Excellence

Two Interlochen-affiliated artists receive Sphinx MPower Artist Grants (News Articles 624871)

melissa.birdsey — Tue, 23 May 2023 12:40:06 +0000

Two Interlochen-affiliated artists receive Sphinx MPower Artist Grants (News Articles 624871) melissa.birdsey Tue, 05/23/2023 - 08:40 Two Interlochen-affiliated artists receive Sphinx MPower Artist GrantsArts Camp alumna Kamilah Brown and former Arts Camp faculty member Titus Underwood received a combined total of more than $6,000 to further their careers in classical music.

Violist Kamilah Brown (left) and oboist Titus Underwood (right).

May 23, 2023

Interlochen Arts Camp alumna Kamilah Brown (IAC 19) and former Interlochen Arts Camp faculty member Titus Underwood (IAC Fac 21) are among the 15 artists selected to receive 2023 Sphinx MPower Artist Grants.

First awarded in 2014, the Sphinx MPower Artists Grants empower alumni of the Sphinx Organization’s programs—including the Sphinx Competition, Sphinx Virtuosi, Sphinx Performance Academy, and Sphinx Lead, among others—to achieve their career objectives in classical music. Grants range from $1,000 to $15,000 based on the scope, need, and nature of the application.

Brown, a violist and alumna of the Sphinx Performance Academy, will receive a $1,080 grant to evaluate and select a graduate program. The grant will allow Brown to explore many options and make a well-informed choice that aligns with her goals and aspirations.

Underwood, a 2021 recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence and a member of the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, was awarded a $5,000 grant to complete the pilot for a children’s series that creatively introduces musical instruments through storytelling. Underwood currently serves as the Principal Oboe for the Nashville Symphony.

Founded in 1997 by Interlochen Arts Academy alumnus and former trustee Aaron Dworkin (IAA 86-88), the Sphinx Organization is a social justice organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. The organization seeks to increase representation in classical music by providing educational programs, recognition and performance opportunities, career grants, and professional development opportunities for Black and Latinx musicians, administrators, and arts entrepreneurs of all ages.

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Interlochen students and alumni shine in 2023 YoungArts Competition (News Articles 436156)

melissa.birdsey — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:17:49 +0000

Interlochen students and alumni shine in 2023 YoungArts Competition (News Articles 436156) melissa.birdsey Wed, 12/07/2022 - 12:17 Interlochen students and alumni shine in 2023 YoungArts Competition24 current and former Interlochen Arts Academy students, 30 Interlochen Arts Camp alumni, and six Interlochen Online participants were honored in one of the nation’s leading competitions for young artists.

“The Same But Different” by visual arts Finalist Marlene Schwier.

December 7, 2022

24 current and former Interlochen Arts Academy students, 30 Interlochen Arts Camp alumni, and six Interlochen Online participants are among the 702 young artists honored in the 2023 YoungArts Competition.

Presented by the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists, the YoungArts competition identifies exceptional young artists ages 15-18 in 10 artistic disciplines in the written, visual, and performing arts. Since YoungArts was founded in 1981, more than 20,000 young artists have been recognized and supported by the program, including actor Kerry Washington, singer Nicki Minaj, pianist Conrad Tao, poet Amanda Gorman, and flutist Claire Chase (IAC 92-93).

Winners are awarded in three categories—Merit, Honorable Mention, and Finalist—and receive a variety of benefits, including cash prizes ranging from $100 to $10,000 and exhibition and performance opportunities. Finalists are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week, a weeklong intensive featuring performances, readings, exhibitions, and workshops with acclaimed professional artists.

Finalists in their senior year are also eligible to be nominated for U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school artists. Since the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, 50 Interlochen Arts Academy students have been selected as Presidential Scholars—more than any other high school in the nation.

An interactive performance piece by Marlene Schwier (in trash can) designed to help the audience reconnect with their possessions.

Finalists

Mari Broome (IAC 22, IAA 22-23), Voice (Popular)
Mason Bryant (IAC 21, IAA 21-), Jazz (Guitar)
Jackson Kaiser (IAC 13-18, IAA 19-22), Composition
Elizabeth Keller (IAC 19, IAA 21-), Novel
Emily Pickering (IAA 22-), Creative Nonfiction
Sophia Pollono (IAC 21), Theatre (Spoken & Musical)
George Porteous (IAC 21), Theatre (Spoken Only)
Marlene Schwier (IAC 13-18, IAA 19-23), Visual Arts

Honorable Mentions

Bella Aboulhosn (IO 20, IAC 21), Theatre (Spoken & Musical)
Emily Baird IAC 21-22, IO 22, IAA 22-), Voice (Pop)
Madeline Cha (IO 20), Violin
Jonah Cohen (IAC 19, IAA 20-22), Composition
Isabel Davison (IAA 21-22), Novel
Neva Ensminger (IAA 20-22), Creative Nonfiction
Grace Finke (IAC 18-19, 21, IO 20), Voice (Classical)
Sela Foster (IAC 22), Voice (Jazz)
Eloise Fox (IAC 17), Voice (Classical)
Lila Holler (IAA 21-), Singer-Songwriter
Jenny Hu (IAC 19), Novel, Short Story
Ryan Kaplan (IAC 21), Jazz (Alto Saxophone)
Claire Kho (IAC 17), Oboe
Zarin Mehta (IAC 22), Piano
Tara Prakash (IO 20, IAC 21-22), Creative Nonfiction
Kaydance Rice (IAA 20-), Spoken Word
Isabella Rotker (IAA 21-), Play or Script
William Schwartzman (IAC 17-18, 21), Jazz (Piano)
Corrine Turgeon (IAA 22-), Cello
Anna Uehlein (IAC 21-22), Theatre (Spoken Only)
Ava Ulloa (IAC 19), Voice (Popular)
Logan Zaud (IAC 16-19, IAA 20-), Jazz (Double Bass)

Merit

Laurel Aronian (IAC 22), Singer-Songwriter
Emily Baird (IAC 21-22, IO 22, IAA 22-), Singer-Songwriter
Emelia Ciccolini (IAC 16-18, IAA 19-), Visual Arts
Christopher Dechant (IAC 21), Clarinet
Yiran Deng (IAC 14-15), Cello
Mackenzie Duan (IO 22), Poetry
Sydney Feldman (IAC 17-18, IO 20), Flute
Evelyn Goldin (IAC 22), Singer-Songwriter
Noa Gutkin (IO 22), Singer-Songwriter
Samuel Hicks (IAC 19, IAA 20-), Jazz (Percussion)
Jenny Hu (IAC 19), Novel
Diego Jaquez (IO 20), Tuba
Annie Johnson (IAC 21), Creative Nonfiction, Short Story
Page Judge (IAC 21), Euphonium
Caroline Kao (IAC 21), Oboe
Heather Kim (IAC 21), Flute
Lucy Letscher (IAC 22), Voice (Popular)
Madeline Levan (IO 20, IAC 21, IAA 21-), Singer-Songwriter
Cadence Liu (IAC 22), Flute
Sophia Liu (IO 20), Poetry
Imani Makasa (IAA 22-), Voice (Popular)
Rose Morris (IAC 21-22), Singer-Songwriter
Alicia Nordmeyer (IAA 21-), Short Story
Genevieve Rogers (IAC 17-19, 21; IAA 21-), Singer-Songwriter
Isabella Rotker (IAA 21-), Spoken Word
Valeria Serrano (IAC 21, IAA 21-), Viola
Max Schneiderman (IAC 22), Filmmaking
Kaya Shin-Sherman (IO 20, IAC 21-22, IAA 21-), Singer-Songwriter
Stellan Swanlund (IAC 21), Piano
Cameron Suber (IAA 20-), Jazz (Tenor Saxophone)
Lakshmi Sunder (IAC 21), Short Story
Ava Ulloa (IAC 19), Voice (Jazz)
Madison Xu (IO 20), Poetry
Oscar Yum (IAC 21), Voice (Classical)

Acronym Key:
IAC - Interlochen Arts Camp
IAA - Interlochen Arts Academy
IO - Interlochen Online

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Interlochen Shakespeare Festival recognized in Encore Michigan’s 2022 Wilde Awards (News Articles 435679)

melissa.birdsey — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 19:38:45 +0000

Interlochen Shakespeare Festival recognized in Encore Michigan’s 2022 Wilde Awards (News Articles 435679) melissa.birdsey Wed, 11/30/2022 - 14:38 Interlochen Shakespeare Festival recognized in Encore Michigan’s 2022 Wilde AwardsInterlochen alumni Sydney James Harcourt, Arezu Tavakoli, and Mishka Yarovoy earned top prizes for their roles in the Festival’s award-winning productions of “Othello” and “Sanctuary City.”

Sydney James Harcourt as "Othello."

November 30, 2022

Sydney James Harcourt as "Othello."

Arezu Tavakoli as “G” in the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival’s production of Sanctuary City.

Mishka Yarovoy as “B” in Sanctuary City.

The Interlochen Shakespeare Festival’s productions of Othello and Sanctuary City received top prizes in the 2022 Wilde Awards. Several Arts Camp and Arts Academy alumni and guests were also among the honorees in the prestigious statewide awards program.

The Wilde Awards are presented annually by Encore Michigan, Michigan’s leading theatre news outlet. Winners were selected by Encore Michigan reviewers, who attended more than 80 productions during the qualifying season. In response to feedback from theatre companies and theatre artists across the state, the 2022 Wilde Awards recognized the “best of the best” in each award category rather than selecting one winner.

Othello was selected as a Best of the Bard winner. Encore Michigan reviewer Marin Heinritz hailed the production as, “not only terrifically relevant today, but well worth seeing for its sheer artistic excellence…. Every actor on stage gives a top-notch performance.”

Sanctuary City earned an award for Best Play. Heinritz’s review of the play praised the production as “a wonderfully bold and relevant choice…. it’s what Mishka Yarovoy as B and Arezu Tavakoli as G do and say, how they move and breathe and create rhythm with language that drive this story straight into our hearts.”

Several members of the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival cast received individual recognitions. Interlochen Arts Academy alumnus and current Interlochen Trustee Sydney James Harcourt (AS 94, 97; IAA 94-97) earned a Best Performance of the Bard award for his portrayal of the titular character in Othello. Recent Arts Academy graduates Mishka Yarovoy (IAA 17-19) and Arezu Tavakoli (IAC 18-20, IAA 19-21) received Best Lead Actor in a Play and Best Lead Actress in a Play awards, respectively, for their roles in Sanctuary City.

Fellow alumna Olivia Goosman (IAC 14, IAA 19-22) was also honored in the Wilde Awards, earning the Terry Heck Rising Star Award for her performance in Ruthless! The Musical at the Wilde Theatre as well as past performances at Encore Musical Theatre and the Purple Rose Theatre.

The Detroit Opera Theatre’s production of X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X was selected as one of the Best Opera winners. The production starred Interlochen Arts Camp alumnus Davóne Tines (IAC 04) as “Malcolm X” and featured alumnus Bernard Holcomb (IAA 00-02, IAC St 05, IAA St 01-02) as "Ensemble/Postman" and current Interlochen Arts Academy voice faculty member Jennifer Cresswell as “Social Worker/Reporter 1.” Interlochen alumnus Kazem Abdullah (IAC 91-93, 95-97; IAA 96-97) conducted the performance.

Detroit-based theatre artist Emilio Rodriguez, who will be in residence at Interlochen Arts Academy this spring, received awards for Best Play and Best New Script for his play God Kinda Looks Like Tupac. During his residency, Rodriguez will direct his original adaptation of “The Frog Prince,” Sun in Ya Hands. The production will run March 10-12 in Phoenix Theatre.

The Interlochen Shakespeare Festival engages northwest Michigan audiences through professional theatre that celebrates the Shakespearean imagination. Since its founding in 2008, the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival and its performers have received several Wilde Awards, including the 2018 Best of the Bard award for King Lear.

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Alumnus Nic Weinfeld makes Forbes 30 Under 30 list (News Articles 435554)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 17:54:12 +0000

Alumnus Nic Weinfeld makes Forbes 30 Under 30 list (News Articles 435554) marycaroline.w… Tue, 11/29/2022 - 12:54 Alumnus Nic Weinfeld makes Forbes 30 Under 30 listWeinfeld, who is CEO of production company Five to Sixty, was honored in the Marketing & Advertising category. November 29, 2022

On November 29, 2022, Forbes released their annual lists of high-performing young business and industry leaders. This year’s 30 Under 30 featured Interlochen alumnus Nic Weinfeld (IAC 09, IAA 10-12) in the Marketing & Advertising category.

At 28, Weinfeld is the founder and CEO of Five to Sixty, a production company that specializes in content for social media. What began as a small team of Brooklyn producers eventually became a commercial production partner with a global reach. Weinfeld has worked with leading brands including Nike, Spotify, Pepsi, and L'Oreal. Earlier this year, he filmed a campaign for Starbucks with fellow Interlochen alumna Ashley Park. His recent work for Popeye’s earned him a 2022 Bronze Cannes Lion and a 2022 Ad Agency Creative award for best product launch.

Weinfeld studied Film Making and Motion Picture Arts (now Film & New Media) during his time at Interlochen. “This truly would have not been possible without Interlochen,” he says.

To learn more about Film & New Media at Interlochen Center for the Arts, click here.

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Interlochen Dance Center recognized in the New England Architecture Awards and ‘American School and University’ Architectural Portfolio (News Articles 435085)

melissa.birdsey — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:10:15 +0000

Interlochen Dance Center recognized in the New England Architecture Awards and ‘American School and University’ Architectural Portfolio (News Articles 435085) melissa.birdsey Tue, 11/22/2022 - 11:10 Interlochen Dance Center recognized in the New England Architecture Awards and ‘American School and University’ Architectural PortfolioThe building, designed by Flansburgh Architects, was honored for outstanding achievements in the support of the profession of architecture and excellence in educational design. November 22, 2022

Interlochen Center for the Arts’ state-of-the-art Dance Center has received two prestigious architecture accolades: an Honor Award in the 2022 New England Design Awards and a Special Citation in the 2022 SchoolDesigns American School and University Architectural Portfolio.

Presented by the eight New England area American Institute of Architects components, the New England Architecture Awards recognize outstanding achievements in architecture and celebrate architects from and architecture in the New England region. More than 150 projects were submitted for consideration for the 2022 awards, which were adjudicated by acclaimed architects from prestigious studios across the nation. Awards were conferred during the annual Awards Program, hosted this year by AIA Rhode Island on Oct. 1, 2022 at South Street Landing in Providence, Rhode Island. Previous New England Design Award winners include Harvard University’s Science and Engineering Complex (2021); the Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre and College of Fine Arts Production Center at Boston University (2020); and MIT.Nano (2020).

Published by American School and University magazine, the Architectural Portfolio has been the ultimate tribute to education design excellence for 40 years. Winning entries are published in the fall edition of American School and University, which boasts an audience of 182,000 readers. The Dance Center received a Special Citation from the Portfolio—the publication’s highest honor. In their remarks, the jury hailed the Dance Center as, “a beautiful project...spectacular to look at it and see how it responds to the context and the site.”

“I’m so grateful to Interlochen for giving me the opportunity to take the Dance Center to the next level, and I deeply appreciate the meaningful partnership that we formed with Flansburgh Architects along the way,” said Interlochen Center for the Arts Director of Dance Joseph Morrissey. “From our first meetings to their on-site visits to our five-minute Zoom sessions, Flansburgh truly brought my ideas to life, creating a space that capitalizes on our amazing views and is awe-inspiring. This award is an incredible bonus and a well-deserved honor for everyone involved. I’m deeply humbled and incredibly proud.”

The Dance Center is a scenic, 25,000-square-foot facility located on the shores of Green Lake. The structure is composed of two sections: the earlier Hildegarde Lewis Dance Building, which was completed in 1950 and renovated in July 2021; and the Nancy Hoagland Wing, a 16,000-square-foot addition that opened in February 2021.

Designed by Flansburgh Architects of Boston, Massachusetts, the Hoagland Wing includes an outdoor deck space; eight-foot-high windows; locker rooms for students and faculty; ADA-compliant accessibility features; and three new, climate-controlled studios. Each of the new studios features 16-foot ceilings, sprung-wood floors, professional lighting grids, state-of-the-art sound systems, and professionally designed barres to accommodate dance teaching and performance requirements.

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Arts Academy places 4th in the global 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students (News Articles 434761)

leah.stewart — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 13:47:10 +0000

Arts Academy places 4th in the global 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students (News Articles 434761) leah.stewart Thu, 11/17/2022 - 08:47 Arts Academy places 4th in the global 24 HOURS Animation Contest for StudentsThe event challenges participants to create a 30-second film based on a given theme in a designated 24-hour period. November 17, 2022

With their work judged by industry artists, 300 different high school and university teams from 17 countries across the globe participated. The Interlochen Arts Academy Animation student team, “The Randalls,” earned 4th place with their short film What if? Congratulations to our all our Animation students who participated!

Animation at Arts Academy

Film & New Media at Interlochen

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Interlochen alumni selected as 2023 Grammy Award nominees (News Articles 434694)

melissa.birdsey — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 16:12:09 +0000

Interlochen alumni selected as 2023 Grammy Award nominees (News Articles 434694) melissa.birdsey Wed, 11/16/2022 - 11:12 Interlochen alumni selected as 2023 Grammy Award nomineesNorah Jones, Peter Erskine, and Nicholas Phan highlight the thirteen Camp and Academy alumni nominated for the most coveted accolade in music; alumnae Starr Parodi and Isolde Fair received the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Classical Compendium.

November 16, 2022

Update: An Adoption Story, featuring Starr Parodi (IAA 76-77) and Isolde Fair (IAC 14-16), won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Classical Compendium.

Thirteen Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy alumni are among the nominees for the 2023 Grammy Awards.

The music industry’s highest honor, the Grammy Awards celebrate excellence in the recording arts and recognize the contributions of all creators over the course of the award year. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.

The alumni nominees are:

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
- I Dream of Christmas (Extended) — Norah Jones (IAC 94-95)
Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
- Stranger - Works for Tenor By Nico Muhly — Nicholas Phan (AS 93-94, IAC 95-96)
Best Classical Compendium
- An Adoption Story — Starr Parodi (IAA 76-77) and Isolde Fair (IAC 14-16)
Best Contemporary Classical Composition
- Puts: Contact — Kevin Puts (AS 85-87)
Best Orchestral Performance
- Sila: Breath of the World — Doug Perkins, Musicians of the University of Michigan Department of Chamber Music, and University of Michigan Percussion Ensemble (Christopher Hall [IAC 15, IAA 15-17, IAC St 17-18], Jonathan Krause [IAC 17], Ancel "Fitz" Neeley [IAC 16])
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
- What is American — PUBLIQuartet (Jannina Norpath [IAC 91-93])
- Musical Remembrances — Neave Trio (Eri Nakamura [IAC 96, IAA 96-99])
Best Opera Recording
- Davis: X - The Life and Times of Malcolm X —Davóne Tines (IAC 04)
Best Jazz Instrumental Album
- Live in Italy — Peter Erskine Trio (Peter Erskine [IAA 68-71])
- Parallel Motion — Yellowjackets (Bob Mintzer [IAA 69-70])

Presented annually by the Recording Academy, the Grammy Awards are the industry’s only peer-recognized music award. Recording Academy Voting Members select winners in 91 different award categories including general fields, craft categories, and 26 distinct genre fields. Since the awards were first presented in 1959, 75 Camp, Academy, All-State, and University alumni have received a total of 144 Grammy Awards for their work as solo artists, ensemble members, conductors, composers, and recording engineers.

Did we miss an Interlochen-affiliated nominee? Let us know by emailing us at content@interlochen.org.

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Interlochen Arts Academy student Rueby Wood nominated in inaugural Children’s and Family Emmy Awards (News Articles 433935)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 17:32:08 +0000

Interlochen Arts Academy student Rueby Wood nominated in inaugural Children’s and Family Emmy Awards (News Articles 433935) melissa.birdsey Mon, 11/07/2022 - 12:32 Interlochen Arts Academy student Rueby Wood nominated in inaugural Children’s and Family Emmy AwardsA sophomore Musical Theatre Performance major from Central Square, New York, Wood was nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance for his performance as ‘Nate’ in ‘Better Nate Than Ever’ on Disney+. November 7, 2022

Current Interlochen Arts Academy student Rueby Wood (IAA 22-) is among the nominees for the inaugural Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.

A sophomore Musical Theatre Performance major from Central Square, New York, Wood was nominated in the Outstanding Lead Performance category for his starring role as “Nate Foster” in the Disney+ musical comedy Better Nate Than Ever.

"I am unbelievably excited and honored by this opportunity,” Wood said. “It definitely came as a shock, but I am over the moon. I am so grateful for the community I have here at Interlochen Arts Academy to celebrate with me. I feel so supported by everyone in the theatre company, and I'm so happy to be here."

"The entire Theatre department is very proud of Rueby,” said Interlochen Director of Theatre Bill Church. “This is a significant accomplishment and well deserved. We are excited for his continued growth and look forward to working with him here at the Academy."

Based on Tim Federle’s 2013 novel of the same name, Better Nate Than Ever follows the adventures of 13-year-old Nate Foster (Wood), who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. The film premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, 2022 before arriving on Disney+ on April 1. Better Nate Than Ever was also nominated for awards in six other categories, including Outstanding Writing for a Young Teen Program, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Casting for a Live Action Program. Friends star Lisa Kudrow, who appeared in the film as “Aunt Heidi,” also received a nod for Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Preschool, Children's or Young Teen Program.

The Children’s and Family Emmy Awards were launched by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2022 in response to the rapid growth of children’s and family content over the past two years. The awards mark the first standalone expansion of the Emmy Award competition since 1979. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Dec. 11, 2022.

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Interlochen students play to a crowd of thousands at Armenia’s Starmus Festival (News Articles 429414)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:56:11 +0000

Interlochen students play to a crowd of thousands at Armenia’s Starmus Festival (News Articles 429414) marycaroline.w… Tue, 09/27/2022 - 12:56 Interlochen students play to a crowd of thousands at Armenia’s Starmus Festival The festival, founded by astrophysicist and Queen guitarist Brian May, showcased the connections between science and the arts.

SYZYGY performs at Starmus Festival 2022.

September 27, 2022

It was September 10, 2022. Vocalist Jessica Li stood on the stage at Armenia’s Opera Square, checking the sound before her upcoming performance. In just a few short hours, she and her bandmates would be playing at an international festival of science and music. Li is a high school senior at Interlochen Arts Academy. And tonight, in her band’s second-ever public performance, she’d sing in front of 20,000 fans.

Performing at an international festival is certainly an unconventional start to the school year. For Li, the journey from Interlochen to Armenia began in January of 2022. Li’s bandmate Case Fadell met one of the festival’s founders, astrophysicist Garik Israelian, and shared some music with him. Intrigued, Israelian invited Fadell and his band to perform in Armenia in the fall.

The band, SYZYGY, includes current Arts Academy students Li, Fadell, and Jorge González Díez Gutiérrez—all of whom are returning for their second year at Interlochen—along with Tomomi Kimura, a four-year senior. Alumna Kat Stockton and professional drummer Justin Amaral fill out the lineup. According to Li, the group’s style is “metal with a pop sensibility.”

Once they found out they’d be performing in the fall, SYZYGY worked over the summer to craft a full set list of concert-caliber music. The students worked closely with arts division director Marc Lacuesta to perfect their sound and production.

Their destination? The Starmus International Festival.

Back row, from left, the members of SYZYGY: Kat Stockton (vocals), Tomomi Kimura (bass), Jessica Li (vocals), Case Fadell (guitar), Justin Amaral (drums), Jorge González Diez Gutiérrez (keys). Front: Director of Music Production and Engineering Marc Lacuesta.

The Interlochen students and alumni of SYZYGY at Starmus. From left: Jessica Li, Kat Stockton, Case Fadell, Jorge González Diez Gutiérrez, and Tomomi Kimura.

Rocking Starmus
Starmus—a combination of the words “star” and “music”—is the brainchild of Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May. First held in 2011, the Starmus Festival is “a global festival of science communication and art that brings together the most brilliant minds on the planet.” Its ranks of past speakers boasts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Richard Dawkins. Past board members have included Stephen Hawking. The festival features a concert with bands from around the world.

SYZYGY took to the stage in a beautiful outdoor venue in Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan. Li, who wants to start a career in music, especially remembers the soundcheck because someone came up and asked her for her autograph.

“It struck me for the first time that I could actually be a performer, as a profession,” says Li.

As the last band of the night, SYZYGY followed up several Armenian groups. The relatively unknown group from northern Michigan earned a warm welcome from the crowd.

“Everyone was really supportive of our band. I could tell that they really liked us even though we were just starting out and we didn't really have a fan base or any previously released material,” says Li.

“The crowd was amazing,” adds Lacuesta.

Where science and the arts intersect
While at the festival, SYZYGY also made time to attend several different research talks, some of which discussed sending probes to Mars. Although she’s always had an interest in psychology, Li never considered herself a “science person.” Her perspective changed at Starmus.

Both music and science are about making the world a better place, one through using technology and the other through evoking emotions.

Jessica Li (IAA 23)

“We went to this talk about neuroscience and music and how they're related. And that clicked for me, because it connected two of my passions that had been pretty distinct from each other,” says Li.

“Both music and science are about making the world a better place, one through using technology and the other through evoking emotions,” she continues.

Lacuesta hopes that his students discovered connections between science and the arts while attending the festival.

“So much misunderstanding of the sciences comes because it's not communicated properly, or not communicated in a way that is interesting to the people that need to hear it,” says Lacuesta.

Incredible as the Armenia trip was, Lacuesta is looking forward to settling back into teaching at Interlochen. His students, he says, have bright futures ahead of them.

“I'm grateful for it [the trip]. But really, the excitement comes from what I'm going to teach them, and what they're going to learn this year, and who they're going to become. This is just one step.”

OnExcellence

Instructor of Piano Michael Coonrod retires after 46 years (Stories 348366)

ian.jones — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:10:42 +0000

Instructor of Piano Michael Coonrod retires after 46 years (Stories 348366) ian.jones Tue, 06/07/2022 - 13:10 Instructor of Piano Michael Coonrod retires after 46 yearsDr. Coonrod reflects on a lifetime of teaching, finding balance, and saying goodbye

Dr. Michael Coonrod says farewell after his performance of "Danny Boy," arranged for the left hand.

June 15, 2022

Dr. Michael Coonrod says farewell after his performance of "Danny Boy," arranged for the left hand.

Dr. Michael Coonrod works with a student at Interlochen Arts Camp in 1978.

Dr. Michael Coonrod (center back) with students from his 1981-82 Interlochen Arts Academy piano studio.

Dr. Michael Coonrod performs in recital during the 1996-97 Interlochen Arts Academy academic year.

Dr. Michael Coonrod (far left) gathers with students on tour in Washington, D.C., during the 2000-2001 academic year.

Dr. Michael Coonrod (center back) with students from his Interlochen Arts Camp piano studio in 2012.

Dr. Michael Coonrod (center) celebrates with students from his Interlochen Arts Academy piano studio in 2022.

Michael Coonrod first came to Interlochen in the summer of 1967 as a 17-year-old pianist who wanted to make a life in music. Just nine years later, he would return to Interlochen as a piano instructor to live that life under the stately pines. After 46 years teaching piano at Interlochen Arts Academy and 67 years behind the keyboard, Dr. Coonrod is retiring and passing his legacy to one of his own.

We recently sat down with Coonrod to hear his reflections on a career dedicated to teaching, performing, and finding balance.

What brought you to Interlochen?
I went to the National Music Camp in 1967. I was 17-years-old and had studied piano since I was four. In my choir room at school, there was a poster with a picture of a lake and a sailboat, and I thought it was a beautiful area. But mostly, it was Dean Boal, Dean of Fine Arts at Illinois State University at the time, who pushed my father to get me here. They were friends and colleagues at the University of Montana, and Dean suggested I study with George Lucktenberg at Interlochen for the summer.

I really enjoyed it and was dedicated. I practiced seven hours a day. I had a theory class. I had a piano literature class. And I took tennis lessons at 4:30, during what they called “forced fun.” But, I loved it and loved the setting because I come from Montana and enjoy the outdoors.

What do you remember from that time?
I remember the concerto competition. This woman with blonde hair played the Sebelius violin concerto, and I fell in love with that concerto because of her playing. It was really wonderful. And I remember we had piano literature class on the stage in what is now the academic library. It had two big glass doors adjoining the concourse. We were having class, and two kids from my cabin opened the door and yelled, “Hi, Mike!” and disrupted the whole class.

I remember many other things: Cabin 13, the smell of sulfur in the water, and swimming in the lake with friends. I am still connected to a few. I had a friend at Camp, Walter, who educated me, “You know, if you don’t brush your teeth within a half-hour of eating, it doesn't do any good.” He was about to retire as a piano professor at Arizona State University the next time I saw him. He was a very fine pianist, and it’s amazing how decades pass by, and then you just take up like nothing happened.

You joined the faculty just nine years after that first experience. How did that happen?
I was lucky. I was really good at one thing. I remember being at Disneyland in Anaheim as a young child, and a waitress in a restaurant asked, “What would you like to be when you grow up, sonny?” “I want to be a pianist,” I said. So, maybe four or five years later, I realized you couldn't just say it. You have to work hard. And so I started working hard then.

I went to school to have a music career. I wasn't a good high school student, but I was a really good college student because I learned it was important to be well rounded. I studied piano at the University of Montana and started teaching in college to earn some money. I thought that was fun. Then, while at Peabody Conservatory, I taught in the preparatory program there. I had just finished my coursework for my doctorate at Peabody. The placement director phoned me and four or five others and told us, “You know, there is an opening for piano at Interlochen right now. You ought to get on the ball and send in your application.” Thinking that there would not be much time, I sent a resume, transcripts, recommendations, recordings, and a cover letter. The next thing I knew, they asked me to come to play a recital with three days' notice. A week or ten days after that— all of this is happening in August—I got a note saying, “We’d like to offer you an employment opportunity.” And that was 46 years ago, so I’ve made a career of it. Who would have known that would be my lifelong job when I was in high school?

When did you know that teaching would be your life’s work? What was that spark?
Almost everyone grows up wanting to perform if they are talented and passionate. Not as many say, “I want to be a teacher.” Somewhere along the line, I thought it was interesting and rewarding to teach. In college and graduate school, it was exciting to be able to show kids how to do things. As a teacher, you don’t just demonstrate rhythm by playing it, though. You have to make sure students can do it. You have to show them, physically, how to create things that are beautiful and artistic. I’ve learned so much from my teachers, colleagues, and students and boiled it all down to what I think is essential as a teacher.

I've always liked young people. That’s why I’ve been involved in scouting for so long, and that’s why I’ve stayed here. It keeps me young. Every graduation, I’m still here. Every year, I get older, and the students are still the same age - different people, same age. Now, I’m graduating with them!

What are the most important lessons you’ve taught your students?
I’m always encouraging my students to have a liberal arts education and find balance. If you just spend your life practicing piano technique, you don’t know what to express. But if you understand lives and stories, explore art history, and read British literature, American literature, and biographies, you have something to express. I’ve heard young children play beautifully because they’re taught every note, every volume change, and every breath, but real creativity comes later when you have something within yourself to express. Balance is critical for students so involved in the arts. That’s why I’m always trying to get students outside—camping, hiking, or swimming in the lake. It is my little effort to help them find balance in their lives.

Also, you have to think creatively based on what the composer has written down and be a supportive person in the community for their colleagues. I require all of my students to attend 15 of their peers’ recitals, whether they know them or not, because I want them to understand the value of supporting one another. It’s easy to be selfish with your time in school. You want to make grades, you want to practice, you want to make every single minute count. It tends to be very self-oriented, so I think it is essential to learn to do things for other people. My watchword is to help other people, so teaching is an ideal profession for me.

What have you learned from your students?
I’ve learned to listen. If something is bothering a student in their life, you’ve got to listen to them first. Otherwise, it’s tough to teach. I’ve learned to give specific assignments, share feedback on how they are doing, and encourage but not overpraise. They can see through that. Students are the most critical of themselves, so you have to balance showing them the right way with encouragement. It’s about a positive attitude. When students think they can’t do it, you have to show them that they can. Over the years, I’ve learned to be patient and that you can’t expect someone to do something they can’t yet do. Some teachers get flustered and belittle, and you can’t do that. You have to be patient, encourage, and channel because there is a place for music in everybody’s lives.

Kara Huber is Interlochen’s new instructor of piano. She studied with you from 2004 to 2006. How does it feel to pass the reins to one of your students?
I can’t believe that it would have happened this way. It is like a dream come true. Several former students could have done a fine job, but she is one of the best.

Nelita True was one of the greatest piano teachers in the world who passed away a couple of years ago. She started her career as an accompanist here at Interlochen’s National Music Camp, and then she went to Julliard and got her doctorate. She was later chair of the music department at Eastman School of Music. When Kara graduated, I said to her, “I think you’re going to be the next Nelita True.” Many years later, when she came to interview for the position, one of my colleagues said, “You know, I think she might be another Nelita True.” I thought, “No way. I said that the day she graduated!”

Can you share a favorite memory from your time at Interlochen? What will you take with you?
One of my favorite pieces of all time is the Schubert Fantasia, in which I’ve played both parts, primo and secondo, for many years. And two of the most advanced, creative, and wonderful students are graduating this year, and they played it last week. They played it in each of their recitals and played it really, really well. That jumps out at me as being the highlight of my career. Seeing two special students play one of my favorite pieces in their senior recitals was an honor.

Also, I have a special relationship with my first student, who graduated in 1979. In 2019, she donated, bought an ad in the program, and came from Los Angeles to the performance of the concerto for left-hand I did with the Traverse Symphony, commissioned after I lost the fourth finger on my right hand. That she would think so much of me to come back and do that means so much.

Will you still perform?
I’ve played a recital every year for 46 years. I’ve recorded five CDs and performed worldwide, but I am tired of memorizing. So, if I perform again, it will likely be with chamber music, where you don’t memorize, and you’re sharing the stage with others.

When you think about your students over the years, what is your wish for them?
I wish they would be happy in what they are doing, as happy as I have been at Interlochen. There are plenty of people who live for the weekend, but I’ve never felt that. I just hope students are happy with their lives because there is more to life than just playing an instrument and being successful. I am proud of working at Interlochen and being responsible for the success of many, many students—whether in music or not.

And I hope they come back to see me while I am still here.

In your last community meeting at Interlochen, you said farewell with a special arrangement of Danny Boy. Why that selection?
It is one of the most beautiful melodies ever written, and my middle name is McGill, so I am part Irish. I’ve always wanted to arrange it for piano, which I did once before. But, after I lost my finger in 2014, I wanted to see if I could do it with my left hand. It has rich bass lines, and that is what you do with the left hand. So, that is what I did. Also, it’s nostalgic because I’m leaving. And if people know the poem, they’ll cry. And I really do want to see my students again.

"Danny Boy", arranged for the left hand and performed by Dr. Michael Coonrod in 2022.

But come ye back when summer's in the meadow,
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow,
It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so!

Why does the world need Interlochen today?
Oh boy. We need people sensitive to music and one another. Whether you go into the arts or not, it creates a sensitivity to that side of yourself. The world is so full of hate and war and terrible things. But I come here, and I see all the beauty, performances, people proud of what they are doing, and faculty who are genuinely devoted to the students. And I think, “Golly, we really need this place.”

As a tribute to Michael Coonrod, an alumnus has established the Dr. Michael Coonrod Visiting Artist Fund in Piano. Alumni and friends can also honor Coonrod by making a gift to this new fund or to the Interlochen Annual Fund. Please visit Give to Interlochen or call the Philanthropy Office at 231.276.7623.

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