their Interlochen experiences.

One notable event featured a panel of alumni answering the question: “What’s an Interlochen alum like you doing in a place like this?” Panelists shared the ways that their time at Interlochen opened up a world of professional possibilities to them. They included Martha Jacobi (IAC/NMC 64-70, IAA 71-73, IAC St 72, 74-77), psychotherapist and Lutheran pastor; Jane Morrison (IAA 80-82), Fulton County (Georgia) State Court Judge; Will McClintock (AS 85, IAA 85-87), Senior Fellow, National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis; Alfred Martin (IAA 91-93), Associate Professor of Communication Studies, University of Iowa; and Anna Hochhalter (IAA 99-02), landscape architect. Their exposure to what we now call The Interlochen 5 played a crucial role in propelling them to a life of purpose and promise beyond the arts. Like Anthony McGill, these alumni also represent the possibilities we strive to make available to young artists.

Thank you for joining us on this important, transformational journey.

Trey Devey

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Specialized expertise, new voices: Visiting artists deepen and broaden the student experience (Stories 431072)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:11:55 +0000

Specialized expertise, new voices: Visiting artists deepen and broaden the student experience (Stories 431072) melissa.birdsey Mon, 10/10/2022 - 11:11 Specialized expertise, new voices: Visiting artists deepen and broaden the student experienceKey components of Vision 2028, visiting artists, artists-in-residence, and visiting faculty expand curricular offerings and spark one-of-a-kind learning and performance opportunities.

Acclaimed composer and jazz pianist Billy Childs (right) reviews a score with an Arts Academy bass student.

October 12, 2022

When Edili Dormeville enrolled at Interlochen Arts Academy, she never expected to find herself starring in an animated adventure.

A popular voice performance major, Dormeville explored voice acting for the first time when she was cast as Stella in the forthcoming web series On the Bright Side.

“I found something new that I really enjoy,” Dormeville said in a recent interview about the series. “I love adding new talents to what I have.”

On the Bright Side was created by 2021-22 Animator-in-Residence Bailey Sitton, who invited many of the Academy’s students, faculty, and staff—including Dormeville, Instructor of Theatre Laura Mittelstaedt (Beatrice), and 2022 Music Production & Engineering graduate Kat Stockton (composer)—to collaborate on the series. While not an official component of Sitton’s residency, the series exemplifies the unique learning and collaboration opportunities available only at Interlochen.

“It’s incredible that I get to do this,” Stockton said.

Sitton’s residency was part of an ongoing effort to expand Interlochen’s visiting artist and visiting faculty programs, both key components of Vision 2028.

“Supplementing our outstanding faculty with nationally and internationally prominent visitors deepens and broadens the artistic preparation Interlochen students receive,” said John Bogley, Interlochen’s Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement. “These guests bring their own expertise, voices, and innovative methods to our campus and depart as ambassadors for Interlochen. They also enable us to enrich and optimize the student experience by allowing us to expand our course offerings.”

Interlochen’s goal is to establish additional visiting artist funds for each of the institution’s seven artistic disciplines through a combination of endowed and non-endowed gifts.

“Both sorts of gifts are vitally important,” Bogley said. “Current-use gifts create an immediate impact and flexibility, while endowed visiting faculty/visiting artist positions ensure these benefits will be available to Interlochen and its students forever.”

Gifts to the visiting artist funds allow Interlochen to engage three types of guests: visiting artists, artists-in-residence, and visiting faculty. Visiting artists spend a few days on campus, leading intensive training experiences during their brief visits. Artists-in-residence visit for a few weeks, often with the goal of preparing students for special presentations. Visiting faculty serve long-term commitments at Interlochen, such as summer, semester, and yearlong appointments.

To date, Interlochen has received commitments to establish visiting artist funds—which can be used to support both Camp and Academy guests—for the Creative Writing, Film & New Media, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts divisions. The gifts have already brought several remarkable visiting artists to Interlochen Arts Academy.

Sitton’s residency served as a soft introduction to the Academy’s new Animation program, allowing students to explore visual storytelling before the arrival of Director of Animation Briana Yarhouse. During her one-year residency, Sitton taught courses in Previsualization and Editing and Motion Graphics, as well as an Animation elective that was open to students of all majors.

Playwright Oren Safdie joined the Creative Writing division as Writer-in-Residence in the fall of 2021. During his yearlong tenure, Safdie led writing and playwriting workshops that were attended by more than 40 students from the Creative Writing, Theatre, and other divisions. Under Safdie’s guidance, three Arts Academy students—Eliana Robin, Leo Fishman Janowitz, and Simone Chaney—received recognition in prestigious programs for young playwrights. Safdie also led two student playwriting showcases and staged The Gods Play Here, a program of contemporary adaptations of Greek plays, in Bonisteel Library.

The visiting artist funds also support the Academy’s ongoing three-year exploration of the African diaspora, which features regular visits from composer and musicologist Dr. Bill Banfield. In addition to leading visits from a diverse selection of guests representing the African diaspora, Banfield is assisting with the Academy’s performance at the New York Philharmonic’s Liberation Festival and workshopping his forthcoming opera Edmonia, which will be premiered by Interlochen Arts Academy students in the spring of 2024.

Other recent guests of the African diaspora series include jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs, Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director of Michigan Opera Theatre Yuval Sharon, acclaimed bass-baritone Davóne Tines (IAC 04), and Grammy Award-nominated pianist and singer-songwriter Patrice Rushen.

“Visiting artists, artists-in-residence, and visiting faculty are an integral part of the Interlochen Arts Camp and Interlochen Arts Academy curriculum, empowering our students to explore specialized topics while making connections with industry experts,” said Camille Colatosti, Provost at Interlochen Center for the Arts. “Thank you to everyone who has played a part in bringing these incredible artists to Interlochen.”

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From the desk of Trey Devey: World friendship through the arts (Letters from the President 311853)

ashley.seibel@interlochen.org — Tue, 17 May 2022 18:45:49 +0000

From the desk of Trey Devey: World friendship through the arts (Letters from the President 311853) ashley.seibel@… Tue, 05/17/2022 - 14:45 From the desk of Trey Devey: World friendship through the artsInterlochen’s legacy of nurturing world friendship resonates today with particular urgency.

The dedication of Kresge Auditorium at Interlochen Center for the Arts on August 1, 1948.

May 18, 2022

Dear Friends,

In just one week, young Interlochen Arts Academy artists from 24 countries will collaborate to present Festival, our end-of-year multidisciplinary showcase of student artwork and performances. I hope you'll join us for this exhilarating celebration of the arts on campus or online; many performances will be streamed live on our website.

All the while we prepare with joyous anticipation for the return of our first full Interlochen Arts Camp season since 2019—and the arrival of nearly 3,000 students ages 8 to 18 from around the world. This summer we will welcome young creatives from nearly every U.S. state and from 36 countries including Bermuda, Brazil, China, Italy, Poland, South Africa, and Ukraine. These young people will share cabins and meals, collaborate artistically, and form lifelong friendships, inspiring our community and beyond.

Interlochen's core commitment to fostering global and cultural perspective dates back to our pioneering founder, Joseph E. Maddy, who championed the power of the arts to unite a fractured world. As we witness the horrors of war in Ukraine, our legacy of nurturing world friendship resonates with particular urgency, and remains central to Interlochen's identity.

Maddy's interest in advocating for international cooperation can be traced to the beginning of the Cold War. Mobilized by the formation of the United Nations following World War II, he guided the student council at Camp in adopting a "Charter for Youth" in 1946 which set forth principles of world unity. Two years later, he dedicated the new Kresge Auditorium "to the promotion of world friendship through the universal language of the arts"—emblazoning those emphatic words on stage for all to see.

In the 1950s, Maddy lobbied the federal government for a Camp orchestra tour of Eastern Europe. When he failed to secure federal assistance, he devoted the Camp's own resources to attracting international educators and students. In 1964, Maddy started the International Youth Symphony, the predecessor of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, composed of students from many nations. Beginning that summer, under Maddy's leadership, the motto "In the arts there are no enemies" was displayed prominently over the Mall entrance to the Giddings Concourse. Two years later, Maddy arranged for the Camp to host the first meeting in America of the International Society of Music Educators.

Maddy often gave remarks at the non-denominational Sunday services that took place during Camp at Kresge Auditorium. At one service in 1964, Maddy recalled meeting six Russian composers, including Dmitri Shostakovich and Dmitry Kabalevsky, in Washington, D.C. Maddy had been invited to a reception as a member of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's "People to People" committee, which sought to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural, and humanitarian activities. (I invite you to listen to Maddy's full remarks.)

"This is what Mr. Kabalevsky said," Maddy told the audience of Camp students, faculty, and staff. '"If our governments could get along together as well as our musicians, there would never be a war.'"

In a few short weeks, an international community will once again come together in the northern woods of Michigan. Youth from all artistic disciplines and every corner of the world will meet as strangers and emerge as lifelong friends. Yes, their shared creative pursuits will produce a level of artistry almost unimaginable for such young artists, but the power of this experience extends far beyond the notes, choreography, and brushstrokes. Here, our youth learn that we can do more than we ever thought possible when we work together.

Friends, as we celebrate our global community and welcome our 95th Camp season, let us champion and carry forward Interlochen's legacy of promoting world friendship. Now, more than ever, we should consider how we are infusing these enduring values of Interlochen into our daily lives. And now, more than ever, our young artists must join together across cultures, nationalities, and ideologies as a positive force for good. Our world needs more Interlochen.

With best wishes,

Trey Devey, President

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Donor generosity makes Act for Art Giving Days a resounding success (Stories 311928)

ashley.seibel@interlochen.org — Tue, 17 May 2022 20:01:13 +0000

Donor generosity makes Act for Art Giving Days a resounding success (Stories 311928) ashley.seibel@… Tue, 05/17/2022 - 16:01 Donor generosity makes Act for Art Giving Days a resounding successFour hundred and forty-five people gave during the three-day fundraising event earlier this month, providing $403K in financial aid for student scholarships. May 18, 2022

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in the Act for Art Giving Days, supporting the dreams, dedication, and potential of Interlochen's young artists. Thanks to you, we raised over $408,000 to support students' financial aid needs in the coming Camp and Academy year.

This incredible outcome was made possible by the energetic volunteer support of more than 60 individuals, including current and former Arts Academy students and parents, Arts Camp alumni and parents, faculty and staff, members of the Interlochen Annual Fund Committee, and the Interlochen Engagement Council.

A dollar for dollar match offered by members of the Board of Trustees and a Camp parent who stepped forward on Day 2 amplified the power of every donation. On Day 3, a Camp alumnus spurred supporters to the finish line by offering $15,000 when the 350-donor goal was met.

In total, 445 people came together to open up possibilities and change the lives of young artists. Here are just a few of the heartfelt and inspiring messages we received from our donors during the Act for Art Giving Days:

"Ours is a small donation but hopefully, with many small donations, and the generosity of those matching our funds, scholarships for kids like ours can continue. So incredibly grateful for all those who have contributed in the past and made it possible for our son to attend Interlochen! It has been a transformative, life changing experience for him."

"Thank you to all faculty, staff, students and families for making IAA such a wonderful place for our daughter and family."

"Thank you for providing our child an incredible place not only to learn, but to thrive."

"So grateful for the gift of Interlochen and for the opportunity made possible for my daughter through the generous gifts of donors!!!"

"Interlochen lit a fire in our son that even he didn't know was there. Thank you!"

"My heart is always here. Interlochen is magical and wondrous, I wish the rest of the world knew how a life in the arts transforms community."

"Let's do this together!"

Thank you for coming together to make the Act for Art Giving Days a success!

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Tureck Bach Research Institute receives new home at Interlochen Center for the Arts (News Articles 275071)

simone.silverbush — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:51:21 +0000

Tureck Bach Research Institute receives new home at Interlochen Center for the Arts (News Articles 275071) simone.silverbush Sun, 04/17/2022 - 20:51 Tureck Bach Research Institute receives new home at Interlochen Center for the ArtsFounded by Rosalyn Tureck (1913–2003)—a celebrated keyboard artist, teacher, conductor, and scholar—the Tureck Bach Research Institute at Interlochen will preserve her scholarship, performances, and teaching and further research and performance of the music of J.S. Bach.
April 18, 2022

The Tureck Bach Research Institute has a new home at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Founded by Rosalyn Tureck (1913–2003)—a celebrated keyboard artist, teacher, conductor, and scholar—the institute holds materials amassed over Tureck’s nearly 80-year career, including manuscripts of essays, books, correspondence, and other documents, as well as recordings of her live performances, lectures, and master classes.

As of today, the institute’s digital archive can be found on the Interlochen website at interlochen.org/tureck-bach. Photographs, documents, and recordings are available to researchers around the world.

“Dr. Rosalyn Tureck’s pioneering work as among one of the first women to conduct the New York Philharmonic, her thought leadership in disciplines as wide-ranging as fractal geometry and politics, and her musical scholarship and advocacy for women make her a role model for Interlochen students,” said Interlochen Center for the Arts President Trey Devey. “We’re thrilled and honored to preserve and showcase her legacy through the Tureck Back Research Institute at Interlochen.”

Tureck founded the Tureck Bach Research Institute in 1981 to promote research and performance of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. From 2015 until earlier this year, the institute resided at the Curtis Institute of Music. Interlochen was among several prestigious institutions invited by Kevin Kleinmann, former president of the Tureck Bach Research Institute, to develop a proposal to serve as its new home.

“Few institutions could be as representative as Interlochen of everything that Rosalyn Tureck stood for and worked towards during her illustrious life and career,” said Kleinmann. “Like Interlochen, the Tureck Bach Research Institute champions diversified arts education programs that create synergies between different disciplines and backgrounds. Together we will foster future leaders, educators, and personalities of the arts world and our societies.”

As part of Interlochen’s acquisition of the institute, the Dr. Rosalyn Tureck/Bach Scholarship will provide a scholarship to a female high school-aged piano/keyboard student to attend Interlochen Arts Academy each year. An annual “Dr. Rosalyn Tureck Memorial Concert” at Interlochen will showcase the scholarship recipient and other Arts Academy musicians. Interlochen Arts Academy is the nation’s premier boarding arts high school, where emerging artists transform passion and potential into purpose.

Additionally, a piano practice room in the Music Center on the Interlochen campus will be named in Tureck’s honor. A bust of Tureck by the American-British sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein (1880-1959), considered one of the most important pioneers of modern 20th century sculpture, will also be displayed.

“Rosalyn Tureck was one of the most remarkable minds of the 20th century,” said Interlochen Public Radio Music Director and musicology scholar Amanda Sewell. “Her meticulous research into and writings about the music of Bach are unparalleled. We at Classical IPR are thrilled to add her extensive collection of recordings to our broadcast library and share them with our listeners.”

Recordings from the institute will be incorporated into Interlochen coursework and broadcasted on Classical IPR, Interlochen Public Radio’s classical music station. Materials from the institute will also be woven into workshops for piano performers and music educators run by Interlochen College of Creative Arts.

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Interlochen Center for the Arts receives largest non-estate gift in Interlochen history, inspiring two additional cornerstone gifts (News Articles 126083)

melissa.birdsey — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:08:36 +0000

Interlochen Center for the Arts receives largest non-estate gift in Interlochen history, inspiring two additional cornerstone gifts (News Articles 126083) melissa.birdsey Fri, 10/22/2021 - 15:08 Interlochen Center for the Arts receives largest non-estate gift in Interlochen history, inspiring two additional cornerstone giftsSeveral Interlochen supporters have made leadership gift commitments to achieve "Vision 2028,” totaling $23.8 million since June 1. October 23, 2021

Glynn Williams and Charlene Moore have pledged $5 million to Interlochen Center for the Arts in the largest outright gift in the institution’s history, inspiring cornerstone gift commitments from two additional donors.

The three leadership gifts—all from parents of Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy alumni—were inspired by “Vision 2028,” Interlochen’s strategic roadmap towards its Centennial, which was adopted unanimously by the Interlochen Board of Trustees in March of 2020. Vision 2028 details ambitious goals including vastly increasing need-based financial aid for Arts Camp and Academy students; retaining and recruiting the most sought-after faculty and guest artists; accelerating investments in distinctive artistic initiatives; and emerging as a leader in diversity and inclusion in arts education.

“We are awed by the unprecedented generosity and passion for Interlochen demonstrated by Glynn and Charlene, and our two other donors,” said Interlochen Center for the Arts President Trey Devey. “Their gifts will accelerate our work to pave the way for Interlochen’s second century as the premier destination for young artists.”

Glynn Williams serves as the president and CEO of Williams & Moore Capital Corporation and various affiliated operating entities. He joined the Interlochen Board of Trustees in 2012 and served as chair from 2017 to 2021. A Canadian citizen, Williams was Interlochen’s first non-American chair. Glynn and Charlene’s daughter, Kendra, attended Interlochen Arts Camp in 2009 as a repertory theatre student. Kendra graduated from the University of Michigan in theatre and has performed with the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival.

Glynn and Charlene’s gift will support Interlochen’s endowment and provide need-based financial aid for Canadian students to attend Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy; merit-based scholarships for music students, with preference to those studying jazz or saxophone; and programmatic enhancements in the jazz or saxophone areas, including participation in tours or competitions. “Charlene and I share Interlochen’s passion for promoting world friendship through the universal language of the arts,” Williams said. “It is our hope that young artists from across Canada will flock to Interlochen to expand their creative capacities and form lifelong bonds with peers from around the world, regardless of their socioeconomic status. We also believe that through touring opportunities in such artistic hubs as Toronto, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, Arts Academy students will broaden their worldviews and gain valuable experience on the road.”

“Our son was profoundly influenced by his Interlochen experience, which connected him with fellow emerging artists from around the world,” reflected another donor. “We want to help Interlochen provide the same life-changing experience for future generations of young artists.”

“I’ve seen the transformative power of an Interlochen education firsthand,” said another leadership donor. “It’s imperative that we ensure that these extraordinary opportunities continue to expand and reach even more deserving young artists.”

On Oct. 22, Interlochen celebrated the completion of a 30-year campus master plan that guided 17 major projects, including state-of-the-art training facilities for its seven arts disciplines: creative writing, dance, film & new media, interdisciplinary arts, music, theatre, and visual arts. With Vision 2028, Interlochen now shifts its focus from “place” to “people and programs.”

As part of Vision 2028, Interlochen plans to dramatically expand need- and merit-based financial aid to ensure that the Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy experience is accessible to even more young artists. This academic year, 80% of Arts Academy students received need- and merit-based financial aid, totaling nearly $16 million, a level of financial aid that distinguishes the Arts Academy among other top private secondary schools. In addition, in a typical year, Interlochen awards over $2.5 million in financial aid to Interlochen Arts Camp students.

Interlochen also plans to recruit more sought-after faculty and guest artists to further elevate the educational experience and enhance programs across the institution. These initiatives encompass touring opportunities that allow students to share their work throughout Michigan and in major cultural centers across the country and around the world.

Interlochen has a longstanding tradition of recruiting and retaining world-class educators who have a passion for teaching young artists. Interlochen is building momentum this year with recent hires including Broadway veteran Justin Lee Miller, Interlochen’s inaugural program director of musical theatre; acclaimed violinists and distinguished teachers Tina Chang Qu and Jorja Fleezanis, new members of the string faculty; award-winning trumpeter Josh Lawrence, director of jazz studies; and many others.

Additionally, Interlochen aspires to expand substantially its leadership in diversity and inclusion in arts education. Recent advances in this area include increasing the domestic diversity of the Academy student body from 22% to 30% between 2016 and 2021, and increasing domestic diversity among students attending Interlochen Arts Camp from 22% to 31% between 2016 and 2021.

Leadership donors are stepping forward with great generosity for Interlochen with gift commitments in excess of $23.8 million since fundraising was launched in support of these initiatives in June.

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The Washington Post features Interlochen’s completed Campus Master Plan and vision for the future (News Articles 127340)

leah.stewart — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 17:44:54 +0000

The Washington Post features Interlochen’s completed Campus Master Plan and vision for the future (News Articles 127340) leah.stewart Sat, 10/23/2021 - 13:44 The Washington Post features Interlochen’s completed Campus Master Plan and vision for the futurePhilip Kennicott, the Pulitzer Prize-winning art and architecture critic of The Washington Post, highlights the completion of the Sasaki Associates Campus Master Plan and the unprecedented level of support Interlochen has received in support of expanding financial aid and enhancing programmatic excellence. October 23, 2021

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