<p>FYI - The summer National High School Music Institute held annually at Northwestern University is truly one of the best summer programs for high school students in the nation. - a wonderful 5-week opportunity to get the full college experience with freedom, too. I found the talent and teaching to be amazing - don't overlook it to the more famous Tanglewood and Interlochen programs. (Although I am a staunch Interlochen supporter, too, as an alum.) Definitely a total experience for the musician as a person.</p>
<p>I had heard the same thing, so I called to inquire about the program. I was told that although auditions are required, there are many people there with little or no festival or chamber experience - implying that it was a great place to start, but it was not clear whether it had the quality of the other programs. Additionally notification of acceptances are sent out much later than the early April of Tanglewood and Interlochen (which, by the way, for woodwinds came the day before Tanglewood was due back.) Decisions regarding Tanglewood and Interlochen would have to be made before being notified about acceptance at Northwestern. Seems like that would need to change that to compete.</p>
<p>I'll put in a contraposition. NHSMI is a good "starter" program, but IMHO it doesn't hold a candle to Interochen. DD attended both and gave thumbs down to NHSMI and two thumbs up to Interlochen. </p>
<p>Now to be fair, living arrangements had a lot to do with D's opinions. She did not get along with her single roommate at NHSMI (summer after sophomore year), but adored all 12 of her cabin mates at Interlochen (summer after junior year).</p>
<p>Musically, no doubt that Interlochen was superior IMHO. They actually had composers like Tichelli come in for a week and prepare the children for a concert on their compositions. The every other week seating auditions gave them a taste of what to expect in later life.</p>
<p>bkb,
Tell us a little about an average day in the program. I was in the area a few times during the summer and I saw lots of high schoolers coming and going from the Music Admin. Building. This may very well be a choice for my son (cello) this next summer.</p>
<p>I have posted about D's experience at NHSMI before. She was not happy with her experience for a number of different reasons, but as with many schools and programs, this may vary depending on the student, his or her instrument and the level of experience.</p>
<p>As an oboe student, D only had 30 minute lessons at NHSMI, which is much too short for a student at her level considering the music she was working on and her need to work on reeds as well. I also did not like the level of supervision. She had been diagnosed with mono about a month before she started at NHSMI, and still needed to go to sleep early on occasion. The students were required to check in with counselors before going to bed, but they couldn't check in earlier than 11 pm. After I made a number of phone calls, I think they eventually found a way to accommodate her, but I didn't understand why there were no counselors available until 11 pm.</p>
<p>Overall, we found that NHSMI was not intense enough for D. However, we also know one student (soprano) who attended the same summer and was very happy. It was her first summer experience and she was very interested in attending Northwestern. For some students, NHSMI is fine, but I don't agree that it's "one of the best", at least for oboe players.</p>
<p>ok, so here's the thing: living arrangement can indeed make or break a program, although i think the ones at nhsmi are tops. the counselors, btw, are available for check-in at 9:30. roommate issues are always unavoidable.</p>
<p>private lessons have changed-there are now 2 lessons/week for 1 hour each.</p>
<p>it is a very intense program. there are students who cannot make it because of the mere intensity. it, of course, depends on what you put into it.</p>
<p>i highly suggest each person look into it before making decisions because of pre-conceived notions and generalizations. it is an up and rising program, improving steadily each and every year. the quality turned out is incredible.</p>
<p>keep asking alumni their opinions-they will attest and speak to the quality of the program. i know that for a fact. be sure to focus on the comments especially regarding the music and overall experience-not issues really relating to the quality of the overall program.</p>
<p>You said: "keep asking alumni their opinions-they will attest and speak to the quality of the program. i know that for a fact. be sure to focus on the comments especially regarding the music and overall experience-not issues really relating to the quality of the overall program."</p>
<p>Direct quote from my D who is a "Cherub" (alumnus), "NHMSI didn't come close to the musical experience at Interlochen."</p>
<p>Please define "in a sense." My read of that is that you're NOT a "Cherub", but someone with a vested interest since you were a counselor this past summer. </p>
<p>Do correct me if I'm wrong.</p>
<p>I'm not saying NHMSI isn't a good summer program, it certainly is, and my D would agree. However when I told my D about this thread and that someone was comparing NHMSI to Interlochen, she just laughed out loud, shaking her head.</p>
<p>You are actually incorrect. Misunderstanding understood.</p>
<p>Obviously, it boils down to a matter of opinion then, since I can also attest to the quality of both Interlochen and NHSMI-as well as the administrative side of nhsmi. I would never dare compare them, however, because they are very different programs.</p>
<p>I also know that every student is going to have a different experience. Of course, some aren't going to like each program. (I heard comparisons at NHSMI between Interlochen and NHSMI to counter previous comments, though I consider them irrelevant.) It's really up to the individual as to the quality of his/her summer because the opportunity is at both places for a phenomenal experience.</p>
<p>By the way, the students are no longer called cherubs.</p>
<p>"It's really up to the individual as to the quality of his/her summer because the opportunity is at both places for a phenomenal experience."</p>
<p>As a music-parent with no irons in this particular fire, I'd like to comment that this is a supremely silly statement. Much more helpful would be an analysis of differences between the 2 programs, an indication of what kind of student would benefit more from which program, an idea of which instruments are particularly well-taught, or have attracted top-level players, whether there is more of an empahsis on solo work, chamber or orchestra...you get the idea. Yes, it is a truism for any institution/experience that what you get out of it is proportional to what you put into it, but there still are differences NOT ATTRIBUTABLE to that one factor. </p>
<p>The more detailed your account of those other factors, the better. You say "of course, some aren't going to like each program" -- what did some kids not like about NHSMI? That would be useful info, as would your detailed comments on what in particular kids DID like about NHSMI.</p>
<p>"Silly"? I beg to differ. My point is that both places are all-around top-notch, so you won't go wrong with either. Very simple. Also interesting that I've heard that mere phrase come out of so many faculty members/admissions officers' mouths. </p>
<p>Top programs at NHSMI are winds in general, especially brass, and voice. Probably the best summer program in brass. That, however, does not mean that the other instruments suffer. At all. Interlochen is strong all the way around and offers the fine arts as well.</p>
<p>NHSMI offers more of a college environment obviously, while Interlochen is a rustic summer camp experience. This is the main difference I have always heard and personally discovered.</p>
<p>Both have top notch faculty.</p>
<p>NHSMI is also a great place for those interested in Northwestern. (Although it's a really good indication of just college life in general within a music school, especially.)</p>
<p>It really goes back to what the individual wants out of his summer.</p>
<p>It's important to keep in mind, (especially to those new to this when their kid all of a sudden wants to go forward at a high level musically) that even with well respected and recognized camps, programs and festivals, the experience is not the same each year.</p>
<p>Changes in administration, faculty, and support staff can greatly influence a program, for better or worse.</p>
<p>The same can be said for changes in funding sources, music directors, emphasis (solo, ensemble or orchestral), or even food and linen purveyors.</p>
<p>Participant mix can greatly impact one's personal assessment of a program, as can the amount of unstructured time alloted.</p>
<p>It takes alot to develop, sustain and deliver a high quality program year after year. A major factor in evaluating a great program is looking at consistency over a number of years, and trying to get feedback from past participants whose personality, musical talents, and goals closely resemble your own.</p>
<p>A person wishing emphasis on solo repetoire is not going to be happy at a program that stresses orchestral works; someone wanting full musical emersion from 8 am till 10 pm will probably not enjoy the mandatory canoe outing or softball game.</p>
<p>What works for one does not work for all. It's finding the right fit.</p>
<p>"It's really up to the individual as to the quality of his/her summer because the opportunity is at both places for a phenomenal experience."</p>
<p>BKB, my problem with your statement is that it implies that my D's disappointing experience was her own fault. You don't know my D. She was among the strongest students at NHSMI in the summer of 2005. Of all of the wind players, she was the only one chosen to perform a solo in the honors recital. She has spent the past two summers at Aspen, where she thrives on the intensity and quality of the program. I also mentioned this thread to her and that you were stating that it was musically comparable to Interlochen (she did not go to the camp, but attended Interlochen Arts Academy for two years). She also scoffed at this notion. She and I have a number of other criticisms of her NHSMI experience, but they are too personal to post on a public forum like this. </p>
<p>IMO, NHSMI is a fine program for the following:
-students who have never done a summer program
-students who are interested in Northwestern
-students who are looking for a summer program, but missed the early deadlines for Interlochen and Tanglewood
-students who want to study with one of the NHSMI teachers
-students from the Chicago area who want to stay close to home</p>
<p>violadad-i couldn't agree more wholeheartedly.</p>
<p>i don't know how to state this any other way: i am NOT comparing NHSMI to Interlochen. when specific things were stated regarding both, it was in response to questions. my comments - or originating this thread - was not for the purpose of comparison.</p>
<p>a disappointing experience may or may not be one's fault. the statement was a mere generalization that 97.5235% of the time can be taken for its surface meaning.</p>