Interlochen Summer
Interlochen, based in Michigan, offers a variety of music, dance and instrumental camps ranging from one-week institutes to intensive multi-week programs. Admissions standards vary, with some of the programs requiring portfolio or audition tapes.
Interlochen offers a wide range of musical opportunities for high school musicians and attracts some of the world’s most talented students and teachers. In addition to large-ensemble experiences, Interlochen Arts Camp also offers programs geared toward individual development/enrichment. The one-week instrumental institutes are held the week before multi-week programs start, so students are welcome to attend an institute and then stay on for another program.
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How do I expand this narrative arc? If both music and history are in your narrative arc, consider building on this interest with one of the following:
Take an amazing summer course at U.C. Berkely entitled Music in American Cultures
If your school offers the ability to do an independent study or a National History Day project, consider doing a research project on famous musicians influences on culture or conflicts, or even one of these historical figures, using some material from in the letters you transcribe. Note: these letters are Primary Sources for historical research purposes which makes any such research project even more impressive!
Consider doing a community impact project that involves music or folk music, like doing a nostalgia playlist for seniors in a home. Music from your youth has proved to be of huge therapeutic benefit to seniors and a project like this could have a real impact. See our PDF for Executing a Community Impact Project, which has step by step instructions on how to execute a project like this.
HOT TIP: The Interlochen programs are appealing for a number of reasons, including that there are numerous shorter sessions offered. This could be a great options for someone who wants to explore a summer arts program without committing to a full summer course. Choosing a summer arts program can also be a great way to demonstrate serious interest in music and the arts. Even if you don’t plan to attend college for music, it could be a great way to deepen or expand part of your narrative arc. Also keep in mind that many colleges without cornerstone drama and music programs love to have serious artists and musicians in their student bodies.