Please note: we are currently accepting applications for all instruments except oboe and saxophone.
Overview
The Interlochen summer high school ensembles are the foremost training program in the world for young musicians. World-renowned conductors, teachers and guest artists create a program that emphasizes quality, personal growth, and the joy of playing with a group of superb musicians.
For any high school ensemble you can expect:
- Three hours of daily rehearsal including sectionals.
- Two hours of chamber music / performance skills each day includes time for small ensemble rehearsal and coaching, student performances, special topics, master classes and faculty performances.
- Weekly private lessons and regularly scheduled practice time.
- One additional elective.
- Violin, viola, and cello players may audition for the Advanced String Quartet elective.
High School Orchestras
The World Youth Symphony Orchestra (watch video, view repertoire) and the Interlochen Philharmonic (view repertoire) are the country’s leading orchestral experiences for advanced high school students. The faculty is made up of preeminent instructors who have extensive experience with major symphony orchestras. Repertoire is chosen from traditional and contemporary masterpieces as well as other influential genres. Under the direction of Jung-Ho Pak, the orchestra programs regularly feature some of the greatest artists in the world – Yo-Yo Ma, Sarah Chang, Joshua Bell, Van Cliburn and many more.
High School Wind Ensembles
The World Youth Wind Symphony (view repertoire) and the Interlochen Symphony Band (view repertoire) are the most advanced high school summer band experiences available in the country. Ensemble rehearsals stress the technical, expressive and musical development of the individual within a collaborative setting. The World Youth Wind Symphony and Interlochen Symphony Band have performed under the baton of many internationally renowned conductors, composers and artists including Frank Ticheli, Michael Haithcock, John Mackey, David Maslanka, Karel Husa, H. Robert Reynolds, John Whitwell and Jerry Junkin. Alumni of the wind ensembles program have attended virtually every major university school of music and conservatory and currently enjoy careers as professional musicians around the globe.
Scholarship Opportunities
Musicians who excel in woodwinds, brass or percussion and intend to participate in the wind ensemble are invited to apply for the Fennell Scholars program. Students can earn up to a full-tuition scholarship.
Orchestral strings, harp, woodwinds, brass and percussion students are invited to apply for the Emerson Scholars program, which offers full-tuition scholarships.
Students may also be eligible for other need-based and merit-based financial aid.
Concerto Competition
Interlochen offers a separate concerto competition for High School and Intermediate divisions, as well as an Honors Recital competition for the Junior Division. There is a separate application and audition required, and both must be submitted online. The deadline is May 11, 2012. Download the detailed instructions and competition application form.
