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Miami-Interlochen Partnership continues legacy of opportunity, collaboration, and transformation (Stories 628126)

melissa.birdsey — Thu, 15 May 2025 12:49:29 +0000

Miami-Interlochen Partnership continues legacy of opportunity, collaboration, and transformation (Stories 628126) melissa.birdsey Thu, 05/15/2025 - 08:49 Miami-Interlochen Partnership continues legacy of opportunity, collaboration, and transformationSince its founding in 2018, the partnership has enabled more than 360 south Florida students to attend Interlochen, sparked educational exchanges, and revolutionized the creative youth development movement.

Dan Lewis and Interlochen Campers from the Miami Music Project

May 15, 2025

Dan Lewis and Interlochen Campers from the Miami Music Project

Dan Lewis (right) with Malik J. (left), an Arts Academy Popular Music Performance major from Homestead, Florida and a recipient of the Interlochen Miami Academy Scholarship.

Last summer, high school trumpet student Gabriel P. experienced the holistic personal and artistic transformation that takes place at Interlochen Arts Camp.

“From every Kresge concert to each chamber performance in Fine Arts to each trip to Melody Freeze, Interlochen has changed my life for the better,” Gabriel wrote in a thank you letter. “So from the bottom of my Floridian heart, I thank you.”

Gabriel is one of the 55 young artists from the Miami area who attended Interlochen Arts Camp 2024 through the Miami-Interlochen Partnership. Established seven years ago through the generous and visionary philanthropic support of Dan Lewis and Valerie Dillon, the partnership has enabled more than 360 south Florida students to attend Interlochen’s world-class educational programs on full-tuition scholarships—transforming students’ lives, sparking meaningful educational exchanges, and revolutionizing the creative youth development movement in the process.

“The Miami-Interlochen Partnership has had a tremendous impact on bringing talented young artists to Camp, opening doors of opportunity for their own creative journeys while building a vibrant, collaborative community between Interlochen and our Miami partners,” said Interlochen Provost Camille Colatosti.

With summer on the horizon—and a new cohort of Miami students poised to attend Camp 2025—we look back at the remarkable and continuing triumphs of the Miami-Interlochen Partnership.

Early successes

The Miami-Interlochen Partnership first launched in 2018 after philanthropist Lewis approached Interlochen with a bold idea: a collaboration between Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Miami Music Project. Initially, 44 young musicians from the Miami Music Project attended Interlochen Arts Camp 2018 on full-tuition scholarships. By the end of the Camp season, the Miami-Interlochen Partnership had proven an extraordinary success.

“We had hoped the Miami Music Project students would help enrich the global community that gathers at Interlochen Arts Camp, but we could not have imagined the impact they made,” Interlochen President Trey Devey wrote in a Fall 2018 letter to the Interlochen community. “Their artistic abilities, hard work, and passion propelled their success, which inspired their peers, their faculty, and me.”

Several standout Miami Music Project students enrolled at Interlochen Arts Academy following the summer 2018 Camp season—paving the way for future Miami-Interlochen Partnership students to continue their studies at the Academy. In total, 13 partnership participants have attended the Academy on full-tuition scholarships funded by Lewis and Dillon.

Regardless of whether students attend the Academy or return to Miami, the lasting impact of their time at Interlochen is undeniable. Miami students who enroll at the Academy are more likely to graduate from high school and to continue on to college than their peers, have matriculated to top colleges, and receive 39% more in college scholarships when compared to other Academy students. Other Miami-Interlochen Partnership participants have also been inspired to pursue advanced training in music.

“It’s inspiring to see how participation in the Interlochen programs propels our students forward, encouraging them to dream bigger,” said Liber Cuervos, Director of Education and Programs at the Miami Music Project. “Due to their participation, our students have developed socially and musically, with some choosing to continue their music education afterward. We take pride in seeing them graduate from renowned institutions like Berklee College of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, and DePaul University.”

Anna Klimala, president and CEO of the Miami Music Project, notes that the partnership’s ripple effect extends far beyond individual participants.

“Since 2018, 288 students from the Miami Music Project have directly benefited from participating in Interlochen Arts Camp and Academy, returning with new skills and experiences that have not only shaped their lives, but also inspired and impacted hundreds of their peers,” Klimala said. “This is what true transformation looks like—this is real impact, possible only thanks to the power of a strong partnership. And it doesn’t stop here. The model we've built together holds immense potential for replication across the country, offering thousands of young people the opportunity to change their lives.”

Continuing impact

Today, the Miami-Interlochen Partnership has expanded to include Young Musicians Unite, Guitars Over Guns, and Arts Access Miami—through which students from Miami Children’s Voice Chorus, Norland Senior High School, and Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School were able to attend Camp in summer 2024.

“This partnership has meant everything to us,” said Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO and founder of Young Musicians Unite. “It has opened the door for hundreds of young musicians to grow, find their voice, and discover new creative paths. Just as importantly, it created space for us as leaders to think big, build trust, and help shape what’s now become Arts Access Miami—a collective vision rooted in equity, creativity, and community.”

Beyond Camp scholarships for students from these organizations, the partnership has fostered educational exchanges between the Interlochen and Miami communities. Interlochen faculty annually visit Miami to serve as guest artists at partner organizations and local schools and to hold on-site Camp auditions. In fall 2024, 30 representatives from these organizations spent four days at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Perhaps the most visible exchange was the March 2020 Miami ONE tour, which featured opportunities for Arts Academy students to collaborate with students from the Miami Music Project, Guitars Over Guns, and Young Musicians Unite. The tour culminated in the performance of an original multidisciplinary program at Miami’s New World Center. Students from all three Miami partner organizations performed in the event; the Academy’s 122-student cohort included six young musicians who had enrolled at the Academy after attending Camp through the Miami-Interlochen Partnership.

Most importantly, as Klimala noted, the Miami-Interlochen Partnership has inspired the creation of similar partnerships in other metropolitan areas across the country. Thanks to generous donor support, new partnerships have been established with youth arts organizations in New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, Cleveland, and several other cities—enriching the Interlochen community with passionate and diverse youth voices.

While its broader influence on the creative youth development movement is exciting, the heartbeat of the Miami-Interlochen Partnership remains the same: Bringing gifted young artists to Interlochen for a summer that will transform their lives. To date, 369 students from the greater Miami area have attended Interlochen through the partnership—many of whom have returned for multiple summers.

This summer, more than 50 students will attend Interlochen Arts Camp through the Miami-Interlochen Partnership, embarking on the incredible educational journey that has shaped the lives of dozens of young musicians—such as popular music student Nathan R. and violist Natalia B.

“The jam sessions that I have every day help me connect with other musicians and communicate with them, and they’ve helped my ears and my groove,” Nathan said. “Thank you for allowing me to experience this wonderful camp.”

“At Camp, I learned how to be unapologetically myself and how to connect with others from around the world, which I will be taking with me to USC and beyond,” Natalia said. “Without your generous support and dedication towards the youth, I would not be the social and driven person I am today.”

Thanks to enduring philanthropic support from Lewis and Dillon, the Miami-Interlochen Partnership continues to shine as a model of opportunity, collaboration, and artistic growth.

Want to learn how you can support partnership programs like the Miami-Interlochen Partnership? Contact the Office of Philanthropy at philanthropy@interlochen.org or 231.276.7623.

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Traverse City Light & Power partners with students from Interlochen Arts Academy for 'Art on Infrastructure' during Public Power Week (News Articles 627185)

melissa.birdsey — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:52:02 +0000

Traverse City Light & Power partners with students from Interlochen Arts Academy for 'Art on Infrastructure' during Public Power Week (News Articles 627185) melissa.birdsey Fri, 10/18/2024 - 09:52 Traverse City Light & Power partners with students from Interlochen Arts Academy for 'Art on Infrastructure' during Public Power WeekStudents from Conor Fagan's Public Art class designed and implemented artwork on infrastructure in Traverse City.

Interlochen Arts Academy visual arts students from Conor Fagan's Public Art class. Photo by Conor Fagan.

October 18, 2024

Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is excited to announce its recent collaboration with students from the renowned Interlochen Arts Academy on an inspiring "Art on Infrastructure" project. The project, completed last week during Public Power Week (Oct. 6-12, 2024), celebrates community, creativity, and the role of public utilities in enriching everyday life.

Public Power Week highlights the benefits of public power systems like TCLP, which are community-owned and operated, providing reliable and sustainable energy while giving back to the local area. In the spirit of this tradition, TCLP teamed up with Interlochen students to bring artistic expressions to public utility infrastructure, blending technology and the arts in a way that engages the entire community.

The "Art on Infrastructure" initiative is one of many efforts TCLP has undertaken to deepen its engagement with the community. By partnering with local institutions and empowering the next generation of artists, TCLP underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and community spirit in Traverse City.

“We are proud to collaborate with the talented students from Interlochen on this unique project,” said Brandie Ekren, Executive Director of Traverse City Light & Power. “By combining art with infrastructure, we’re not only enhancing the visual landscape of Traverse City but also highlighting the power of community and creativity. Public Power Week is the perfect time to celebrate these connections, and we look forward to continuing similar initiatives that bring energy and artistry together.”

Students worked on designing and implementing artwork on the infrastructure located near 130 Hall Street, Traverse City. This project not only beautifies the city but also offers a unique opportunity to showcase the immense talent of young local artists.

"The Public Art class had a great time talking with the public while we worked, and truly appreciated the opportunity to shed light on our talented students here at Interlochen," said Instructor of Visual Arts Conor Fagan. “We are always open to collaborations between Interlochen Arts Academy and local businesses, and we look forward to more opportunities in the future!"

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Over $200,000 raised for student scholarships during Act for Art 2024 (Stories 626412)

melissa.birdsey — Fri, 10 May 2024 16:27:36 +0000

Over $200,000 raised for student scholarships during Act for Art 2024 (Stories 626412) melissa.birdsey Fri, 05/10/2024 - 12:27 Over $200,000 raised for student scholarships during Act for Art 2024443 people gave during the three-day fundraising event earlier this month. May 10, 2024

Thanks to the commitment of many dedicated supporters, the fourth annual Act for Art Giving Days was a powerful groundswell of support for young artists and their families. Thank you to all who gave: your contributions are a testament to the generosity of this community, and the desire to invest in the future of the arts. Working together, 443 donors made gifts totaling $201,775 to support students’ financial aid needs in the coming Camp and Academy year.

The alumni, employee, and parent participation challenges were all met! 172 alumni, 108 employees and 153 parents joined in. The generosity of these employees and parents unlocked a combined $82,850 for student scholarships.

141 energetic, committed volunteers created peer-to-peer campaigns, made videos, posted on social media, pledged seed or challenge gifts, and helped in the thanking effort. Additionally, 37 Arts Academy students came to the May 1 kick-off party on campus, completing various volunteer actions to spread the word and send appreciation to donors. Arts Academy alumni, students, and parents; Arts Camp alumni and parents; faculty and staff; Camp Ambassadors; the Academy’s Student Philanthropy Team; the Interlochen Annual Fund Committee; the Interlochen Engagement Council; and the Campus Philanthropy Ambassadors all participated.

Our volunteers worked together to rally the worldwide Interlochen community, sharing the positive message that everyone participating in the way they can is powerful. People of all ages, backgrounds, and geographies took part in the effort. Jian Wu, a parent volunteer in Beijing, China, has volunteered each year for Act for Art, and braved the 12 hour time difference to participate in the volunteer kick-off call before the giving days started! Jian said, “It’s a great experience to meet other contributors during Act for Art, to feel the enthusiasm of the community! No happiness can compare to the feeling when seeing our next generations thrive in a fantastic kingdom like Interlochen. Due to busy work and high travel costs we cannot visit often, but we think attending some events/activities is another sort of participation that helps us feel closer to our son and Interlochen.”

Here are just a few of the heartfelt and inspiring messages we received during Act for Art. You can see all of the comments on the donor roll at the bottom of the Act for Art page.

“Thank you IAA for giving our family just what our daughter and grandson needed.”

“Hooray for Act for Art! Interlochen has brought so many wonderful people into my life, through Camp, Academy, and as an intern-it’s an honor and pleasure to give back!”

“I am incredibly grateful for the scholarship support that allowed my son to attend Camp and Academy. He would not be the organist he is today were it not for Interlochen and the dedication of his teacher, Tom Bara.”

“I donate as an Evergreen sustainer, but always give a little extra during the Act For Art campaign to help support young artists to blossom at Interlochen.”

“Interlochen meant the world to me as a kid! I did my four high school summers and my senior year of high school there. Met friends that I still have to this day!”

“We donate to Act for Art in hopes of helping other young artists find their way home. Interlochen has changed the life of our student. It has provided her with a place where she has a true sense of belonging and community. She has continually faced medical challenges throughout her junior and senior years at the Academy. The beyond incredible theatre and academic faculty, not to mention the devoted college counseling and psychological support staff, have done nothing but stand behind her, encourage her, and accommodate her. They have been the wind in her sails that has enabled her to face the storms in her life while still chasing after her artistic dreams.”

“Interlochen has been a beautiful experience for my daughter. We will forever be supporters so other kids have the same opportunity!”

“There is no other place in the world like Interlochen. Here, anyone, of any age, and any ability, can embrace the artist within and find their people and their purpose. It is an honor and a joy to be a part of this wonderful community.”

“I give because the arts have the power to shape and change our world for the better. This special place and these remarkable people help young artists find their voice, hone their craft, and rise to their full potential so they can be the change they want to see.”

Another resounding thank you to all who gave or volunteered for coming together to make Act for Art a success for young artists and their big dreams!

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11 things first-time arts boarding school students should know (Stories 6696)

melissa.birdsey — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:02:23 +0000

11 things first-time arts boarding school students should know (Stories 6696) melissa.birdsey Thu, 01/28/2021 - 15:02 11 things first-time arts boarding school students should knowInterlochen Arts Academy students, alumni, and faculty offer advice on arts, academics, and life on your own. October 31, 2023

You’ve signed your enrollment agreement, bought your dorm supplies, and packed your bags. Now it’s finally time to move into your home away from home.

Your first year of boarding school can be scary. You’ll have to manage your own schedule, do your own laundry, and maybe even clean your own bathroom.

That’s the bad news. Here’s the good news: You’re not alone. To help you get settled into your new home, we sat down with several Interlochen Arts Academy students, alumni, and faculty. Here’s their advice on making the transition to life at an arts boarding school.

1. Manage your schedule. “One of the hardest things about coming to boarding school is that students have to create a whole new routine for themselves,” said Michael Kern, Director of Student Support Services. “Spend some time in your first month figuring out what your routine is going to be: When do you hang out with friends, practice your art, go to the gym, or do homework?”

One of the most crucial parts of finding a routine is establishing a sleep schedule. “Even if you manage your own sleep schedule at home, it can be difficult to adjust to the independence of coming to boarding school,” former Assistant Dean of Students Lydia Stoye said. “Set a goal for how much sleep you need at night to be at your best, and make plans to get enough sleep. Practice waking up to your own alarm, and consider a specialty alarm clock if you’re a heavy sleeper.”

2. Be nice to your roommate. Residence hall life is a central component of boarding school, but living with strangers is inherently challenging. “If there is ever an issue between you and your roommate, always try the path of least resistance and be willing to not get your way,” said Miracle Thornton, a four-year Interlochen Arts Academy senior. “But do stick up for yourself if anything is making you uncomfortable. If you can't confront your roommate directly, there is always a hall counselor, manager, or mother who is open and ready to talk with you.”

3. Find a healthy balance between art and academics. “Never feel like you have to put your art over academics,” Thornton said. “They should have relatively equal footing on your scale of priorities. Both art and academic instructors understand the difficulties of balancing work, so keep an open dialogue if you feel like you are drowning.”

4. Take care of your physical health. “Take advantage of our gorgeous campus, especially in the fall,” said Mary Ellen Newport, Director of the R.B. Annis Math and Science Division. “You can sign out with a friend to take a walk to Pines Side, Riley Woods, or Bud's. Use the Dennison Center for Recreation and Wellness to balance out study and practice. Eat a balanced menu in Stone Cafeteria. Lots of greens—including some grown in our hoophouses—are available!”

5. Be involved in your academic classes. “Discussion, laboratories, group work, and projects are all occasions for you to share your insights, ask questions and invite your classmates into discussion,” Newport said. “Your academic classes are great opportunities to get to know students outside of your artistic major.”

6. Stay organized. “Use tools like Google Tasks, Wunderlist, a bullet journal, or a planner to manage your time and tasks,” Stoye said.

Newport echoes Stoye’s advice: “Keep tabs on your Canvas calendar and campus email as well.”

7. Engage with your teachers. “Instructors are always willing to help students,” said recent Arts Academy graduate Conor Dailey. “Talking with them can help you discover new and exciting passions.”

Cait Belland, a four-year senior, agrees: “Seek out your teachers because they are there for you and want to help you reach your goals.”

8. Ask for help if you need it. “The most successful students are the ones who can get help when they need it,” Kern said. “The best part about our faculty and staff is that they really want to help students—but they need to know when a student needs help.”

Attending office hours or tutorials is a great place to start. “Your teachers, artistic and academic, are eager to talk with you about your ideas and provide help when you are uncertain or stuck,” Newport said. “Each academic teacher will have their own style for conducting discussion, but all of them will welcome your questions.”

9. Go to performances, even those outside your major. “You are going to one of the top arts high schools in the United States, if not the world,” Belland said. “Take advantage of all the performances and art exhibitions taking place at your school. It’s a great way to support your friends and be inspired. Now is the time to fulfill your artistic mind and inspire your artistic soul.”

10. Learn from others. “Observe and listen to the other students and faculty around you,” said Courtney Kaiser-Sandler, Associate Director of Contemporary Music and Collaborative Projects. “Watch them practice, and ask them how they use their practice time.”

Chair of Woodwinds and Instructor of Oboe Dane Philipsen agrees. “Listen—to your studio teacher, to all of your teachers, to your peers, and to yourself,” he said. “But at the same time, don't compare yourself to anyone else. You probably will, but practice and get better at avoiding those comparisons. It's enough just to be you.”

11. Enjoy the journey. “Remember to breathe,” Kaiser-Sandler said. “Interlochen is full of incredible young artists. You will meet so many amazing people, sharing stories of your life before Interlochen and your dreams for the future.”

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Interlochen Arts Academy guest artist Dr. Bill Banfield receives Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (News Articles 625217)

melissa.birdsey — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:01:16 +0000

Interlochen Arts Academy guest artist Dr. Bill Banfield receives Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (News Articles 625217) melissa.birdsey Wed, 08/09/2023 - 11:01 Interlochen Arts Academy guest artist Dr. Bill Banfield receives Presidential Lifetime Achievement AwardAn award-winning composer, Banfield is currently working with Academy students, faculty, and guests to stage the world premiere production of his hybrid opera, ‘Edmonia.’

Composer Bll Banfield

August 9, 2023

Interlochen Arts Academy guest artist Dr. Bill Banfield recently received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Founded in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and led by AmeriCorps in partnership with Points of Light, the President’s Volunteer Service Award honors individuals whose volunteer service positively impacts their community and inspires others to take action. The program’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have exemplified the willingness to provide a high level of humanitarian assistance to their profession, their communities, and this great nation.

As a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Banfield received a certificate and a congratulatory letter from 46th President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Banfield’s name will also be included in President Biden’s White House archives.

An award-winning author, composer, and Berklee College of Music Professor Emeritus, Banfield has led Interlochen Arts Academy’s exploration of the history, culture, and artistry of the African Diaspora since 2021. The three-year curriculum will culminate in Spring 2024 with the world premiere of Banfield’s groundbreaking hybrid opera Edmonia, a multidisciplinary dramatization of the life, career, and rediscovery of 19th century African American and Native American sculptor Edmonia Lewis.

Learn more about the African Diaspora curriculum

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Breathing new wind into an Interlochen treasure (Stories 625171)

melissa.birdsey — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:43:28 +0000

Breathing new wind into an Interlochen treasure (Stories 625171) melissa.birdsey Wed, 08/02/2023 - 08:43 Breathing new wind into an Interlochen treasureInterlochen Arts Camp alumnus Jake Goldwasser shares his passion for vintage saxophones as the institution’s inaugural Greenleaf Curating Fellow.

Greenleaf Curating Fellow Jake Goldwasser (right) and Curator Emeritus John Beery (left) pose with two vintage saxophones. Photo by E. Ganter for ARTICA - The Archives of Interlochen Center for the Arts.

August 2, 2023

On a July afternoon, the Interlochen Arts Camp saxophone studio explored one of Interlochen’s most unique treasures: the Leland B. Greenleaf Musical Instrument Collection. As the initial chorus of “what is this?” subsided, the collection’s curator, Jake Goldwasser (IAC 12), pulled an instrument from its shelf for the students to examine.

“I like to have students pass one of these saxophones around so they can feel how it sits in your hands, feel where the weight is,” Goldwasser says. “It’s one of my personal goals to get a vintage American saxophone into the hands of every young, upcoming artist.”

The Greenleaf Collection is an ideal place for saxophonists to enjoy hands-on encounters with historic instruments: The collection includes 33 saxophones, including two instruments from Adolphe Sax’s workshop, several early Conn instruments, and a rare straight alto saxophone. The nearly 300-piece collection was originally assembled by former C.G. Conn owner Carl D. Greenleaf and his son, Leland, as a physical history of Conn’s musical innovations. The collection was displayed at the C.G. Conn headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana until December 1969, when the Greenleaf family donated it to Interlochen Center for the Arts.

Learn more about the Greenleaf Collection’s history and contents

Today, the Greenleaf Collection is part of Interlochen’s archives: a vast trove of photos, audio recordings, and memorabilia dispersed in basements, closets, and storage rooms across campus. As Interlochen approaches its centennial in 2028, Director of Libraries Elizabeth Nelson (IAC/NMC 75, UNIV 82) and her team are working to unite, curate, and share the archives’ remarkable resources.

As a part of those efforts, Goldwasser has returned to Interlochen as the inaugural Greenleaf Curating Fellow. Over the course of his six-week fellowship, Goldwasser is cataloging, organizing, and updating the Greenleaf Collection with the goal of restoring the collection to its rightful place as one of the nation’s finest holdings of musical instruments.

“Interlochen is, for the first time in a long time, breathing new wind into a collection of instruments that is one-of-a-kind in this country,” Goldwasser says. “We’re trying to rebuild the collection and improve it so it’s more in line with the Greenleaf mission, which is to be an academic tool for students.”

“I’ve met some incredible people: wonderful students, faculty, and administrators. Everyone's really excited about this project.”

Rediscovering a historic saxophone

Goldwasser’s passion for vintage saxophones began when he discovered a new-in-box 1945 Buescher tenor saxophone—a moment he likens to the scene in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone when Harry picks up his wand for the first time.

“It still had the original pads, the original springs, the original paperwork….It was perfect,” he says.

Goldwasser spent the remainder of his master’s studies at Belmont University researching the history and pedagogy of vintage saxophones. In December 2022, he was given several instruments from the estate of the late Atlanta Symphony Orchestra principal clarinetist Karl Bevins, including a mystery saxophone Goldwasser had tried to identify a decade earlier while helping with Bevins’ estate sale.

“We couldn't figure out what it was for the life of us,” Goldwasser says.

Now able to examine the instrument more closely, Goldwasser noticed a faint engraving on the bell: No. 1, CGC. Suspecting the “CGC” referred to the C.G. Conn company, Goldwasser traveled to Interlochen Center for the Arts to compare his instrument to the Greenleaf Collection’s earliest Conn saxophone, N. 168. As a result of the comparison, Goldwasser’s saxophone is currently being authenticated as the first saxophone made in the United States.

Goldwasser’s visit also included a master class for Arts Academy saxophone students and a day spent in the collection with Curator Emeritus John Beery. As the trip concluded, Nelson and Photo Archivist Eileen Ganter asked Goldwasser if he would be interested in working with the collection over the summer. Goldwasser’s response was an emphatic “yes.”

Telling the saxophones’ stories

Thanks to generous support from the Greenleaf family, Goldwasser returned to campus at the start of Camp in June. Goldwasser has spent the past five weeks working closely with Beery to complete an updated inventory; organize and transcribe documents related to the collection; share the collection with Arts Camp students; and create a vision for the future of the collection.

Goldwasser reserves his mornings for closed-door research. His efforts focus on uncovering the story of each saxophone—including its history, lineage, and unique features—often by comparing it to others in the collection.

In addition to researching the instruments, Goldwasser is also working with Ganter to photograph the instruments on a museum-quality cyclorama and testing the playable saxophones. Goldwasser has recorded more than eight hours of audio and video footage to date.

“There’s some really cool specimens in this collection,” Goldwasser says. “The fact that we can capture their sound—as they currently are, with the stories they have—is a beautiful thing.”

The resulting photos, videos, and audio recordings will be used to establish an online presence for the collection.

“One of the reasons why this collection has been underutilized for so many years is because it wasn’t able to be publicized and published,” Goldwasser says. “I want people to be able to go online and see what is in the collection. Once every single instrument is documented—with write-ups that are accurate and meaningful and audio and video, where applicable—a public, online database of these instruments can exist.”

The collection’s website will be developed by two Arts Academy creative writing students. The duo first learned about the collection while completing their community service placements in the archives.

“They are really excited to develop this website and start writing about Interlochen’s story,” Nelson says. “These instruments all have fabulous stories; the students will be fleshing out those stories beyond the scholarly and technical research that Jake has conducted. It will be outstanding to get all the content about these instruments in one place.”

Goldwasser has already begun the process of sharing the collection with audiences beyond Interlochen’s campus. He recently recorded segments for Interlochen Public Radio’s popular Kids Commute program and Classical Sprouts podcast, and has featured several instruments from the collection on his YouTube channel, Hexachord.

Finding inspiration in history

Goldwasser saves the latter half of his day for sharing the Greenleaf Collection with on-campus visitors, including the students, faculty, and staff of Interlochen Arts Camp—a component of his fellowship that is particularly close to his heart.

“I’m at a point in my life where the best thing I can do is to teach vintage American saxophones,” Goldwasser says. “I want as many students as possible to put one of these instruments in their hands.”

“Seeing a collection like this inspires students—not only because it looks old, or because it’s shiny, or because it’s sitting up on a wall—but because they’re able to create these very tactile moments. It’s like when you open up that old case and you smell the mustiness and you see the shine and patina: it weaves all these senses together into a memory.”

In special cases, visitors to the collection can not only handle, but also play instruments from the collection. Goldwasser says that playing one of these historic instruments can be a transformational experience for a student.

A Buescher straight alto saxophone made in 1926. Photo by E. Ganter for ARTICA - The Archives of Interlochen Center for the Arts.

“Imagine that you’re struggling to get your sound just right on your instrument,” Goldwasser explains. “You’re trying everything: a new mouthpiece or a new reed. But the last thing you would think to do is to pick up a completely different horn. This collection allows you to not only try new instruments, but to be inspired by the history and lineage of the music you’re making today.”

“For example, the straight alto saxophone has been played by many guest artists and teachers over the years,” Goldwasser continues. “When I drop the names for students, they say, ‘Whoa, they played this horn?’ And I can say, ‘Yes, and now you have, too.’”

Goldwasser and Nelson are also making the collection available to Arts Academy students interested in conducting research and artistic projects. In addition to the two creative writing students who are creating the collection’s website, Nelson, Goldwasser, and Ganter are overseeing independent projects by students in the Music, Film & New Media, and Visual Arts divisions.

A prototype of the Conn-O-Sax, an updated version of the heckelphone made by C.G. Conn. Photo by E. Ganter for ARTICA - The Archives of Interlochen Center for the Arts.

“When [Goldwasser] did a master class for Arts Academy students last spring, saxophonist Gabe Proctor (IAA 21-) was inspired to do a specialized independent study,” Nelson says. “He’ll be working with [Goldwasser] remotely to conduct a yearlong project on the Conn-O-Sax.”

“We also have visual arts students who are interested in sketching instruments from the collection as part of their senior project, as well as some film & new media students who are working on video and even animation projects,” Nelson says.

Nelson also hopes the collection’s selection of world music instruments can be utilized as an educational tool.

“It’s an untapped resource that could be used to create curriculum in history, global studies, and diversity, equity, and inclusion,” she says.

Creating a vision for the future

One of Goldwasser’s most important goals, however, is providing recommendations for the future of the Greenleaf Collection.

“I envision this collection being an open database of information,” Goldwasser says. “I see it as an open call for students, teachers, and guest artists to get a moment of their passion’s history. My hope is that within the next two years, the Greenleaf Collection will be a very quick, one-stop shop for your questions about Conn, Elkhart, and more.”

One of the collection’s most pressing needs is for a new space on Interlochen’s campus, a place where the collection will be safe, secure, and most importantly, seen—by not just a handful of students by appointment, but by hundreds of visitors on a daily, walk-in basis.

“The space that we currently have is not a display space—it’s really just a storage space,” Nelson says. “Because we don’t have a dedicated display space, many of the ‘crown jewels’ of the Greenleaf Collection have been loaned to other museums in the United States. We are trying to unite the Greenleaf Collection in a place where people can enjoy it.”

Goldwasser and Nelson are also making plans to provide a continuity of curation of the Greenleaf Collection.

“Now that I’ve been given the opportunity to stand in temporarily as curator, I feel it’s even more important to keep this momentum going past this summer,” Goldwasser says. “I want to build the foundations so that if another specialist comes in next year, the process is already in place.”

“We are interested in all available options for the collection’s curation,” Nelson says. “We can dream big—which we have—but can also continue the model we used this summer, bringing in specialists for different instruments to provide the level of curation that Jake has provided for the saxophones.”

Living the dream

As the summer draws to a close, Goldwasser reflects on the transformational experience of curating, researching, and sharing the Greenleaf Collection.

“It’s a dream come true,” Goldwasser says. “This project is the first of its kind for me. It’s an honor to be a part of traditions and lineage, especially the traditions and lineage of a place like Interlochen.”

“This place has been the home and the haven for musicians to teach their craft at the highest level offered. When I think about the footsteps I’m following, it’s more than inspiring—as an educator and as a performer.”

And despite spending six weeks immersed in the collection, Goldwasser still feels a sense of awe when he walks in the door.

“I’m a kid in a candy store,” he says. “It’s a very special opportunity. I’ve loved every minute of it.”

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Cinema Collective unites alumni, faculty, students, and guests to develop original visual stories (Stories 624854)

melissa.birdsey — Tue, 16 May 2023 12:57:58 +0000

Cinema Collective unites alumni, faculty, students, and guests to develop original visual stories (Stories 624854) melissa.birdsey Tue, 05/16/2023 - 08:57 Cinema Collective unites alumni, faculty, students, and guests to develop original visual storiesThe Collective facilitates opportunities for alumni engagement, professional development, mentorship, and hands-on learning by producing fully realized professional film projects on Interlochen’s campus. May 24, 2023

When Michael Mittelstaedt arrived at Interlochen in 2005 to lead the institution’s new Film & New Media division, he was already envisioning an era in which Interlochen-trained filmmakers would return to campus to work with the next generation of film students.

“When I was hired, my goal for the Film & New Media curriculum was to share visual storytelling in a way that would build a generation of community-minded filmmakers who would want to come together as future collaborators,” Mittelstaedt said. “I wanted to instill values, skills, and stories in these young filmmakers so that when we invited them back to Interlochen as industry professionals, it would be a gift to collaborate with them.”

This April, Mittelstaedt’s vision came to fruition with the inaugural production of the Interlochen Cinema Collective, a group of alumni, faculty, and guest artists dedicated to the creation of fully realized professional film productions. For four days, Film & New Media students worked side-by-side with members of the Collective to complete principal photography for Jedo’s Dead, a short film written by alumna Sara Nimeh (IAC 00-06, IAA 06-08).

The Cinema Collective has two primary objectives: To develop original visual stories, and to mobilize nearly a century of Interlochen alumni as collaborators and mentors. Through the Cinema Collective, faculty, alumni, and resident artists working in many facets of the film and television industry will convene at Interlochen to produce short and feature-length films and work with Interlochen’s Film & New Media students.

“The Collective has been a long time coming,” Mittelstaedt said. “It really pushes the boundaries of what Interlochen is capable of doing.”

The beta project: Chasing Daylight

In 2015, Mittelstaedt reached out to several Film & New Media alumni about the possibility of collaborating on his original film, Chasing Daylight.

“I knew that we were coming to a time in the history of the Film & New Media division when many of our alumni were beginning their professional careers,” he said. “I realized they were going to be incredible collaborators on this project.”

Over the course of the next year, Mittelstaedt and a core group of alumni—including Chad Engel (IAA 07-09), Dylanger Bates (IAC 07, IAA 07-09), and Nimeh—discussed plans for shooting the film. Mittelstaedt was awarded a sabbatical, and in 2016, Chasing Daylight began production on location near Palmdale, California. The production provided an ideal environment for testing the Cinema Collective concept.

“Working on Chasing Daylight renewed my energy and inspired me to keep thinking about what the Cinema Collective might be,” Mittelstaedt said. “Collaborating with my former students showed me that what I had anticipated in terms of the sentiment and the ability of the alumni was true. We could get together and create things that had a high standard without the crazy budgets and time crunches.”

The inaugural season: Jedo’s Dead

Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mittelstaedt secured the funding needed to make the Cinema Collective a reality. Although the pandemic stalled efforts to bring alumni and guests to campus, Mittelstaedt moved forward, officially launching the Collective in 2020.

About a year ago, Mittelstaedt and a small group of Film & New Media alumni began meeting weekly to incubate screenplays for future Cinema Collective projects.

“During that time, we were thinking about screenplays, talking about stories, and giving each other feedback,” he said.

Eventually, Nimeh’s script, Jedo’s Dead, was selected as the Collective’s inaugural project.

“Sara’s screenplay arose out of our discussions based not only on the quality of the story, but also because it takes place in a single location with just three characters,” Mittelstaedt said. “It’s a story that is ambitious, yet is reasonable for us to achieve in a short amount of time.”

With the script selected, Mittelstaedt, with the help of Collective members, put out a call to alumni, inviting them to take part in the project.

“I got a great deal of response, and although not all those who responded were able to be involved right away, it was heartening to see the support that people were sharing and the suggestions of how they might become involved later,” Mittelstaedt said.

In April, a small team of alumni and visiting filmmakers convened at Interlochen to shoot Jedo’s Dead. The crew featured, among others, Mittelstaedt as executive producer, Nimeh as director, Shane Bagwell (IAA 15-17) as director of photography, Ellyn Church (IAA 06-07; IAC St 07, 09, 11) as producer, and Bates as production designer and props master. Twelve Film & New Media students served as production assistants.

“Although ‘production assistant’ sounds like a low-level position, the students were very well-ingrained production assistants,” Mittelstaedt said. “They were able to get hands-on learning with lighting, camera, production, design, set decoration—all manner of roles on set. During the four days we shot, as well as the two or three days prior, they were doing all of the prep work on location. They were very close to the action.”

The future of farming and filmmaking: The Greenacres documentary

Students will also be heavily involved in the Collective’s next project: A collaboration with the Ohio-based Greenacres Foundation. Through the partnership, Interlochen Arts Academy students and faculty members will create a documentary about regenerative agriculture practices.

“The Greenacres project is going to be a longer-format project, a feature that will take a couple of years to complete,” Mittelstaedt said. “We’ll be learning about how we can take care of the earth and how taking care of the earth takes care of us. My pitch for the documentary is that the earth is the only story we all share.”

“Making this concept accessible is the key—it’s a matter of finding the story inside to make sure our audiences understand the importance of what we’re trying to share.”

The documentary will begin production in Fall 2023. The Film & New Media division will welcome several new instructors to assist with the film’s creation.

“We are hiring a new faculty member who will be teaching within their expertise while also thinking about creative direction for the documentary,” Mittelstaedt said. “We’ll also be hiring a producer and a cinematographer. These faculty will not only be teaching classes for Film & New Media students, but also working in development on the Greenacres project. It’s a slightly different design from other Cinema Collective projects, but it still follows the idea of students and faculty working side-by-side to create new work.”

As a documentary, the Greenacres project will also follow a different life cycle than a typical Cinema Collective project.

“It’s a bit of an inverted process in that the filmmakers will be looking for the story instead of writing it,” Mittelstaedt said. “It’s a gift for our students to be able to learn how to create both narrative fiction work and documentaries.”

Once completed, the Greenacres documentary will be shared with the public via streaming platforms and community screenings. Mittelstaedt also hopes to showcase the film at national film festivals.

Looking ahead

Through Chasing Daylight and Jedo’s Dead, Mittelstaedt has refined his aspirations for the Cinema Collective.

“What I learned is that we need more time, more preparation, and a little bit more diversifying of voices,” Mittelstaedt said.

While this season’s crew was in residence for only a few days, Mittelstaedt hopes future Cinema Collective guests will serve longer-term commitments.

“It’s crucial to the Collective that crew members come back to campus with enough time to work with students,” he said. “This year, Cinema Collective members worked with 12 of our 28 Film & New Media students on set. While there were some conversations off set, I’d like the front-end crew to come in early enough that all students in the department get to hear from these alumni and learn what they’re doing in their work. Eventually, the hope would be that anybody working in development on a project would come for several weeks to a semester and would act as a mentor and resident artist.”

As resident artists, Cinema Collective guests will teach arts electives in their area of expertise. These electives, which will be open to students of all majors, will enable the Film & New Media division to supplement its existing curriculum with courses in subjects such as editing, sound recording, cinematography, producing, and arts business/finance.

Mittelstaedt also plans to recruit larger, more diverse production teams for future projects by leveraging Interlochen’s extensive alumni network.

“My hope is that these productions will be crewed and casted primarily by Interlochen or Interlochen-affiliated collaborators,” Mittelstaedt said. “The Film & New Media program has been here 18 years, and we have a lot of alumni we can count on. But prior to those 18 years, there were thousands of actors, musicians, and all kinds of artists who trained at Interlochen. I think we can spread the net a little wider and find out who else is acting, performing, designing, and casting. In this upcoming season, we want to put out a call for crew members, designers, and other collaborators much earlier.”

Collaborating across generations

By putting out a wider call, Mittelstaedt can achieve another goal: Creating a team that includes artists of all ages.

“My intention is for the Cinema Collective to be an intergenerational creative collision,” Mittelstaedt said. “This season, my youngest student on set was 14; my oldest crew member was 58; my oldest actor was around 70; and our youngest actor was seven. The Cinema Collective is not just about teenagers and young adults making movies, it’s a community for all kinds of members: teenagers and young children and elderly people.”

“This is an endeavor that is compassionate. We can be many ages, and live in many places, but we’re all coming together to tell a story.”

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Donors supercharge scholarships during ‘Act for Art’ (Stories 624846)

melissa.birdsey — Thu, 11 May 2023 14:48:55 +0000

Donors supercharge scholarships during ‘Act for Art’ (Stories 624846) melissa.birdsey Thu, 05/11/2023 - 10:48 Donors supercharge scholarships during ‘Act for Art’488 people gave during the three-day fundraising event earlier this month, providing $207,000 in financial aid for student scholarships.

Student volunteers host the Act for Art kick-off party in the Dennison Center on May 3, 2023.

May 11, 2023

Thanks to the commitment of many dedicated supporters, the third annual Act for Art Giving Days was a powerful groundswell of support for young artists and their families. Thank you to all who gave: your contributions are a testament to the generosity of this community, and the desire to invest in the future of the arts. Working together, donors raised over $207,000 to support students’ financial aid needs in the coming Camp and Academy year.

110 energetic volunteers (almost twice the amount of previous years) created peer-to-peer campaigns, made videos, posted on social media, pledged seed or challenge gifts, and helped in the thanking effort. Current and former Arts Academy students and parents, Arts Camp alumni and parents, faculty and staff, and various volunteer groups including the Interlochen Annual Fund Committee (interested in joining? let us know.) and the Interlochen Engagement Council all participated. Coming from all ages, all backgrounds, and all geographies, these volunteers worked together to rally the worldwide Interlochen community.

In total, 488 people came together in three short days to give young artists the life-changing experience that is Interlochen. Here are just a few of the heartfelt and inspiring messages we received during the Act for Art Giving Days:

As a young artist who never quite felt like he fit in at the schools where I grew up, Interlochen was like a dream come true. It felt like coming home. It felt like I actually belonged. It was like I was finally appreciated and seen for the first time in my life, honestly. It helped instill confidence in myself—a belief that I truly had something of value to offer the world and that if I just followed my heart and lived my purpose to use my talents to create art, that those efforts would pay off-–not just for my own heart and soul, but for others who would recognize and understand what I was doing. I hope this gift helps another young artist on their OWN path of artistic self discovery and fulfillment.

Lito Velasco (IAA 88-92)

We are so grateful to both Interlochen Arts Academy and Camp for helping our son find his calling as an orchestral musician!

Gaye Gronlund & Bruce Corner, alumni parents

Interlochen opened my eyes to the possibilities I could be. And I will be forever grateful!

Alissa Green (IAC 99)

Giving the gift of art is investing in a future of inspiring and beautiful moments.

Bessie Bone, alumni parent

I dreamed of coming to Interlochen as a kid. I finally get to be here as an employee. Every day I try to do my part to make the dream come true for all the kids out there searching for a place to belong.

Eveann Meerhof, employee

Thank you for coming together to make Act for Art a success for young artists and their big dreams.

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Stage and screen actress Elizabeth Marvel to present 61st Interlochen Arts Academy commencement address (News Articles 624599)

melissa.birdsey — Tue, 09 May 2023 15:05:03 +0000

Stage and screen actress Elizabeth Marvel to present 61st Interlochen Arts Academy commencement address (News Articles 624599) melissa.birdsey Tue, 05/09/2023 - 11:05 Stage and screen actress Elizabeth Marvel to present 61st Interlochen Arts Academy commencement addressA 1987 graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, Marvel is best known for her roles in television’s ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Homeland,’ as well as the 2019 Broadway production of ‘King Lear.’
May 9, 2023

Stage and screen actress Elizabeth Marvel (IAC/NMC 82-83, IAA 83-87) will deliver the commencement address to the Interlochen Arts Academy Class of 2023 during Academy’s 61st Commencement ceremony. The event will take place on Saturday, May 27 at 10 a.m. ET at Kresge Auditorium and will be livestreamed on Interlochen’s website.

"As a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, Beth Marvel personifies success, having gone from Interlochen to The Juilliard School to an amazing career in theatre, film, and television,” says Interlochen Center for the Arts Provost Camille Colatosti. “Her commitment to the art of acting is paramount as is her dedication to the development of young people. As a Camp parent, she has made numerous trips to Interlochen in recent years to work directly with Interlochen students. She is an inspiration who shows us what it means to be a true artist. She stands as a creative changemaker, the kind of artistic spirit so needed in the world today. We are thrilled to welcome her as our commencement speaker."

Marvel has held recurring roles in notable television series including The District, Homeland, House of Cards, and Helstrom and has appeared in numerous films, including News of the World, The Bourne Legacy, and True Grit. Marvel also starred as “Goneril” in the 2019 Drama League Award-nominated Broadway revival of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. Marvel has been nominated for several prestigious stage and screen awards and is the recipient of three Obie Awards and the 2018 Gracie Allen Award for Outstanding Female Actor in Supporting Role in a Drama Series.

The Commencement ceremonies will also feature remarks by the Senior Speaker, trumpet performance major Mia Kohn (IAC 21-22, IAA 22-23), and a performance by the Senior Performer, singer-songwriter Emily Baird (IO 21-22, IAC 22, IAA 22-23). Senior Lynn Kang (IAA 20-23) will perform during Honors Convocation.

Each year, Interlochen Arts Academy celebrates the multifaceted artistic and academic talents of Arts Academy seniors through the selection of one Senior Speaker and one Senior Performer. All seniors are eligible to apply for these honors. Candidates participate in a rigorous application and audition process led by a selection committee composed of faculty, administrators, and students.

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Interlochen College of Creative Arts commissions new work from composer Jim Stephenson (News Articles 578544)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:46:48 +0000

Interlochen College of Creative Arts commissions new work from composer Jim Stephenson (News Articles 578544) melissa.birdsey Mon, 04/10/2023 - 10:46 Interlochen College of Creative Arts commissions new work from composer Jim StephensonStephenson’s Symphony No. 4 will be premiered by Symphonic Band Camp participants as part of their final concert on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. April 10, 2023

Composer Jim Stephenson works with the Arts Academy Wind Symphony during his 2020 Composer’s Sandbox residency.

Interlochen College of Creative Arts has commissioned a new symphonic work from composer James “Jim” Stephenson (IAC/NMC 79-84, 86; IAA 83-86; IAC Fac 04, 08) for the Summer 2023 Symphonic Band Camp (formerly known as the Adult Band Camp). The work will be premiered during the program’s final concert on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.

“The musicians of the Symphonic Band Camp will have the opportunity to play an expanded work with large-scale development of themes and a deeper meaning, and will be able to say they took part in a world premiere by a major composer,” said Tom Riccobono, Instructor of Low Brass at Interlochen Arts Academy and conductor of the Symphonic Band Camp. “We will all grow as musicians from performing this work.”

An alumnus of Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy, Stephenson is a prolific and sought-after composer for all genres. Stephenson’s past commissions include works for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, “President’s Own” Marine Band, and Boston Pops.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to ‘go home’,” said Stephenson in a video announcement on his Instagram page. “The music’s already churning about what I can write for that space, that place that I love so much and that gave so much to me.”

The commission was catalyzed by a leadership gift from an anonymous donor. Riccobono and Director of Continuing and Community Education Gary Gatzke are currently seeking to raise an additional $10,000 to fully support the commission. All donors who give $100 or more to the project will be acknowledged in the program for the world premiere performance.

Riccobono selected Stephenson to create the commissioned piece as a result of his long-held admiration for the composer’s work.

“I have been a great fan of Jim Stephenson's compositions for years, and have conducted, performed, and listened to many of them,” Riccobono said. “I especially like the ingenuity, creativity, and sense of humor that are instilled in all of his works.”

Riccobono and Gatzke spoke with Stephenson at length about the nature of the piece, ultimately agreeing that it would be most meaningful for Symphonic Band Camp participants to premiere a substantial symphonic work. The piece will be Stephenson’s fourth full-length symphony.

“I have conducted several of Jim's short fanfares—which are fantastic compositions—but left me wanting more,” Riccobono said. “I wanted to have a composition for the band that was an expansion on what I had experienced in the past. I am also familiar with Jim’s first three symphonies, and it is thrilling to see what he comes up with when given more space to express his ideas.”

The piece will be performed for a second time by the Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Symphony during the 2023-24 academic year. Riccobono and Gatzke hope that the piece will gain popularity with high school ensembles across the nation, helping prospective students learn about Interlochen.

“Our name will appear at the top of the sheet music, so every band that performs the piece in the future will know that the piece originated here,” Riccobono said.

If you are interested in making a gift to this work, please contact Interlochen’s Office of Philanthropy at philanthropy@interlochen.org or 231.276.7623 or make a gift online.

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