<p>Our daughter is a freshman in high school. She has been admitted to Interlochen's Advanced Operetta and Choral summer program (6 weeks) and to Westminster's Solo Vocal artist (1 week) and Vocal Institute (2 weeks) programs. We are trying to decide between these 2 wonderful places. Daughter loves opera and choral singing and is not interested in musical theater.</p>
<p>We would love to hear from anyone with experience of either program. What were the teachers like? Our daughter will probably be the younger participant in each program - Was the program nurturing? What are the other students like? - fiercely competitive or supportive? Was choral singing overshadowed by other programs (opera/instrumental) in Interlochen? If you have been to both - please post. Did you like the diversity of interests in Interlochen, the focus on Voice in Westminster? To those who have attended summer music programs anywhere - did you find 6 weeks too much? 3 weeks too little?</p>
<p>Any information you can provide will help us tremendously. We have to make a decision fairly soon. Many thanks, VP.</p>
<p>We are interested in opinions of the Interlochen Advanced Choral and Operetta Program also. D, a junior, applied to the Advanced Vocal Program but was accepted into the Advanced Choral and Operetta Program instead. D loves choral music, but she wanted to focus on small groups and solos this summer. Any information, experiences and opinions from people familiar with the program will be very welcome!</p>
<p>I know when D attended Interlochen for high school, the thinking was that a freshman was a little young to do serious solo work. Some freshman vocalists were admitted to the program (school year), but not many. The faculty preferred juniors and seniors. The voice is simply not developed enough.
That said, I don't think you can go wrong with Interlochen and the exposure you will get to great faculty and peer talent. I know Westminster is highly regarded, too, but I have no experience with it.</p>
<p>Operamom, The little bit of information we have gathered from asking around: the faculty at the Interlochen Advanced Operetta and Choral program this year have good credentials. Though we haven't spoken to anyone that knows them personally. We have spoken to violinists and cellists and Musical theater students who have gone to Interlochen, but none have attended this particular program. If you find out more, please post. We are leaning more and more towards Westminster.</p>
<p>dr. fryling, the head of the choral program at interlochen, knows my high school's chorus teacher, so he did both a master class at my school and my local all-county festival. He is an amazing musician and teacher, very engaging.</p>
<p>Erdna - None of the regular Interlochen faculty are teaching in the Advanced Choral and Operetta program. A few Interlochen faculty are involved in the Advanced Vocal program. Just something to keep in mind.</p>
<p>fryling's not a regular interlochen faculty...i just happen to know him, and he's running that program this year.</p>
<p>This was not an easy decision to make. Since both programs seem to be excellent. And would be great for our D. In the end, she has chosen Interlochen for this summer, and might go to Westminster next year. Thank you to all those who posted, and best wishes to those still making their decisions. VP.</p>