Submitted by Aeneas (not verified) on September 21, 2009 - 2:52am.
This is a truly fantastic site, which I stumbled upon through google, I must say it has been a pleasure viewing this site and I am very happy that I found it, excellent content, keep up the good work and good luck.
With best wishes 8-), Aeneas.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 16, 2009 - 3:17pm.
Just reading these posts brings back the emotion from my two experiences as an All-State camper in the late 70's. I feel so lucky to be able to return for a summer concert or two each year and share Interlochen with good friends. I'm hoping to become a part of this wonderful place again as an adult camper.
Submitted by Jodi Royer Barnard IAA '82, IAA Recruiter IAC '83 (not verified) on July 12, 2009 - 9:38pm.
My parents haven't been back to campus since I graduated in June 1982. A trip back this weekend - after 27 years -- brought them to hear my son Chas play cello in World Youth. My mom and dad made a huge commitment to send me to IAA for three years, and to know see my son up on that Kresge Stage brought tears of pure joy and happiness to recall the Interlochen experience -- what a real joy and a true treat for them. I can't wait to visit the end of July! It was my husband who encouraged us to make it work for Chas this summer. It's been perfect and he sounds the happiest he has ever been. In his element, in my element, in our element. Thank you!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 2, 2009 - 9:24am.
I am so glad to be able to have my son share in the magic of Interlochen. The first year he attended he called me and said that he had finally found a place where he belonged. This is his 3rd year and he still feels that way! Thank- you! Kathy Acton
Submitted by G Bowers (not verified) on June 25, 2009 - 11:20pm.
This is my daughter's second year at Interlochen. She began the countdown to this First Gathering on the last day of camp last year! Her violin skills have sky rocketed over the past year, but more importantly, she came back a bit more mature, a bit more confident but obviously in love with a place that made it's way into her heart and I know will never leave her.
I am so happy we have become a part of the Interlochen family!!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 25, 2009 - 3:44pm.
I'd spent a magical opening weekend this past weekend, 35 years after I'd attended for the last time. The flood of memories. The sounds, the smells... the magic. I spent quite a bit of time fighting tears knowing my daughter,and all the students there, will experience Interlochen and all it's wonders. Look for me at closing weekend. I'll be the one blubbering at Les Preludes.
Submitted by Kurt Nahikian, Passionate supporter of Interlochen (not verified) on June 25, 2009 - 2:27pm.
Why did they come?
82 years ago there was no Melody Freeze, no Pinecrest no Writing House. The towering white pines were still years away from hearing the sounds of a 7 year old Lorin Maazel or the teachings of Vladimir Bakaleinikoff.
Yet if you were at "camp opening" with Joe Maddy on that cool June morning you would have been seeing the arrival of a bit over a hundred artists. Not just ‘any artists’ but an assemblage of the most gifted, dedicated young people our world had to offer. You would have had butterflies in your stomach because you knew that this was not a troupe of mere children – But once assembled they would grow to amaze the world.
Why did they come? They believed Interlochen was a place to be their best, play with the best and learn from the best.
A place to develop life-long skills that would advance their art and grow world friendship through the universal language of the arts.
This June of 2009 is not so different. Even thought there are thousands of artists, world-class facilities, instructors, awards, and even running water -- It is still a place of wonder where the most gifted, dedicated and open-minded young people the world has to offer come to be their best and learn from the best.
This is our fifth 'opening weekend' dropping off our aspiring artist. But I am still in awe and I imagine where these blue clad artists will be in years to come.
Parents - Do not underestimate the importance of this time for your children. Artists- Breath in everything you can while you are there. It is more than just oxygen in the air!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 25, 2009 - 1:04pm.
I went to camp twice, graduated from the academy, and now i work here. I suppose you could say i will never ever be able to tear myself away from this, the most amazing place on earth. it has truly become my home, and its inhabitants my family. i've never been more happy then even the hardest days at interlochen. every time i come back i feel that i am where i was born to be. leaving for college could perhaps be the hardest thign i'll ever have to do. everyone - artistic or not- should experience this place and all its wonder.
Submitted by Anonymous on June 23, 2009 - 11:45pm.
everytime i hear the theme or see those majestic pines i think of the time spent here and how it changed my life... if only i could spend my entire life here
Submitted by Mike Salamone (not verified) on June 23, 2009 - 1:40pm.
It has only been a few days since leaving her with you all. We left her at a practice studio playing her violin and preparing for Sunday's audition. She was so happy and we were so anxious for her, and for ourselves. After all, six weeks is a very long time...
She will have such experiences! Life changing, maturing, and above all fun. We look forward to seeing what we get back after six weeks with you.
Thank you and take good care of her.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on June 23, 2009 - 1:28pm.
Dear Interlochen Arts Camp,
I feel so blessed that my children are able to spend their summers with you! Your videos and photos bring tears of to joy to my eyes on their behalf. Thank you for what you do!
A grateful mom.
Yesterday, June 22, 2009, I received a postcard that was mailed by my son Chris from IAC 2008. (it must have sat in the out-going mail for a year) He wrote:
"Hey Mom and Dad, It's almost the last day of Camp. I've grown so much as a person that I don't recognize myself sometimes. I really wish that this camp wouldn't end because I love it so much up here. I will probably get home before this postcard does. Thank you so much for letting me come here. Love, Chris"
He auditioned at camp, was accepted to the IAA and graduated on May 23, 2009. When I read his card, I teared up. I think that we did the very best that we could do for our son by giving him the opportunities to learn and grow at Interlochen.
Jim Petersen, parent of Chris (cello, IAA '09, IAC '08)
Comments
"Hey Mom and Dad, It's almost the last day of Camp. I've grown so much as a person that I don't recognize myself sometimes. I really wish that this camp wouldn't end because I love it so much up here. I will probably get home before this postcard does. Thank you so much for letting me come here. Love, Chris"
He auditioned at camp, was accepted to the IAA and graduated on May 23, 2009. When I read his card, I teared up. I think that we did the very best that we could do for our son by giving him the opportunities to learn and grow at Interlochen.
Jim Petersen, parent of Chris (cello, IAA '09, IAC '08)
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