Topic - Academics (364)

‘No ordinary high school’: Retiring Instructor of English Timothy Johnson reflects on his 20-year career at Interlochen Arts Academy (Stories 628137)

melissa.birdsey — Fri, 16 May 2025 14:45:45 +0000

‘No ordinary high school’: Retiring Instructor of English Timothy Johnson reflects on his 20-year career at Interlochen Arts Academy (Stories 628137) melissa.birdsey Fri, 05/16/2025 - 10:45 ‘No ordinary high school’: Retiring Instructor of English Timothy Johnson reflects on his 20-year career at Interlochen Arts AcademyJohnson shares his favorite memories of his lifelong relationship with Interlochen—from listening to ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ on IPR to leading Bloomsday celebrations in Mott Rotunda. May 16, 2025

Timothy Johnson (center) poses with Interlochen Provost Camille Colatosti (left) and President Trey Devey (right) after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Timothy J. Johnson has held many roles in his lifetime: Writer, educator, journalist, editor, proofreader, bartender, and restaurateur.

His globe-trotting career has seen him tend bar at Manhattan’s famous Russian Tea Room and teach in the People’s Republic of China. But for the past two decades, Johnson has served as Instructor of English at Interlochen Arts Academy—instilling a deep and lasting love for literature in hundreds of young artists.

“Literature exists at the nexus between arts and academics, and for any aspiring artist, the study of this art form is invaluable,” Johnson said. “Literature teaches us how to be human. All literature is story, and as humans, we are hard-wired for story—we lean in reflexively: Go on. Tell me more. Don’t stop now!”

Beloved by his students for his wry humor, generosity of spirit, and cerebral yet soulful approach to teaching literature, Johnson has received numerous accolades for his role as an educator, including Scholastic’s Gold Medal for Outstanding Educator. In May, Johnson was awarded Interlochen’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering belief in the transformative power of literature and his enduring commitment to his students.

This May, Johnson will retire after 20 years of service at Interlochen Arts Academy. We caught up with Johnson to learn more about his favorite memories, proudest moments, and plans for retirement.

How did you realize teaching was your calling?
I’m not sure about the whole idea of a “calling.” Calls can come from different directions, and frankly, a lot of what we end up doing in this life depends on time, place, and circumstance.

I came from a family of educators; both my parents were teachers, and four out of five of my siblings also became teachers. My graduate education prepared me for college-level teaching, and while I did a bit of that, including a year-long appointment in the People’s Republic of China, I was more interested as a young writer in a career that actually involved writing.

I spent a busy apprenticeship working for a small-town daily newspaper; I loved it but the hours were crazy and the pay was absurdly low. I jumped at a chance to write for corporate publications, where I could set my own schedule and the pay was absurdly high—but the work itself was soul-crushing. I also spent a good number of years tending bar, most enjoyably at the famous Russian Tea Room in Manhattan, and another decade opening and running a nationally-recognized restaurant with my wife and little sister here in northern Michigan. As I look back, all of these roles seem to have called to me, and they were all rewarding in their own way. I think they all made me a better teacher, too.

How did you first hear about Interlochen? What inspired you to apply for your position?
My parents were both art lovers, and growing up in Benzonia I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know about Interlochen. My mother loved classical music, and especially opera, so the radio dial was permanently set to 88.7. I’ll never forget coming home from school one day and finding her in tears, listening to the end of Lucia di Lammermoor. My parents raised a large family on a school teacher’s budget, but somehow they found the means to take us to plays and concerts at Interlochen with some regularity. Actually, they had known about Interlochen before they moved here in the late 50’s, and considered it a strong point in northern Michigan’s favor! When my wife and I moved back to Michigan ourselves and I saw a posting for a part-time teaching gig at Interlochen Arts Academy, my application was in the mail the same day.

You first taught at Interlochen for a few years in the 1990s before joining the faculty again in the early 2000s. What brought you back to Interlochen?
Much as I admired Interlochen, I didn’t imagine a full-time teaching career here. For one thing, I had never aspired to be a high school teacher; having observed at close range the amount of work my parents did, I was clear-eyed about the effort required.

But Interlochen was no ordinary high school. Working with passionate young artists whose families truly valued education proved to be an extraordinary experience. The faculty that surrounded me was also extraordinary, both in the arts and academics. Imagine being invited as an English teacher to fashion curricula that both reflected and expressed my own literary passions. This was an unheard-of teacherly freedom. Small class sizes also held great appeal, and the opportunity to attend a continuous stream of plays, concerts, and exhibitions.

What are some of your fondest memories of Interlochen? Any stories you’d like to share?
Back in the day we put together an annual Bloomsday celebration in the Mott Rotunda to honor the publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses—Irish songs, Irish dance, Irish food, and student presentations that were related in one way or another to Ireland and/or Joyce. It was a great event.

I remember once, a Theatre major proposed to adapt a scene from the novel and present it as a monologue. Sounded good.

Well, the scene she chose was Molly Bloom’s finale, which is pretty racy to say the least. So, there we were, a hundred-plus students and quite a few faculty members, and of course, right then is when a dean decided to show up. The young woman was in costume, layers of which she removed as the monologue proceeded, until our Molly Bloom was wearing nothing but actual bloomers and a whale-bone corset. I came within millimeters of calling for her to stop, but honestly, she was doing terrific work. It was both spellbinding and dumbfounding on so many levels.

As the piece came to a close she sank to the floor amidst the discarded layers of her costume and passionately uttered those famous final words that close the novel: “Yes I said Yes I will Yes.” To his everlasting credit, the dean was among the first to break into applause, and before leaving the rotunda he leaned over to murmur “THAT was AMAZING!”

Looking back on your career at Interlochen, what are you most proud of?
There’s a lot of day-to-day work teachers do. In my discipline it’s everything from parts of speech to analytical/interpretive strategies to the planning and execution of essays. But honestly, the thing I’m most proud of is the success I’ve had helping many students cultivate a genuine appreciation for the beauty and complexity of great literary art. It’s very affirming when they thank me for this.

What will you miss most about teaching at Interlochen?
My students, and our discussions. Those wonderful moments when you watch the lights go on.

What’s next for you? Any plans for retirement?
I re-read everything that I teach, and of course there are the hundreds of student papers every year, so I’m really looking forward to more time for my own reading. New books, but also old books that have long been on my list—Proust and Trollope, finishing the Faulkner canon, maybe Finnegan’s Wake but probably not. Also reclaiming my writerly self. Greater political activism, as the times clearly require it. Travel, family, movies, friends, and gardening. I have no worries about keeping busy!

OffSecondary /sites/default/files/styles/hero/public/student-spotlight-photos/2025-05/tim_johnson_headshot_900x600.jpg?itok=RScOtfUn

Answering the top twelve questions about academics at Interlochen Arts Academy (Stories 627239)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:40:22 +0000

Answering the top twelve questions about academics at Interlochen Arts Academy (Stories 627239) marycaroline.w… Fri, 11/01/2024 - 13:40 Answering the top twelve questions about academics at Interlochen Arts AcademyWill my student’s credits transfer? What are typical college outcomes? What about support for students with learning disabilities? Here are the top things parents want to know about Arts Academy academics, as answered by Admissions staff. November 1, 2024

If you’re considering sending your child to an arts boarding school, there are plenty of factors to keep in mind. Many parents want to know what academics are like at boarding school. While most students come to Interlochen Arts Academy to pursue artistic training, parents can also be assured that they’ll receive a rigorous college-prep education—one that prepares them for a future in any field. Read on to explore answers to the top questions parents have about academics at Interlochen Arts Academy.

My student is interested in pursuing a career outside of the arts. How will an Arts Academy education prepare them?

Students graduate from Interlochen Arts Academy with valuable critical thinking skills and a strong background in creative work. These qualities prepare them to excel in any field and make them highly sought after by top employers, academic institutions, and more. Alumni have found success in fields ranging from automotive design to astrophysics. Explore more alumni outcomes here.

Will my student be able to take AP classes at Interlochen?

At Interlochen Arts Academy, students may choose to take Advanced Placement courses with Interlochen faculty in Calculus and Statistics. In addition, students can choose from dozens of other AP courses which are available through Interlochen’s partnership with Michigan Virtual Academy, as well as a variety of summer AP courses available through Johns Hopkins University and Northwestern University. All of the AP exams are offered on campus.

Does Interlochen offer dual enrollment classes?

Yes, Interlochen offers dual enrollment classes through Indiana University which allow students to earn college credits while still in high school. All dual enrollment courses are taught by IU-trained Interlochen faculty members on campus, so there is no need to travel to IU or use an online platform. Courses are available in English, history, and science.

My student has already completed some high school courses. Will their credits transfer to Interlochen?

All courses taken through an accredited institution will count towards Interlochen’s graduation requirements. Each year they study at Arts Academy, students work with an academic counselor to create a course load that takes into account the classes they've already taken, Interlochen’s graduation requirements, and each student’s unique goals.

How rigorous are Interlochen’s academics?

Interlochen Arts Academy offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that helps students find powerful connections between academics and the arts. The school has a focus on experiential, hands-on learning. For example, students in a science class might explore Interlochen’s functioning greenhouse, learn about local pollinators, or even get an inside look at sustainable growing systems like aquaponics. With an average class size of 11, instructors are able to tailor their approach to individual students and learning styles. They also offer regular office hours, allowing students to enjoy a level of growth and mentorship comparable to what’s offered by top colleges.

Is Interlochen Arts Academy accredited?

Interlochen is accredited through ISACS, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. It is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, and licensed by the State of Michigan to operate as a boarding school.

What foreign languages does Interlochen Arts Academy offer?

On campus, Interlochen Arts Academy offers courses in French and Spanish through Level V. Students can access additional language courses through Michigan Virtual Academy, including Chinese, German, Japanese, and American Sign Language (ASL).

How will my student balance arts classes with their academic homework?

Arts Academy academic instructors understand that students come to Interlochen to pursue world-class artistic training, and they do their best to ensure that homework loads remain challenging but manageable. Frequently, academic instructors work one-on-one with students to promote their success, offering flexibility with deadlines when there’s an important arts event coming up like a performance or exhibition.

My student has dyslexia, ADHD, or another kind of learning disability. What supports are in place to help them be successful at Interlochen?

Interlochen offers a strong academic support system that serves the needs of diverse learners on campus. The Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) provides an assisted study program which facilitates the development of executive functioning and self-advocacy skills, as well as a variety of tutoring options ranging from peer tutoring to professional tutors. In addition, students work one-on-one with an academic counselor during their time at Interlochen, ensuring that they are equipped to excel in the classroom and beyond.

Does Interlochen Arts Academy offer support for the college application process?

Interlochen offers robust college- and career-planning support, starting the moment students arrive on campus. Each student is assigned a counselor who they will work with throughout their entire Interlochen experience. During the junior and senior year, counselors work intensively with students to support the college admissions process, helping them to narrow down a list of preferred schools, arrange for standardized testing, successfully complete college applications, and more. Learn more about the college counseling process.

What colleges, universities, and conservatories do Interlochen students attend after graduation?

Interlochen graduates are consistently admitted into highly-regarded colleges, universities, and conservatories. In 2024, 88% of Interlochen Arts Academy graduates were accepted into one of their three top-choice colleges and 82% of graduates enrolled at a top 50 college. Institutions recently admitting Interlochen graduates include Curtis Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music, Harvard University, The Juilliard School, Princeton University, Rhode Island School of Design, and many more. While many graduates choose to pursue further training in the arts, others choose majors in disciplines like business or the sciences. Learn more about college matriculation at Interlochen Arts Academy.

How can I stay involved with my student’s Interlochen journey?

Interlochen offers a variety of resources for families who want to stay involved with their students throughout their Arts Academy experience. Parents may use Canvas, a teaching and learning software that Interlochen uses, to track their students’ grades. They can attend parent-teacher conferences virtually and in person throughout the year. In early October, Interlochen hosts a Family Weekend, welcoming families to campus to connect with their students, touch base with instructors, and enjoy special events.

Learn more about academics at Interlochen Arts Academy.

The results are in: Interlochen Arts Academy Class of 2024 graduates will attend top colleges, universities, art schools, and conservatories (News Articles 626044)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:08:14 +0000

The results are in: Interlochen Arts Academy Class of 2024 graduates will attend top colleges, universities, art schools, and conservatories (News Articles 626044) marycaroline.w… Mon, 04/29/2024 - 15:08 The results are in: Interlochen Arts Academy Class of 2024 graduates will attend top colleges, universities, art schools, and conservatoriesThe Juilliard School, Harvard University, and Eastman School of Music are just a few of the schools that have accepted Interlochen’s graduating seniors. April 29, 2024

Interlochen Arts Academy Class of 2024 graduates have been admitted into top colleges, universities, art schools, and conservatories. Graduating seniors will attend prestigious institutions in the fall including Yale University, Harvard University, The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, Berklee College of Music, and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Other renowned schools and conservatories that have accepted Academy students include Brown University, Northwestern University, Oberlin College, Curtis School of Music, New England Conservatory of Music, and the University of Michigan.

For Arts Academy graduates, the final college decision is the culmination of an in-depth process of exploration that began in junior year. Interlochen college counselors provide expert support for the admissions process, adapting their approach to each student’s individual needs and goals. Students participate in focused workshops, as well as individual and small group meetings with their assigned counselors.

“It’s deeply fulfilling to watch as our graduates head towards incredible futures,” said Dean of Advising and Counseling Chad Gapinski. “These students have worked incredibly hard during their time here, and they’ve taken advantage of everything Arts Academy has to offer. We’re proud of all they’ve accomplished.”

Learn more about Academic and College Counseling at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Interlochen Arts Academy welcomes new faculty for 2023-24 academic year (News Articles 625446)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:58:03 +0000

Interlochen Arts Academy welcomes new faculty for 2023-24 academic year (News Articles 625446) marycaroline.w… Mon, 09/18/2023 - 14:58 Interlochen Arts Academy welcomes new faculty for 2023-24 academic yearThe school’s new teaching artists and scholars include fiction writer Winthrop Emmet Knowlton, organist Hae Won Jang, and filmmaker Nathan Buck.

Winthrop Emmet Knowlton, Hae Won Jang, and Nathan Buck

September 18, 2023

In the fall of 2023, 20 new teachers, instructors, and artists-in-residence joined the ranks of Interlochen Arts Academy faculty. These outstanding artists and educators bring a wealth of accolades, experience, and insight to their roles in academic and artistic divisions.

Arts Instructors

Karen Benda, Instructor of Alexander Technique, is an avid chamber musician, recitalist, and artist-teacher who plays with a "well-defined sound and nuance of phrasing" (Cincinnati Enquirer). Benda has presented numerous chamber music concerts at Interlochen Arts Camp while also being featured on National Public Radio's (NPR) Performance Today. Benda has held teaching residencies at the University of Costa Rica in San Jose, CR and in Bogota, Colombia, as an artist-faculty member of the Batuta Colombian Youth Philharmonic. She performs and presents master classes throughout the country with her chamber group, The Amical Trio. She owns Alexander Technique of Kansas and works throughout the region as a movement coach and freelance clarinetist. She has also held teaching positions at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department, University of Michigan, Ohio University, and most recently at Washburn University.

Nathan Buck is Interlochen’s newest Instructor of Film & New Media. After early careers as a professional actor, musician, and mime artist, Buck started learning the business of film as a producer's assistant on feature films and worked his way up to the role of line producer before moving into writing and directing. After he arrived in NYC in 2005, his feature length documentary Real Gone! Dance competed successfully at the American Dance Film Festival. Nathan has worked extensively as video editor and shooter for 20 years. In 2015 he was invited to be filmmaker-in-residence at Interlochen Center for the Arts, where he also directed the short film "Solitude" by Mia McCullough. In 2018 he and his family moved to Berlin. Under Spanish Skies is Nathan's first full length narrative film. He is a graduate of Northwestern University.

Chris Glassman, Interim Director of Jazz, is a bass trombonist from Littleton, Colorado. He has performed with legendary acts such as Michael Bublé, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Diane Schuur, Kurt Elling, Danilo Perez, and many others on coveted stages such as Madison Square Garden and Dizzy Club Coca Cola. An avid improviser on bass trombone, Glassman joins the newest generation of jazz bass trombonists with three small-group jazz bandleader recordings. In addition, he has been commissioned to write arrangements for the Airmen of Note, Michael Bublé, and many jazz artists (Rodney Whitaker, David Sanborn, and many others). Passionate about mentorship, Glassman has been on the faculty at Brevard Music Center and has taught jazz and led ensembles at multiple universities including Michigan State University and Saginaw Valley State University. He aims to help create resources through social media for aspiring trombonists. Among other things, he leads a podcast, has worked in arts entrepreneurship, and has a deep love for metal music, board games, his wife Christine, and their two cats, Muffin and Dobby.

Dr. Lauren Hunt is the Linda VanSickle Smith French Horn Chair and Director of Brass Studies. Her professional career was kick-started by winning first prize in the International Horn Competition of America in 2013. More recently, Hunt was selected as a fellow by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums. She performs regularly in the horn section of ensembles including Ballet West, Utah Symphony, Utah Festival Opera, and Artosphere Festival Orchestra. Hunt has taught and performed extensively around the globe, giving master classes and recitals in Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and throughout the United States. Hunt has adjudicated for competitions including the International Women's Brass Conference Solo Competition and the International Horn Competition of America. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Horn Performance from the New England Conservatory, a Master of Music in Horn Performance from Yale University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Horn Performance from the University of Georgia, where she was a Presidential Fellow.

Anthony Trionfo is Interlochen’s newest Instructor of Flute, currently offering sabbatical coverage. Trionfo was First Prize Winner of the 2016 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions. He currently serves as second flutist of ProMusica Chamber Orchestra in Columbus, Ohio, and frequently plays with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Princeton Symphony. He collaborates with the Jupiter Chamber Players and Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra in addition to working with the Columbus, Knoxville, and Seattle symphonies. Trionfo is a founder of the Umoja Flute Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to providing flutists of African descent with the tools needed to succeed and thrive at all levels of music making. Trionfo also serves on the Aspen Music Festival and School’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee. Trionfo has been on faculty for programs at The Juilliard School and Interlochen Center for the Arts. In addition, he has presented masterclasses and clinics for organizations like the DC Youth Orchestra Program, Harmony Program, and Jumpstart Young Musicians Program.

Lisa Sanderson, Instructor of Musical Theatre Voice, comes to Interlochen from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, where she was a voice instructor and a pianist in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre program. Sanderson was also recipient of a 2021 Spirit of Community Service campus-wide staff award and a founding member and chair of the department’s anti-racist Advocacy, Allyship, and Access Committee. She has been teaching voice privately and in collegiate settings for almost 20 years. A graduate of Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Sanderson has built a performing resume that includes professional opera, opera chorus, acting, and music direction, with Portland Opera, Seattle Opera, Next Act Theatre, Chicago Opera Playhouse, and Unity Church, among other credits. Sanderson has studied the Estill Vocal Method with Dr. Kimberly Steinhauer at Point Loma in San Diego and contemporary operatic performance with Ann Baltz (Operaworks), and her own voice students have won significant scholarships in collegiate theatrical and vocal studies. Other students are performing on Broadway, on cruises, and in various professional settings throughout the U.S.

Carter Smith, Director of Choral Music, is a conductor and performer from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is in the final stages of completing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Michigan State University. Carter has enjoyed a variety of professional opportunities including graduate assistant instructor at Michigan State, Choir Director at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing, Director of Choral Activities for the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, Chorus Master for Opéra Louisiane, and Director of Music for University United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. He holds a Bachelor of Music (Vocal Performance) from Louisiana State University, where he studied with Dr. Lori Bade and Prof. Dennis Jesse and a Master of Music (Conducting) from LSU, where he studied with Dr. Kenneth Fulton and Maestro Carlos Riazuelo.

Jacob Sussman, Instructor of Visual Art, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics. They are a nationally exhibited artist, an inaugural Somerson Sustainability Innovation Fund grantee, and a 2022 Hyundai X RISD Research Fellow. They are a queer, Jewish sculptor utilizing traditional building methods, hybridized with novel technologies like 3D-scanning and 3D-printing, to create conflicting and entropic spaces. They worked as the Hyundai Biomaterials Assistant at the Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab and were awarded the Graduate Student Employee of the Year and Innovation award for this role at Rhode Island School of Design. In this position, they taught and guided students, faculty, and Hyundai/KIA designers directly in sustainable thinking, developing bio-based materials, and utilizing digital fabrication technology. They hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design.

Academic Instructors

David Heldreth, Instructor of Math/Science, studied engineering and physics at Purdue and Oakland University while working as an engineer for General Motors. As his passion for the outdoors became a more prominent part of his life, he spent his twenties working and guiding in wilderness areas around the world. Whether it was at the summit of Mt. Rainier or climbing ocean cliffs in Thailand, he came to realize the greatest reward was sharing his passions with students. After marrying his adventure partner, he spent several years in rural Wyoming working for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), where he furthered his studies of leadership, wilderness skills, and teaching methodology while taking students into challenging and enriching wilderness experiences. Heldreth brought those skills to the boarding school world as a way to get more time with his students. After earning his Masters in Education and working throughout the west, Heldreth spent the last 3 years as the head of a high school in Kansas. He and his family (partner Becca and twin daughters Madelyn and Zoey) are excited to join the Interlochen team and enjoy all that northern Michigan has to explore.

Rebecca Heldreth, Instructor of Math, started her path to being an educator early. In high school she began teaching gymnastics, swim, and cello lessons to younger students. In college she studied mathematics and Spanish in preparation for teaching in the secondary world. She took a brief detour between her undergraduate math studies at California State University and graduate education studies to work and play in the outdoors. Through working wilderness therapy, Heldreth was able to expand her teaching repertoire to include communication, hiking, and fire building. At the same time she was given the opportunity to travel and go on outdoor expeditions. During this time she met her husband and adventure partner, Dave. After they settled into a more traditional lifestyle, Heldreth taught at a school on the local Native American reservation and took classes to earn her Master’s of Education. Since then, she has had a variety of experiences teaching in public and private schools for students from sixth to twelfth grade. When she is out of the classroom you can find her out on adventures with her partner, their twin eight-year-old daughters, and goofy little corgi.

Matthew Jason, Instructor of History/Social Studies, comes to Interlochen in his twenty-fifth year of teaching. He has a B.S. in Anthropology, with a History minor and African Studies specialization from Michigan State University. Spending the summer of 1997 visiting schools and classrooms in Zimbabwe and the newly democratic Republic of South Africa inspired him to pursue a career, and life, in education. During his career, Jason has continued to enjoy international experiences, whether that was teaching refugee students in Lansing, Michigan, or working in schools in Japan, the Republic of Georgia, and most recently, Ukraine. Jason is a passionate lifelong learner, and this fact permeates his professional and personal lives. His pursuits as a small business owner led him to teach business management to aspiring entrepreneurs, and interest in construction inspired him to obtain his builder’s license and construct his own home in Benzie County. Jason is excited and grateful to be at Interlochen, where creativity and growth are nourished.

Michelle Johncock, Instructor of Mathematics, most recently taught at the first recovery high school in the Carolinas. She has a passion for helping others understand and grow to love mathematics. She taught not only at the high school level while in Charlotte, but also at Central Piedmont Community College, where she prepared second-career adults reentering the educational arena. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Johncock taught for 19 years at several elite private schools in Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, Maryland. From 2013 to 2016, Johncock served on the National Law Enforcement Memorial Museum’s Teacher Advisory Board. She was a 2007-2008 Fulbright Teacher’s Exchange Award recipient and taught eighth and ninth grade maths for one year in Sterkspruit, South Africa while completing her Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from George Washington University as a fellow with the American Association for the Advancement of Science FAME contingent.

Marty Schnepp, Instructor of Mathematics, attended Michigan State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Education in 1988. He taught 7-12 grade math and physics in San Diego, CA before returning to mid-Michigan to attend graduate school at MSU. He started working at Holt High School, a professional development school linked to MSU. After completing a master’s degree in Teaching and Curriculum in 1994, he continued to work at Holt as a full-time math teacher, and later became the math department chair. He has worked on a number NSF-funded research projects, authored and co-authored papers and book chapters relating Calculus and Algebra instruction, and attended the Park City Math Institute three times. He is interested in research related to the psychology of mathematics learning and translating that knowledge to curriculum materials and instructional routines. He is married to Leanne Schnepp, a ceramic artist, sculptor, and arts educator. When not in the classroom, Marty can be found cycling, paddling, and hiking.

Visiting Arts Instructors

Hae Won Jang, Visiting Instructor of Organ, serves as organist and associate music director at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and St. John’s Student Center in East Lansing, where she regularly appears in recital. She has also appeared on the First Friday Concert Series at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas, and on AGO Lansing Chapter Recitals in the Greater Lansing area. She received a Doctor in Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from MSU and is currently a student in the Masters in Sacred Music degree program at the University of Michigan. She teaches organ and piano privately, and frequently accompanies soloists and ensembles in the area.

Nicole Keller, Visiting Instructor of Organ, is in high demand as a concert artist, adjudicator, and clinician. She has concertized in the United States and abroad in venues such as St. Patrick Cathedral, New York; Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Paris; Dom St. Stephan, Passau; St. Patrick Cathedral, Armagh, Northern Ireland; and The Kazakh National University for the Arts, Astana, Kazakhstan. As a teacher, Ms. Keller strives to foster and model a commitment to excellence in performance, scholarship and self-growth as students deepen their love of music and their instrument. Her students have been accepted into and attended prestigious graduate schools throughout the country and enjoy successful musical careers in a variety of settings. Her work as a church musician includes work with volunteer and professional choirs and instrumental ensembles devoted to the highest level of music for worship. She has created organ and choral scholar programs at small and mid-size parishes, developed successful children’s choir programs, and led choirs on tour. Ms. Keller received a Performer’s Certificate and a Master of Music Degree in Organ Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York under the tutelage of David Higgs. She received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Berea, Ohio.

Emil Khudyev, Visiting Instructor of Clarinet, performed with orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and The Cleveland Orchestra prior to joining the Seattle Symphony. He has also served as the acting Associate Principal, Second and E-flat Clarinet of the Kansas City Symphony. Born in Turkmenistan, Khudyev began his musical training under the auspices of the Moscow Conservatory, and at age 7, was admitted to the Special Music School of Turkmenistan. Khudyev received his bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music with Franklin Cohen, and his master’s degree at the Yale School of Music with clarinetist David Shifrin. Khudyev also studied at the Colburn Conservatory for his Artist Diploma under Yehuda Gilad. He has attended Tanglewood Music Festival, the Colorado College Music Festival, and the Sarasota Music Festival.

Winthrop Emmett Knowlton, Visiting Instructor of Creative Writing, is a writer from Montclair, New Jersey. He graduated with honors from Amherst College and received his MFA in creative writing from the University of Montana. His fiction appears or is forthcoming in Southern Humanities Review, MAYDAY Magazine, and The Masters Review, and won the 2022 Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Prize. He has also been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and received the Peter Burnett Howe Prize for fiction. As a journalist, he won multiple Emmy Awards as an associate producer at HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, and has also published journalism in The New York Times and Business Insider, among other publications.

Michael Malis, Visiting Instructor of Jazz Piano, is a composer, pianist, and music educator based in Detroit, Michigan. A multi-faceted musical artist, he works across genres in improvisational, concert music, and interdisciplinary settings. His March 2020 release, Three Pieces for Piano, was praised by the Southeast Michigan Jazz Association as “thrilling music, with shifting harmonic and rhythmic qualities that require prodigious precise technique and the kind of generic versatility that few pianists achieve.” As a composer, Malis has been commissioned by Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, Chamber Music Society of Detroit, Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Detroit Composers’ Project, Virago, Hole in the Floor, and others. As a pianist, he has shared the stage with such luminaries as Marcus Belgrave, Gerald Cleaver, Jaribu Shahid, John Lindberg, William Hooker, A. Spencer Barefield, Tyshawn Sorey, Brandee Younger, J.D. Allen, and Marion Hayden.

Anne Ringwalt, Visiting Instructor of Creative Writing, is a writer and musician. The author of The Wheel (Spuyten Duyvil), she has published her work in Jacket2, Washington Square Review, and Bennington Review. She was the recipient of the 2019 Sparks Prize as a graduate of the University of Notre Dame’s MFA in Poetry program, and she teaches creative writing at Belmont University, the Porch, and Interlochen Center for the Arts. She is also a contributing blogger for Action Books. She has performed her music as Anne Malin at the Watermill Center, the New Yorker Festival, and with Third Man Records. Waiting Song is her most recent record.

Greenacres Documentary Project Faculty

Claire Collins, Producer for the Greenacres Documentary Project at Interlochen, is a freelance video journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Los Angeles. They were born in Hong Kong and raised in Amman, Jordan, where they first picked up a camera with the hope of making sense of the disparate cultures that created their communities. After studying photo and video journalism at the University of North Carolina, they spent five years on staff at the Los Angeles Times. Their long term reporting focused on issues of incarceration and mental health. Their work has been recognized by the Online News Association, the National Press Photographers Association, the Los Angeles Press Club, and the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. They have been honored with awards from the Los Angeles Area Emmys, the Horizon Interactive Awards, SxSW, and the Webby Awards.

Lydia Hicks, Cinematographer for the Greenacres Documentary Project at Interlochen, brings a unique perspective to both wildlife filmmaking and experimental art practices due to her background in zoology. She holds an MFA in Film and Video from CalArts, and is best known for her cinematography work on Fe26 (directed by Kevin Jerome Everson) which premiered at Sundance. As a professional editor, she started in television—first with KVCR doing short news clips, then in South Africa where she worked on 50|50, a nationally syndicated nature show. She has worked on freelance corporate and educational videos, as well as a contract in Qatar where she worked on nature programming, commercials, and several reality TV series. Her work focuses on identity politics, environment, and nature.

Learn more about Interlochen Arts Academy.

Four Interlochen Arts Academy seniors named semifinalists in National Merit Scholarship Program (News Articles 625445)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:23:07 +0000

Four Interlochen Arts Academy seniors named semifinalists in National Merit Scholarship Program (News Articles 625445) melissa.birdsey Mon, 09/18/2023 - 10:23 Four Interlochen Arts Academy seniors named semifinalists in National Merit Scholarship ProgramActing major Paige Cook and music majors Arin Goldstein, Avrom Lindner, and William Simpfendorfer are among the 16,000 U.S. high school students chosen to advance in the prestigious scholarship competition.

National Merit Semifinalists Avrom Lindner (left) and Paige Cook (right). Not pictured: Arin Goldstein and William Simpfendorfer.

September 18, 2023

Four Interlochen Arts Academy seniors have been named semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Paige Cook (IO 21, IAC 22, IAA 22-), an acting major from Lafayette, Indiana; Arin Goldstein (IAC 17-18, 22; IAA 22-), a flute major from Park City, Utah; Avrom Lindner (IAC 19, IAA 20-), a cello major from Bellingham, Washington; and William Simpfendorfer (IAC 21, 23; IAA 23-), an oboe major from Colorado Springs, Colorado, are among the 16,000 students from across the United States—less than 1% of high school seniors—chosen to advance in the prestigious scholarship competition. Cook, Goldstein, Lindner, and Simpfendorfer were selected based on their scores on the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as the initial screening process for National Merit Scholarship entrants.

To be considered for the Finalist designation, Cook, Goldstein, Lindner, and Simpfendorfer will complete a comprehensive application; write an essay; and confirm their scores by taking either the SAT or ACT. Approximately 95% of Semifinalists—about 15,000 students—will be selected as Finalists in February 2024. About half of these finalists will be chosen as scholarship recipients, known as Merit Scholars. Merit Scholars will be announced in a series of four news releases beginning in April 2024 and concluding in July 2024.

Established in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program honors the nation’s academically talented high school students and encourages the pursuit of academic excellence. Each year, the program awards approximately 7,250 scholarships worth nearly $28 million, including 2,500 $2,500 National Merit Scholarships, 950 corporate-sponsored awards, and 3,800 college-sponsored scholarships.

Arts Academy academic instructors Jean Gaede and Taoufik Nadji to retire after decades of dedicated service (Stories 624847)

melissa.birdsey — Thu, 11 May 2023 15:03:36 +0000

Arts Academy academic instructors Jean Gaede and Taoufik Nadji to retire after decades of dedicated service (Stories 624847) melissa.birdsey Thu, 05/11/2023 - 11:03 Arts Academy academic instructors Jean Gaede and Taoufik Nadji to retire after decades of dedicated service Gaede, an instructor of liberal arts, and Nadji, the Academy’s instructor of physics, astronomy, and forensic science, inspired thousands of students to strive for academic excellence.

Instructor of English Jean Gaede (left) and Instructor of Physics, Astronomy, and Forensic Science Taoufik Nadji.

May 24, 2023

If you ask recent Interlochen Arts Academy graduates which of their Academy instructors had the greatest impact on their lives, two names are particularly popular responses: Jean Gaede and Taoufik Nadji.

Gaede and Nadji have been pillars of the Academy’s academic faculty for more than three decades. The duo have exemplified the Academy’s ideal of arts-focused academics, helping their students discover the connections between the arts and their subject areas while challenging them to attain a high level of academic achievement.

This spring, both Gaede and Nadji will retire after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Below, we share a look back at Gaede and Nadji’s storied careers as educators, mentors, colleagues, and friends.

A zest for life and literature

Instructor of English Jean Gaede during the 2019-20 academic year.

Jean Gaede teaches a class during the 1991-92 academic year.

Jean Gaede (left) works with a student in 1993.

Jean Gaede’s history with Interlochen began long before she applied to become a faculty member: As a Michigan native, musician, and daughter of a classical music lover, Gaede has always known about the institution.

“When I was a child, we always had on the Detroit radio station,” Gaede said in a 2020 interview with Interlochen’s Crescendo magazine. “There was a program called Adventures in Good Music. The program was hosted by Karl Haas, who was the first president of Interlochen after Dr. Maddy. I was a piano student in my younger years; my parents asked if I wanted to attend the Academy when it opened, but I decided I was not serious enough about the piano to come.”

Gaede joined the Academy faculty as an Instructor of English in 1986 after over a decade as a teacher in the Michigan Public Schools. Gaede’s experience immediately made her a valuable addition to the school: within two years, she was appointed chair of the Liberal Arts Division, a position she held from 1988 to 1998.

Gaede was also “an instant hit” with students, in the words of former Arts Academy Director Bruce Galbraith. Her passion for literature—and for life—resonated with many of her pupils.

“The things that I learned from [Gaede] really piqued my interest in Russian literature, and I'm still interested in it today,” said Interlochen Arts Academy graduate Benjamin DeBoer (IAC 95-97, IAA 98-02) in a 2012 interview about the Academy’s 50th anniversary. “But more importantly, [Gaede] is someone who has real zest and verve. She has a real fun presence and a real passion for teaching. I felt so drawn to her because of her big personality, her love and her care for her students, and the individual way she went about teaching.”

Paola Prestini (IAC 90-91, IAA 91-93), an acclaimed composer and co-founder of National Sawdust, agrees. “I was profoundly impacted by the brilliant Jean Gaede,” she said. “My love of literature stems from her, and I am the artist I am today because of her. She was fun and electrifying, and I loved her.”

Throughout her tenure, Gaede was a symbol of the excellence of an Academy education, maintaining high standards of scholarly vigor for both herself and her students.

“I took two courses with Ms. Gaede my first year at the Academy—Russian Literature in the fall and Modern American Literature in the spring,” said Tevan Goldberg (IAC 11, IAA 12-14). “In hindsight, these courses were just as good as anything I took later in college and graduate school at Harvard, and miles ahead of my previous school's English classes. Every single reading assignment made a very significant mark on my young mind and continues to resonate powerfully.”

Gaede’s high standards were particularly evident in her emphasis on clear, well-structured writing. She often held extra tutorial sessions to help students master the art of academic writing.

“Ms. Gaede taught me how to write and study well as a teenager,” said Heather Kendrick (IAA 08-11), Dean of Education and Community at Aspen Music Festival and School. “These skills have served me personally, academically, and professionally. When I think back to the teachers who really changed my life and taught me lessons that I still use today, I think of Ms. Gaede.”

Los Angeles Philharmonic bassoonist Evan Kuhlmann (IAA 00-02) also recalls Gaede’s commitment to honing her students’ writing capabilities.

“I’ll never forget the time [Gaede] took on our tutorial sessions to help us refine our essays, challenging and often strengthening our ideas one-on-one,” Kuhlmann said. “In these sessions, she also generously imparted so many words of wisdom about life–perhaps without even trying.”

Despite the countless lessons about literature and writing that she instilled, Gaede is most proud of the relationships she built with her students.

“My greatest sense of fulfillment comes from the lasting connections I enjoy with former students and their families,” she said. “I have carried many of them in my heart for decades, so it's especially uplifting to be remembered.”

And Gaede’s students do remember—not just her lessons, but her compassion, wit, and wisdom. From comforting homesick students to hosting movie nights at her home, from offering college advice to ensuring a student’s MORP date had a tie of the correct color, Gaede consistently demonstrated a level of genuine care that went well beyond her job description.

In 2019, Gaede received the President’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her dedication to the students of Interlochen Arts Academy. In his remarks, President Trey Devey praised Gaede as an “invaluable asset to Interlochen” and an “amazing colleague” with “a finely tuned sense of what is just, right, and proper.”

As Gaede prepares to enter her next chapter, the people of Interlochen remain close to her heart.

“I've had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful individuals during my 36 years at the Academy,” she said. “The students, their parents, trustees, my colleagues, and the dozens who have staffed the various departments on campus are all a very meaningful part of my Interlochen experience. Our community's greatest asset has always been the people who've chosen to commit themselves to the excellence for which we are known. I am so proud to have been a part of this tradition.”

But if Gaede has her way, her retirement is less of a “farewell” than it is a “see you later.”

“I have no firm agenda items for retirement,” she said. “With six grandchildren spread across the country, I expect I'll be doing some traveling. But I'd love to come back to work with the students in some capacity, health permitting. This old geezer isn't quite ready for abdication.”

Making physics fun

Instructor of Physics, Astronomy, and Forensic Science Taoufik Nadji poses with Zerrin Veldman-Preble's (IAA 93-97) competition-winning catapult. (Photo by Interlochen Center for the Arts Photo Archivist Eileen Ganter)

Nadji (second from left) teaches a physics class during the 1992-93 academic year.

Nadji (second from left) supervises a physics lab during the 2010-11 academic year.

Taoufik Nadji joined the Academy faculty in 1992 after seeing a posting on a bulletin board at Central Michigan University.

“I had just finished student teaching, and I was working part-time, adjunct faculty positions at three universities—Saginaw Valley State University, Lake Michigan College, and Central Michigan University,” he said in a 2020 interview with Crescendo. “I decided to look for a full-time job, and saw the opening here. I came for an interview and was offered the job. That was [31] years ago.”

Nadji began his career at the Academy as an instructor of physics and mathematics, eventually pivoting to a full-time focus on physics, astronomy, and forensic science in response to demand for more course offerings in the sciences. His kindness, infectious passion for science, and sense of humor made Nadji—known affectionately as Monsieur le ¡Nadj!—a student favorite.

“Monsieur le ¡Nadj! is one of the most unique teachers I've ever met,” said 2022 graduate Lucy Chugh (IO 20, IAA 20-22). “Every day, he brought genuine enthusiasm and generosity towards his students. My favorite memories are about his catchphrases, such as calling people 'silly bananas' or saying 'the people of Nepal love you,' or just his use of emojis in emails.”

Nadji tapped his students’ interests as an educational tool in a variety of ways over the years—from asking students to create arts-based responses to scientific concepts to providing personally relevant examples. The integration of art into the classroom was particularly noticeable in Nadji’s physics classes.

“I decided to change from teaching traditional physics to emphasizing modern physics, such as optics and the physics of sound, because these subjects are more interesting to artists,” he said. “That doesn’t mean that I gave up on traditional physics, but it became something that I would get my students through so I could get to these more interesting subjects.”

Even in his traditional physics modules, Nadji incorporated hands-on activities to make challenging topics easier to understand—and even fun.

“I will never forget the time [Nadji] took our class into the elevator with a bathroom scale, so that we could see our weight change when the elevator started and stopped,” said 2002 graduate and Chicago Symphony Chorus soprano Megan Bell (IAA 00-02). “I'm so thankful for the well-rounded education [Nadji] helped provide at Interlochen.”

“Mr. Nadji truly changed my life,” said 2022 graduate Denver Edwards (IAA 18-22). “He reawakened my love for learning. With Nadji, you always knew what you were learning and why. He made everything fun and exciting, and I never wanted to miss his class.”

One particularly memorable activity for both Nadji and his students was the catapult project, an annual event in which students competed to toss a raw egg as far as possible beyond a 1.5-meter wooden wall. An incident from the inaugural competition remains one of Nadji’s favorite memories.

“I thought the catapults students would build would not be that powerful, so we held the first catapult competition in the Jessie V. Stone building,” Nadji recalls. “I set up tarps and thought I was all prepared.”

“The first few tosses went exactly as I predicted. Then, it was Zerrin (Veldman-Preble’s) turn. She approached me and whispered, ‘Mr. Nadji, I need to move my catapult further back because it will launch the egg quite far.’ I said, ‘OK, let’s move your catapult to the edge of the gym.’ Zerrin launched the egg, and it hit the wall adjacent to the scoreboard way up high. That was the first—and last—time I used an indoor venue for the catapult project.”

Taoufik Nadji (far right) talks with students prior to the 1996-97 catapult competition in the Jessie V. Stone Building.

Zerrin Veldman-Preble (IAA 93-97) poses with her prize-winning catapult during the 1996-97 academic year.

Nadji also encouraged his students to participate in physics activities beyond Interlochen’s campus. In 2005, the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics observed World Year of Physics in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s “Miracle Year.” As part of the celebration, three of Nadji’s advanced physics students—Ethan Engle (IAC 01, IAA 01-05), Michelle Rolph (IAC 03, IAA 03-05), and Schuyler Cohen (IAC 03, IAA 04-05)—shared presentations about Einstein’s contributions to physics at the Traverse Area District Library.

Outside of his own classroom, Nadji collaborated with colleagues to showcase how physics concepts apply to the arts and to conduct cross-disciplinary research.

“The late maestro Matthew Hazelwood asked me to share the physics of music with the Arts Academy Orchestra,” Nadji said. “He wanted students to see the comparison between their take on the fourth movement of Beethoven’s fifth symphony and that of three major European orchestras. I recorded their performance and generated a waveform of the piece. Then, I generated similar waveforms for the professional orchestras and displayed the spectra comparisons. It was a fantastic learning moment, and a great display of how arts and science can create magic.”

Pianist Bahar Annadurdyyeva (IAC 06, IAA 06-08) recalls participating in one of Nadji’s physics demonstrations.

“While I did not get a chance to take a class with Mr. Nadji, I remember Dr. [Michael] Coonrod taking us to his amazing classroom,” Annadurdyyeva said. “[Nadji] showed us how string vibration works. I remember the passion with which he delivered the message and the sparkle in his eyes when he was teaching.”

Nadji also partnered with Instructor of Flute Nancy Stagnitta and former Director of Comparative Arts (now known as Interdisciplinary Arts) Nicola Conraths-Lange to examine the effects of physical tension and posture on a flutist’s sound quality. The resulting research, "Pilates, Physics, and the Healthy, Resonant Flutist," was presented at the 2012 National Flute Association Convention and the University of Michigan.

Nadji (front row, seated) with Instructor of Flute Nancy Stagnitta (back row, left) and former Director of Comparative Arts Nicola Conraths-Lange (back row, right).

Nadji poses with the projector prior to his presentation at the 2012 National Flute Association Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Nadji’s other professional accomplishments include publishing articles in The Physics Teacher and The Mathematics Teacher magazines; leading workshops and presentations at national physics, mathematics, and education conferences; and serving as the president of the Michigan section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (MIAAPT). His participation in MIAAPT brought educators from across the state to the Academy for three section meetings—a particular highlight of his professional career.

“[Hosting the meetings] allowed me to demonstrate that Interlochen Arts Academy is not just an arts institution, but also as a mecca for academics,” Nadji said. “The icing on the cake was the fact that two Academy alumni were featured keynote speakers—which is proof that Interlochen does churn out scholars in the academic fields.”

Nadji himself played an instrumental role in preparing the young scholars of Interlochen Arts Academy for careers in the math and science sectors. In 2018, President Devey awarded Nadji the President’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his ingenuity in teaching and dedication to his students.

“Nadji has inspired and motivated a new generation of creative learners, and he has built deep and lifelong connections with Interlochen,” Devey said during the award presentation. “I have heard time and again from our alumni about the important role Nadji had in their lives; about his deep commitment to their learning while they were students here; and how his kindness and thoughtfulness resonated with them in the years to follow.”

Beyond sharing his passion for physics, Nadji helped uphold the Academy’s ideals of intercultural understanding by sharing his experiences as a follower of the Muslim faith with students.

“Right after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, I was asked to speak about Islam at the community meeting,” he said. “It allowed me to share what Islam is truly all about with the Interlochen Arts Academy community. Thanks to liberal arts instructors Tim Johnson, Karen Libby, Jean Gaede, and Brian McCall, presentations about Islam have continued to be offered on almost a yearly basis as part of their respective curricula.”

Nadji’s Muslim faith is the basis for his passion for both teaching and learning—a passion he plans to explore further in his retirement.

“As a Muslim, I am going to always be a learner, a teacher, or both,” he said. “Initially, I am going to be doing some education-related work until I reach the official retirement age—I am still a baby according to Uncle Sam. But since the workload will be lighter, I am hoping to catch up with religious studies, creative writing, and physics and math education research.”

“The educator in me is never going to cease teaching and learning.”

OnSecondaryHappenings /sites/default/files/styles/hero/public/2023-05/gaede_nadji_web.jpg?itok=HK7j79BF

How to prepare your child for boarding school: 12 essential tips (Stories 531800)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:13:32 +0000

How to prepare your child for boarding school: 12 essential tips (Stories 531800) marycaroline.w… Wed, 03/08/2023 - 10:13 How to prepare your child for boarding school: 12 essential tipsEnsure your child is set up to succeed in every area of life at Interlochen Arts Academy. March 8, 2023

Sending your student to boarding school is a major decision. Your student will be living away from home, possibly for the first time, and learning to navigate classes and friendships independently. To help successfully prepare for the boarding school experience, we worked with Michael Kern, Ph.D., Director of Student Support Services; Megan Walton, Vice Provost of Student Life; and Corey Hill, Director of Health Services to develop this list of essential skills. We’ve included tips and tricks to ease the transition and help your high school student have an outstanding Interlochen experience.

1. Sleep

In order to stay healthy and grow, teenagers need to get plenty of sleep. It helps if they’re waking up and going to bed at consistent times each day, even on weekends. Work with your child to ensure they have a tried and tested routine for waking up on time and getting where they need to be—whether that involves an alarm clock or maybe a cup of caffeinated goodness. That way, morning classes will be a breeze.

2. Self-care

Make sure your student can take responsibility for their personal hygiene. This includes dressing, showering, and brushing their teeth without being reminded by an adult. Talk to them about how good hygiene can help them get along well with others and feel good about themselves (not to mention, it’s great practice for success in the workplace!).

3. Scheduling

Your student should be able to handle their schedule on their own. This includes showing up to class on time, finishing homework assignments, and managing other commitments. Many students use scheduling aids to help with time management, such as a notebook, daily planner, or Google calendar. Try out a few before they head off to boarding school, and decide on a system that works best for them.

4. Meals

Does your student have any allergies or dietary issues? Make sure they are aware of their needs and know what is safe to eat and what they need to avoid. During Orientation Weekend, you can meet with Interlochen’s Dining Services to develop a plan for accommodating dietary needs.

5. Cleanliness

Your student should be able to take care of their own laundry and keep their room tidy. Not only does it show respect for roommates, it will also ensure that your child knows where to find their things and prepares them for independent living. Encourage your student to keep their room tidy at home, so that basic cleanliness is a habit by the time they come to boarding school.

6. Wellness

Interlochen is a safe and welcoming place for students with a variety of chronic conditions, from diabetes, asthma, and epilepsy to depression and ADHD. Ensure that your child knows how to care for themselves, self-advocate, and get help when they need it. Interlochen’s Health Services is available to support your student in their wellness journey.

7. Academic support

Does your child struggle to compose a literary analysis essay, or need a little extra help solving trigonometric equations? Let your child know that they can get help with academics through Interlochen’s Academic Center for Enrichment (A.C.E.). A.C.E. offers an Assisted Study course during the academic day, as well as tutoring services with faculty, peers, and professional tutors.

8. Medication

For safety, Interlochen’s nurses in Health Services help maintain and distribute student prescriptions. Make sure your child can independently and consistently pick up their own medications, and encourage them to set reminders—whether on a planner or using their phone—to get refills when it’s time.

9. Emotional regulation

Your child will do well at boarding school if they can understand their own emotions and express them to others in a healthy way. Interlochen offers psychological and mental health support for students through on-campus professionals, as well as partnerships with telecounseling services and local providers. Work with your child so that they feel comfortable reaching out for help when they need it.

10. Respect

Boarding school requires students to build relationships with peers from different cultures and lifestyles, and it’s important that your child can show respect to others even when conflicts arise. Make sure they are ready to follow the standards of behavior outlined in the Academy Student Handbook, which ensures that all Interlochen students enjoy the benefits of an accepting community.

11. Resilience

Encourage your student to stay positive during any challenges they might encounter. Learning to work through difficulty is a necessary part of growing in independence and becoming an adult. Let your child know that you’re there for them as they learn.

12. Being considerate

At Interlochen, your student will live with a roommate and uphold a roommate agreement. Make sure your student has the communication skills to talk through any issues with their roommate, or seek out an appropriate resource in Interlochen’s Department of Residence Life to help.

As your student develops these skills, they’ll be ready to experience the full potential of personal, artistic, and academic growth as a boarding school student at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Students prepare to have their voices heard In Lansing (News Articles 429308)

melissa.birdsey — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:28:49 +0000

Students prepare to have their voices heard In Lansing (News Articles 429308) melissa.birdsey Tue, 09/27/2022 - 08:28 Students prepare to have their voices heard In LansingInterlochen Arts Academy students Tendekai Mawokomatanda and Bella Rotker aim for the Michigan Youth House of Representative and Senate Floors as part of the Youth In Government program.

Youth in Government participants Isabella (Bella) Rotker (left) and Tendekai Mawokomatanda (right)

September 27, 2022

Two students at Interlochen Arts Academy are ready to make their voices heard. 17-year-old senior Tendekai Mawokomatanda and 15-year-old sophomore Isabella (Bella) Rotker are preparing to enter the political arena at the Michigan Youth In Government Central Fall Conference on Oct. 13.

"Watching these students participate in our democracy without waiting for permission and taking ownership of their citizenship is so impressive,” said Interlochen Arts Academy history and political science instructor Brian McCall.

Mawokomatanda is campaigning for Speaker of the House, and Rotker is launching her own campaign for Lieutenant Governor.

Mawokomatanda, a first generation African American from Zimbabwe, is campaigning on the belief that productivity is better when we work together.

“I am running for Youth Speaker of the House to create a safe and moderated environment for all the delegates in the House of Representatives. I want to give every delegate a fair chance to speak at least once on the house floor and express their views, as they are our next generation of politicians,” said Mawokomatanda.

He has already proven that he has the chops to be Speaker of the House. Last year he introduced a transparency bill to his YIG peers, which passed the house, senate and Youth Governor’s office. His bill is set to become a reality within the next coming months.

Rotker, too, has seen tremendous success with her bill regarding menstrual equity for incarcerated Michiganders and, after having passed her bill through the model state government, will be introducing her bill to the statehouse soon. Having been born in Venezuela, Bella Rotker knows the importance of unity in order to create a strong government.

“I’m currently working to have my bill passed through the actual Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and signed by Governor Whitmer. The bill originated in YIG and it’s so special to be able to see and feel the community I’ve formed with fellow young activists because of Youth in Government. All aspects of YIG are a community before they are ever a competition,” said Rotker. “As Youth Lieutenant Governor, I hope to inspire delegates to have the confidence to speak their truths. I want to help facilitate a safe environment for productive debate on the floor and help make the program more accessible to young people who have something to say about our state, our people, and our world. We are stronger together.”

And they aren’t stopping there. Both Mawokomatanda and Rotker are also working on bills they will present at the spring conference in Lansing.

“Democracy is incredibly important to me, as I come from a country where it is tossed and beaten around by corrupt government officials. So I am planning to introduce several virtual bills that will focus on the availability and accessibility of voting,” said Mawokomatanda. “It is incredibly important for me to have access to free and fair elections where having the freedom of speech is an essential human right, not a privilege that you are at risk of being punished for using. With democracy now more important than ever, I plan to introduce this legislation that would protect Michigan voters.”

Rotker is continuing with her passion of bringing rights to incarcerated Michiganders.

“As it stands, minimum wage in Michigan doesn’t apply to imprisoned workers, and they can earn as low as five cents per hour. My bill for this year’s conference will aim to regulate that,” said Rotker.

YMCA Michigan Youth in Government is a student-led, student run model government for teens across the state of Michigan. These program areas model the systems that make our Democracy run.

Interlochen Arts Academy students named 2023 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists (News Articles 429201)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 15:24:36 +0000

Interlochen Arts Academy students named 2023 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists (News Articles 429201) melissa.birdsey Mon, 09/26/2022 - 11:24 Interlochen Arts Academy students named 2023 National Merit Scholarship semifinalistsSeniors Alissa Chang and Elizabeth Keller are among the 16,000 high school seniors recognized by the prestigious national competition.

Arts Academy seniors Elizabeth Keller (left) and Alissa Chang (right).

September 26, 2022

Update: Both Chang and Keller have been selected as finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship program.

Interlochen Arts Academy seniors Alissa Chang (IAC 22, IAA 22-) and Elizabeth Keller (IAC 19, IAA 21-) have been selected as semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Chang, 16, is a violin major from Fairview, Texas. A native of Vancouver, Washington, Keller, 17, is the winner of the 2021 Virginia B. Ball Creative Writing Scholarship Competition. She currently studies creative writing at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Each year, more than 1.5 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Approximately 16,000 students—the highest-scoring entrants from each U.S. state—are selected as semifinalists.

Once selected as semifinalists, entrants must complete a scholarship application and meet high academic standards to advance to the finalist level. In February, approximately 15,000 students will be chosen as finalists and sent a Certificate of Merit. From March to June, approximately 7,500 winners will be awarded either a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship or a corporate or college-sponsored award.

Founded in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program identifies and honors academically talented U.S. high school seniors and provides scholarships to the most gifted entrants. Merit Scholarship awards are supported by more than 400 independent sponsors—including corporations, colleges, company foundations, and professional associations—and by NMSP’s own funds.

Since 1962, Interlochen Arts Academy students have pursued rigorous, college-preparatory academics alongside advanced pre-professional training in the arts, preparing them to thrive in the arts and beyond. Academy students routinely demonstrate both artistic and academic excellence, regularly placing well in the National Merit Scholarship Competition and other scholastic recognition programs and going on to top colleges, universities, and conservatories.

Interlochen Arts Academy welcomes new faculty for 2022-23 academic year (News Articles 427516)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:46:08 +0000

Interlochen Arts Academy welcomes new faculty for 2022-23 academic year (News Articles 427516) marycaroline.w… Mon, 09/12/2022 - 13:46 Interlochen Arts Academy welcomes new faculty for 2022-23 academic yearThe school’s new teaching artists and scholars include operatic soprano Jennifer Cresswell, published poet Karynna McGlynn, and filmmaker Dan Tice.

L-R: Instructor of Mathematics Jessica Sklar, Artist-in-Residence Darcy Parker Bruce, and Instructor of Voice Dr. Jennifer Cresswell.

September 12, 2022

L-R: Instructor of Mathematics Jessica Sklar, Artist-in-Residence Darcy Parker Bruce, and Instructor of Voice Dr. Jennifer Cresswell.

L-R: Director of Creative Writing Karyna McGlynn, Instructor of Interdisciplinary Arts Stephen Speciale, and Instructor of Film & New Media Daniel Tice.

L-R: Film and New Media Program Director Briana Yarhouse, Interlochen Online Director of Education Susan Gedutis Lindsay, and Interlochen Online Program Coordinator Hayley Collins.

L-R: School Counselor/Social Worker Megan Emmendorfer and Student Affairs Team Leader Megan Walton.

In the fall of 2022, 11 new teachers, instructors, and artists-in-residence joined the ranks of Interlochen Arts Academy faculty. These outstanding artists and educators bring a wealth of accolades, experience, and insight to their roles in academic and artistic divisions.

Academic Faculty

Prior to accepting her position as Instructor of Mathematics at Interlochen, Jessica Sklar was a professor of mathematics at Pacific Lutheran University for 21 years. She received her Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Oregon in June 2001, under the guidance of Frank Anderson. Her scholarship interests lie in the areas of math and art, math and pop culture, recreational math, and abstract algebra. She also creates mathematical art.

Artists-in-residence

Darcy Parker Bruce joins Interlochen as Writer-In-Residence. They are a playwright and educator from New Haven, Connecticut, with an MFA in Playwriting from Smith College. In the summer they join the Sewanee Writers’ Conference as part of their staff. Bruce was the recipient of a 2017 Tennessee Williams Scholarship through the Sewanee Writers' Conference, and was granted ATHE's 2018 Judith Royer Award For Excellence in Theater for their play SOLDIER POET. Bruce was a 2019 LAMBDA Literary Fellow. In the summer of 2022, their play To The Moon And Back opened at Chester Theater Company.

Arts Instructors

The Voice Department welcomes the new Instructor of Voice Dr. Jennifer Cresswell—a soprano, librettist, educator, and author with a passion for curating and creating art through a 21st-century lens. Her recent performance highlights include appearances as “Cherubino” in Ragnar Kjartansson’s Bliss with Detroit Opera; “Social Worker/News Reporter” in X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X; and “Olivia” in Minnesota Opera’s filmed production of Kamala Sankaram’s INTERSTATE, for which she also served as co-librettist. Dr. Cresswell is co-founder of GDQ Arts, a nonprofit arts organization focused on elevating women’s stories through spoken and sung theatre. Her writing has been published in Classical Singer, The Middleclass Artist, and An Injustice!

Karyna McGlynn is Interlochen’s new Director of Creative Writing. McGlynn is an award-winning writer, educator, and visual artist who recently served as the associate professor of creative writing and literature at Christian Brothers University. She has been a member of five National Poetry Slam teams and was a finalist for the Women of the World Poetry Slam. Some of her other honors include the Rumi Prize for Poetry, the Academy of American Poets' Prize, and the Zell Fellowship in Poetry. McGlynn is a published author whose new poetry collection, 50 Things Kate Bush Taught Me About the Multiverse, is currently available through Sarabande Books. Her previous collection, Hothouse, was a New York Times Editor’s Choice, and her writing has recently appeared in the Kenyon Review, Ploughshares, New England Review, Georgia Review, Black Warrior Review, Witness, Ninth Letter, and the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-A-Day.

Steven Speciale—Interlochen’s new Instructor of Interdisciplinary Arts—is a pianist, conductor, and educator. He has taught Electronic Music, AP Music Theory, and Choir at Loyola High School of Los Angeles while also serving as Director of Music for St. Andrew’s in Fullerton. Under Speciale’s direction, the Loyola choir sang at Carnegie Hall, Disney Hall, Our Lady Queen of Angels Cathedral, and live on television from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Speciale revamped the music program at Loyola, establishing a thirty-seat Mac Music Lab and shifting the curriculum toward project-based portfolio classes. His students have written iPhone apps as standalone music compositions, built reactive music tables, invented QR code music trees, and created many other electronic music and multimedia projects.

Dan Tice, Interlochen’s newest Instructor of Film & New Media, is a filmmaker who has worked in numerous aspects of the industry as a film editor, camera operator, story consultant, and represented screenwriter. His screenplays have been optioned by production companies including Davis Entertainment and Schorr Pictures and have recently received awards from the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, the Marfa Film Festival, and the CineStory Foundation. His short films, including Thank You For Not Smoking, have screened at numerous festivals including Sundance and the British Short Film Festival.

Joining the Film & New Media Department as Program Director is Briana Yarhouse, an animator and researcher whose work has played in many festivals. Her animated documentary Beyond Freedom was nominated in 2006 for best short of the year at the Berlin Film Festival. She has juried animation for the Woods Hole Film Festival and the Xiamen International Animation Festival, and her teaching experience includes 15 years as professor in the Digital Art and Design and Visual and Critical Studies programs at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Yarhouse’s essays and papers have been published in the ASIFA Magazine, The International Journal of Comic Art, and the Society for Animation Studies Journal, among others. She is the director of International Animation Day for the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation.

Interlochen Online Faculty

The new Director of Education at Interlochen Online is Susan Gedutis Lindsay. She is a music educator and writer/editor with extensive experience in instructional design and music. Following her position as Director for Instructional Design at Berklee College of Music, Lindsay worked as an elementary instrumental music teacher; she taught all instruments and served as band and orchestra director at four district schools in Plymouth, Massachusetts. For more than ten years, she was the managing editor of Massachusetts Music Educators Journal. She has edited hundreds of books and online courses, and is the author of See You at the Hall: Boston's Golden Era of Music and Dance. She has also taught in the Music Department at Bridgewater State University. Lindsay performs on alto and baritone saxophones and flute in several Massachusetts-based jazz, rock, and folk bands.

Hayley Collins is the new Program Coordinator for Interlochen Online. She joins Interlochen with over 10 years experience in arts administration and a passion for making arts programs accessible and a part of any well-rounded education. A graduate of Westminster Choir College, she has had a lifelong fascination with music, specifically voice. Collins most recently spent eight years as the Director of Programs and Development at Opus 118 Harlem School of Music in East Harlem, New York.

Student Affairs Faculty

Peter Asaro, a ten-year boarding school veteran, has been appointed the Assistant Dean of Students at Interlochen Arts Academy. Asaro will work closely with Vice Provost of Student Life Megan Walton, overseeing the Residential Life faculty, program curriculum, community meetings, clubs, and student conduct. Throughout his years in education, Asaro has served as a classroom teacher, dorm faculty member, Summer Program Academic Dean, Director of Instructional Support, and Director of Students and Residential Life.

Megan Emmendorfer is joining Interlochen Arts Academy as the new School Counselor/Social Worker. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work and Family Studies from Central Michigan University and a Master of Social Work in Social Work from Indiana University.

Elizabeth Nelson, Director of Libraries, comes to Interlochen after many years serving as Library Director at an independent school in New Canaan, Connecticut. She holds a Master of Music in Voice and a Master of Library and Information Sciences from the University of Michigan and Long Island University Post, as well as a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Voice from the University of Michigan. An Interlochen Arts Camp alumna, Elizabeth began her career as an opera singer, transitioning to education and library services when she began teaching at a boarding school. She is committed to lifelong learning.

The new lead for Interlochen’s Student Affairs team is Megan Walton, who will oversee Health Services, Recreation and Wellness, and Residence Life. She will also oversee the Student Representative Board, student clubs, and Community Meetings. Walton has had a 25-year career in boarding and day school education—serving as an administrator, teacher, mentor, coach, counselor, and advisor. Most recently, Walton served as the Assistant Head of School at Besant Hill School, an independent boarding school, in Ojai, California. Walton takes a holistic approach to education, encouraging the development of both intellectual and emotional intelligence.

Off