Topic - From the President (420)

From the Desk of Trey Devey: Our values in action (Letters from the President 625882)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:11:09 +0000

From the Desk of Trey Devey: Our values in action (Letters from the President 625882) melissa.birdsey Mon, 03/18/2024 - 11:11 From the Desk of Trey Devey: Our values in actionPresident Devey reflects on the recently unveiled core values and shares how these four principles are already at work at Interlochen and beyond.

Interlochen Arts Academy string students perform during the Feb. 29, 2024 performance at Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall.

March 27, 2024

Dear friends,

This January, we unveiled our new core values: Four guiding principles that define our identity as an organization and describe what it means to be a part of the Interlochen Center for the Arts family. These values were distilled from the feedback of more than 1,000 members of our diverse global community—including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, volunteers, supporters, and trustees—and I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this initiative.

With the process of identifying these values complete, we turn to the equally important task of putting them into practice—both as an institution and as individuals. As we reflect on how we can embody these principles, I want to share a few examples of these values already at work in our community.

Our first value, Just An Idea… challenges each of us to follow the legacy of ingenuity and tenacity established by our founder, Dr. Joseph Maddy. The Interlochen Cinema Collective exemplifies this value. First conceived by Director of Film & New Media Michael Mittelstaedt more than 15 years ago, the Collective is a groundbreaking multi-generational effort that unites Interlochen alumni, faculty, staff, current students, and guests to create professional-caliber films. The Collective’s inaugural project—a short film written by alumna Sara Nimeh (IAC 00-06, IAA 06-08)—recently made its world premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas, where it won the jury award in the Texas Shorts competition.

Drawn Here reflects the magnetic effect of our people and place. Although every member of our community plays a vital role in fostering our unique and vibrant culture, our artistic instructors are perhaps the most visible. Through our new endowed faculty positions, we are able to attract and honor acclaimed instructors who energize our community with fresh perspectives and enhance the student experience with their expertise. Two endowed chair holders who are already making a significant impression are Marjorie Wood Drackett Piano Chair Dr. Kara Huber and Linda VanSickle Smith French Horn Chair Dr. Lauren Hunt. I encourage you to learn more about how they are curating incredible experiences for their students, showcasing the works of underrepresented composers, and raising Interlochen’s profile beyond our campus.

The Artist’s Journey underscores our commitment to nurturing artists at every stage of their creative development. There are myriad examples of this value in action, but I’d like to highlight the ongoing evolution of Interlochen Online. Last year, Interlochen Online expanded its offerings to include programs for adult learners—reinforcing our conviction that artistic growth is a lifelong pursuit. This spring, Interlochen Online will add seven new courses and launch certificate programs. These three-course packages allow students in grades 7 through adulthood to deepen their knowledge while earning a formal credential from Interlochen that can be showcased on résumés, LinkedIn profiles, and college applications. With these changes, Interlochen Online will be able to provide more value to more students through meaningful and flexible training in music, theatre, creative writing, visual arts, and other artistic disciplines.

Our fourth value, Solo e Tutti, encapsulates our emphasis on both individuality and collaboration—a principle illustrated by our ongoing partnership with more than a dozen New York City-area youth arts education organizations. While each of these institutions are providing exceptional artistic training on their own, together, we are creating once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and amplifying our impact on the young artists we serve.

A few weeks ago, members of the Interlochen Arts Academy community returned to New York City for the second consecutive year. During the visit, several Arts Academy faculty served as guest artists, building relationships with individual students while deepening our connections to our partner organizations. Academy students also performed side-by-side with students from several of these institutions during the Feb. 29 event at Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall. Students from our partner organizations will experience their own version of “Solo e Tutti” at Interlochen Arts Camp this summer as they pursue individual artistic growth through participation in collaborative groups such as orchestras, jazz ensembles, acting companies, and dance ensembles—and in turn, share what they have learned with their peers upon their return to New York.

As we move ever closer to our Centennial, our core values provide a compass that will guide us as we chart our second century of leadership in the arts and education. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped shape these values by participating in our surveys and focus groups, and to the dedicated supporters who are already embracing these ideals. Together, we can realize bold ideas; convene an inspiring community between the lakes and around the world; and foster the creative spirit that will sustain the magic of Interlochen for years to come.

With appreciation,

Trey Devey

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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

OnVision

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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From the Desk of Trey Devey: Celebration and anticipation (Letters from the President 425949)

melissa.birdsey — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 17:23:53 +0000

From the Desk of Trey Devey: Celebration and anticipation (Letters from the President 425949) melissa.birdsey Fri, 08/12/2022 - 13:23 From the Desk of Trey Devey: Celebration and anticipationWith the 2022-23 Interlochen Arts Academy year on the horizon, we reflect on a summer of returns and renewal.

Junior students react to a performance at "Collage."

August 17, 2022

Dear Friends,

Just over a week ago, the 95th season of Interlochen Arts Camp concluded with the annual performance of “Les Préludes.” Over my five years as president of Interlochen Center for the Arts, I’ve come to appreciate the experience for not only its artistic, historic, and sentimental merits, but also for the contemplative space it provides. “Les Préludes,” by its title and tradition, compels us to both celebrate our achievements and anticipate the events yet to come.

As I reflect on this summer, it’s impossible to miss the recurring themes of return and renewal. After two years of disruption, our summer activities were finally restored not just to normal, but to exciting new heights.

Interlochen Arts Camp hosted its first full-capacity season since 2019, welcoming a record-breaking 3,024 young artists from 42 countries and 53 U.S. states and territories. Students mingled freely with peers, rehearsed and performed together, and resumed visits to local destinations such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra returned to Interlochen for a three-day residency, and parents, families, and friends were invited back to campus to enjoy hundreds of student performances, presentations, exhibitions, and screenings.

The Interlochen Arts Festival also returned with a full summer series featuring sold-out concerts by Darius Rucker and Bonnie Raitt and a stellar performance of “Collage” by Arts Camp students. The Interlochen Shakespeare Festival presented captivating performances of Martyna Majok’s Sanctuary City and a critically acclaimed reimagining of Shakespeare’s Othello.

The Interlochen College of Creative Arts offered programs in music, creative writing, visual arts, and gardening for artists and learners of all ages. Our final program of the summer—the perennially popular Adult Chamber Music Camp—will conclude this weekend.

Across the street and in a variety of unexpected locations, Interlochen Public Radio’s Sound Garden Quintet and PULSE Saxophone Quartet presented free performances as part of the sophomore seasons of IPR Live and the Sound Garden Project. IPR also shared the talents of Interlochen Arts Camp’s students and faculty with listeners around the world through weekly World Youth Symphony Orchestra broadcasts and In Studio A With segments.

As we wrap up our summer season, our attention shifts to Interlochen Arts Academy and the anticipation of events yet to come. In just over two weeks, we will welcome our students to the 2022-23 academic year. I’m thrilled for them to take their places in our community and embark on an artistic and academic journey unlike any other.

This year at the Academy promises to be a remarkable one. Throughout the year, students will examine our theme—Interdisciplinary Perspective and Collaboration—through community meetings, residence life programming, and several exciting collaboration and performance opportunities.

A centerpiece of our theme is Mukti, a performance inspired by the Hindi word meaning “freedom” or “liberation.” Mukti will be presented on March 3, 2023, at the newly renovated David Geffen Hall as part of the New York Philharmonic’s Liberation Festival. The two-part program will begin with original student works centered on themes of individual and societal liberation, which will be devised by our students in collaboration with Chair of Contemporary Music Courtney Kaiser-Sandler and Instructor of Theatre Gulshirin Dubash. The program’s second half will be led by Interlochen Arts Academy conductor Dr. Leslie Dunner and performed by the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra and members of the New York Philharmonic, featuring orchestral works by Valerie Coleman, Jonathan Bailey Holland (IAA 88-92, IAC/NMC 89), Mary Watkins, and John Wineglass.

Stay tuned for more details about our partnership with the New York Philharmonic, ticketing information, and exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage.

In addition, our three-year exploration of the art and music of the African diaspora will resume this fall with the return of composer William Banfield. During his visits, Banfield will workshop his forthcoming opera, Edmonia, with students and faculty from multiple artistic disciplines. Additional guest artists representing the African diaspora will visit us throughout the year, including jazz pianist and R&B singer Patrice Rushen.

I hope you, too, will visit us throughout the year, either in person or virtually, for our many performances, Family Weekend, and our upcoming Academy Reunion Weekend. We are delighted to once again open our doors and share the joy of the arts with our friends, neighbors, and alumni. I encourage you to take this opportunity to reconnect with us and renew your creative spirit as you reflect on your own Interlochen experiences.

With gratitude,

Trey

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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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From the desk of Trey Devey: From collaboration to breakthrough ideas (Letters from the President 245032)

melissa.birdsey — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 13:46:41 +0000

From the desk of Trey Devey: From collaboration to breakthrough ideas (Letters from the President 245032) melissa.birdsey Wed, 03/09/2022 - 08:46 From the desk of Trey Devey: From collaboration to breakthrough ideasRecent alumni successes, guest artist performances, and student projects exemplify the boundary-crossing collaborations and multidisciplinary perspective fostered at Interlochen.

Instructor of Voice Doug Peck (left) accompanies a student performer during the musical cabaret If on a winter's night a traveler.

March 9, 2022

Dear friends,

You may have heard that Interlochen Arts Academy alum César Alvarez recently received the Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre, a prestigious award that honors an outstanding lyricist. In learning about César’s career, I’m struck by the central role of collaboration. A self-described “communitarian artist,” César—who studied saxophone at Interlochen—frequently collaborates with other artists, including their partner, visual artist and sculptor Emily Orling, and composer and fellow Dartmouth College professor and Interlochen alum Ash Fure.

I often hear from alumni that the creative collaborations they pursued at Interlochen set them on enriching new paths—and serve as lifelong sources of inspiration. Guidance and support from seasoned mentors strengthened their confidence at a formative time, while immersion in a multidisciplinary artistic community broadened their perspective: It’s a powerful combination that makes Interlochen a wellspring for creative capacity.

This semester at Interlochen Arts Academy, distinguished guest artists continue our tradition of mentorship. Seasoned cinematographer and Academy alumnus Mike Gioulakis, for example, worked closely with Film & New Media students, leading a two-day master class, lighting demo, and blocking “ride along.” Over in Harvey, many of our theatre students have been workshopping an original performance piece with actor and playwright Morgan Breon. Under her guidance, students will draw on their personal narratives to present The Prōcess this Friday and Saturday, as they recently discussed in this 9&10 News segment.

We’re also thrilled to announce Interlochen Arts Camp’s continued collaboration with the acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The world-renowned orchestra will perform, its musicians will lead master classes and rehearse and perform side-by-side with students, and DSO Music Director Jader Bignamini will conduct the World Youth Symphony Orchestra as part of our 95th season.

Several upcoming guest artists exemplify the boundary-crossing collaborations that Interlochen fosters. In April, renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine joins our Academy Orchestra as the soloist for Violin Concerto No. 2 by Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs—an exciting new work we co-commissioned. The following week, Billy Childs takes center stage again when he joins the acclaimed Ying Quartet and jazz singer Laurin Talese for another multigenre performance.

All the while, our students and faculty take part in multidisciplinary collaborations that energize and enrich our entire Interlochen community. On Feb. 27, for example, Instructor of Voice Doug Peck performed with and led musical theatre, classical music, and singer-songwriter students in an evening of musical cabaret—produced by theatre design & production students under the direction of faculty member Stephen John. Spoken-word selections from Italo Calvino’s 1979 novel, If on a winter's night a traveler, served as connective tissue between musical numbers.

For any career path, interdisciplinary perspective and the capacity to collaborate with diverse peers will open doors to breakthrough ideas. I’m reminded of Arts Academy alumna Holly Gilbert (IAA 86-88), the director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s High Altitude Observatory, who studied cello at Interlochen. “Being embedded with incredibly creative people at Interlochen has given me a unique perspective in attacking science,” she said. “I consult with others, preferably a diverse group of scientists, to develop potential solutions. Often, one solution is not obvious—nor is it the only approach.”

Alvarez, the Kleban Prize winner, also credits Interlochen for its formative focus on collaboration: “Interlochen Arts Academy had a tremendous impact on my development as an artist,” they said. “I started a 16-piece salsa band during my time at the Arts Academy. That ensemble was very good practice for the type of collective music making that has become the backbone of my professional work. Even though I didn’t start writing songs until college… so much of the groundwork for my life as a composer and band leader was laid at Interlochen.”

I hope that the convergence of the arts at Interlochen broadens your perspectives and provides inspiration for decades to come.

With best wishes,

Trey

From the Desk of Trey Devey: Strength and joy (Letters from the President 178820)

melissa.birdsey — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 21:02:08 +0000

From the Desk of Trey Devey: Strength and joy (Letters from the President 178820) melissa.birdsey Fri, 12/10/2021 - 16:02 From the Desk of Trey Devey: Strength and joyPassionate young Interlochen artists infuse our lives with creativity, hope, and joy—even as the pandemic continues.

Theatre students strike a pose at the 2021 performance of "Kids Commute Live."

December 15, 2021

Dear Friends,

This season in particular, the gratitude I feel for our Interlochen community brings me joy. Our passionate young artists, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters infuse our lives with creativity, inspiration, and beauty—in spite of hard-to-take headlines and a virus that is proving difficult to vanquish.

This fall our Arts Academy students presented more than three dozen performances and exhibitions as we welcomed our friends and neighbors back to Interlochen, lifting the spirits of our community and those who tuned in from afar. Many of our young artists also took part in our celebration of the completion of the Sasaki Associates Campus Master Plan, a major milestone 30 years in the making. Their exhilarating presentations in our state-of-the-art facilities embodied Interlochen’s bright future.

More than two dozen major guest artists graced our campus and mentored our students this fall, including Michigan Opera Theatre artist-in-residence Davóne Tines (IAC 04) and Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director Yuval Sharon; renowned Philadelphia Orchestra tubist Carol Jantsch (IAA 99-02, IAC 94-96, 98-99); jazz vocalist Laurin Talese; author and singer-songwriter Josh Malerman; visual artist A.F. Oehmke (IAA 11-13, IAC 06-11); and choreographer Alfonso Cervera.

In October, hundreds of local children cheered the return of Interlochen Public Radio’s “Kids Commute Live” at Corson Auditorium. Beloved host Kate Botello led a dynamic program featuring our Arts Academy Wind Symphony under the direction of Matthew Schlomer, with special guests from Traverse City East and West Middle Schools.

One Interlochen, our new online alumni community, launched just before Thanksgiving. In less than one month over 600 Arts Camp and Arts Academy alumni joined the digital hub, with over 75% of them volunteering to serve as a mentor for other Interlochen alumni—a remarkable gesture that speaks to the meaningful connections and collaborative spirit in our community. We are deeply proud of the impact our alumni in the arts and beyond. (If you haven’t already, I encourage you to claim your profile and take advantage of this wonderful resource. Reconnect with your cabin and classmates!)

All the while, the excellence of our students and alumni continue to reflect their extraordinary artistry and focus. Twenty-five Arts Academy students from five majors earned recognition in the 2022 YoungArts competition, a prestigious national competition for high school artists. And ten Arts Camp and Arts Academy alumni were nominated for 2022 Grammy Awards in six award categories, spanning pop, jazz, and classical music.

This year in particular, the Arts Academy’s Nutcracker ballet showcases the strength and joy of our community. More than 150 Arts Academy dancers, musicians, actors, and backstage crew from 39 U.S. states and 11 countries collaborated on this year’s production—our first Nutcracker for in-person audiences since 2019. Together, with over two dozen faculty and staff, our young artists brought a wondrous story to life that celebrates the magic of the holidays.

For the second consecutive year, Detroit Public Television will broadcast our Nutcracker ballet, bringing this beloved holiday tradition far and wide. “A Detroit Performs Special Event: Interlochen Arts Academy presents The Nutcracker” will air on DPTV at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 20. The full-length version will be available to watch on interlochen.org on Dec. 21. I hope you’ll tune in!

As you marvel at this extraordinary high school production, please consider making a gift to the Interlochen Annual Fund, which supports the excellence of our programming and provides crucial support for student scholarships at Interlochen Arts Camp and Interlochen Arts Academy. Students involved in this production of The Nutcracker alone received $5 million dollars collectively in financial aid and scholarships, giving them access to the high-caliber education at Interlochen. With your help, we can build upon our leadership role in arts education as we make the Interlochen experience even more accessible to deserving young artists.

I wish you a restful and restorative holiday season. May the weeks ahead be filled with creativity, joy, and good health.

With gratitude,
Trey

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From the Desk of Trey Devey: New beginnings (Letters from the President 66990)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 18:40:31 +0000

From the Desk of Trey Devey: New beginnings (Letters from the President 66990) melissa.birdsey Mon, 09/13/2021 - 14:40 From the Desk of Trey Devey: New beginnings Anticipation and excitement for myriad new beginnings invigorate our community this fall. September 15, 2021

Dear Friends,

There’s a palpable undercurrent of potential that permeates Interlochen each fall. This year in particular, anticipation and excitement for myriad new beginnings invigorates our community.

Against a backdrop of blue sky and green leaves primed to light up our campus with fall colors, 559 young artists from 24 countries recently kicked off our fall semester. Returning international students, many of whom took part in Academy classes virtually last year due to the pandemic, inspire joy and gratitude for our global community and the diverse perspectives that define the Interlochen experience.

We begin this Academy year on the heels of a glorious 94th season of Interlochen Arts Camp, where our students, staff, and faculty proved once again that COVID-era health-and-safety protocols are no match for creativity and connection. Among countless highlights, Interlochen was officially inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and the New York Times showcased our students in an interactive feature.

Our Arts Camp community saw zero cases of COVID-19, and this fall, more than 95% of our population is fully vaccinated against the virus—a remarkable public health feat that sets us apart from most educational institutions. We continue to monitor the Delta-driven COVID surge closely and to update our policies to prioritize the health and safety of our community.

New beginnings abound across our institution, from Interlochen Online’s newly announced fall programs to the return of Interlochen Public Radio’s award-winning program Kids Commute, now introducing even more young people to classical music with weekday broadcasts at both 7:40 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. (or online on demand). Additionally, the fourth season of The Interlochen Collection returns with stories from our history, updates from notable alumni and, of course, beautiful music by Arts Camp and Academy students and faculty.

Among many exciting events and performances this fall, a major institutional milestone will signal Interlochen’s bright future. Seventy-two of our Academy students now reside in the newly opened Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow House, a convertible residence hall with visiting artist suites and sweeping views of Green Lake—marking the completion of a campus master plan that began over 30 years ago.

The 1990 Sasaki Associates Campus Master Plan ultimately guided 16 major facility projects, playing a transformative role in our evolution from a national summer music camp founded in 1928 to the global, year-round, and multidisciplinary arts and educational institution we are today.

On Oct. 22 we will celebrate this monumental achievement with a special dedication ceremony and multiple performances and exhibitions by Arts Academy students. These artistic events will be presented in the state-of-the-art “homes” of our seven arts disciplines, such as our recently opened 64,000-square-foot Music Center and the 26,000-square-foot lakeside Dance Center. Please mark your calendars for this important date and stay tuned for more information about our community-wide celebration.

This moment also marks a significant inflection point for us as we shift from an emphasis on “place” to a broader focus on our “people and programs.” Already underway, these efforts encompass retaining and recruiting world-class educators who have a passion for teaching young artists, such as Broadway veteran Justin Lee Miller, our inaugural program director of musical theatre; acclaimed violinists and distinguished teachers Tina Chang Qu and Jorja Fleezanis, new members of our string faculty; award-winning trumpeter Josh Lawrence, who joined us in August as our director of jazz studies; and many others.

Finally, this fall we will honor Interlochen’s own beginnings: On Friday, Sept. 24, members of our community will join leaders of Green Lake Township to dedicate the newly named J. Maddy Parkway, the 2.5-mile stretch of M-137 that borders our campus. We are deeply honored that the Green Lake Township Board of Trustees voted to name the road for Interlochen founder Joseph E. Maddy.

It will be a meaningful tribute to a visionary leader, and a fitting start to this remarkable fall at Interlochen.

With best wishes,

Trey

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