Hello all,
I’ve hit a bit of a blockade in my decision making. I’ve been thinking of auditioning for the Arts Academy at Interlochen recently, as a saxophone major. I would most likely audition for my sophomore year (next year, '16-'17); I’m an honor roll, all-honors-courses student (All A’s, with my only B being in algebra) and I’m not too shabby at what I do musically. I’ve heard that Interlochen gives invaluable musical experience and is really great with college preparation, especially for music majors, so I think that this could be awesome for myself If I were to be accepted. If I left for Michigan, however, I feel as if I would be missing out on the opportunities that I have currently at my home school. My high school currently has a great music program and amazing, supportive faculty whom I would miss immensely. My private teacher is great at what he does and does everything that he can to prepare me for my musical career as a future educator. I was just accepted into a great regional honors ensemble. Then you have the small, performance-based opportunites at my school that I would miss, such as marching band and being part of the pit during our musicals. Marching band is a particular case, because I’m expected to take a leadership position by my peers in the coming years. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m torn between leaving for a phenomenal music program and staying homeward bound to pursue my goals here. Does anybody have any wise insight on my current situation?
On top of that, if anyone has had any exposure with the saxophone studio/faculty at Interlochen, or has anything to say about the student life, academics, or their programs in general, I would love to hear about your experiences!
Thanks!
My experience is so limited in many ways, but something in your post stood out in my grumpy old man brain. I thought about not replying just to stay in good taste, but I will offer a thought that applies to only one part of your post - how much are you peers paying you? Peer expectations, I would give little weight.
Have you visited Interlochen or communicated with the saxophone teachers? If you haven’t, I think it’s definitely worth doing and will probably play a part in your decision process.
My son is a high school junior saxophone player, in a school system with an excellent music program (multiple Grammy ‘Gold’ Signature School awards.) Although he is focused on jazz, he has participated in all the things you mention – marching band, symphony band, sax quartets, jazz bands, ensembles, etc. He plays constantly during the school year. He enjoys doing these things because they’re a part of his high school experience but doesn’t put that much stock into them insofar as his musical career is concerned. Keep in mind that Interlochen is still a high school and the students do most of the things you mention. There may not be a marching band, per se, but there will be many opportunities to exercise your leadership skills, as well as enjoy the social aspects of being a high school musician.
My son goes to Interlochen’s summer camp but he’s in jazz, so only knows Bill Sears (who teaches jazz sax at the Academy.) He’s an excellent educator. A few of the top players in the summer jazz program also attend the Academy. Many of the saxophone faculty have connections to Donald Sinta, who was a legendary saxophone professor (classical) at the University of Michigan. From a musical perspective, I don’t think you’ll lack for challenge or opportunity at the Academy.
The question may be more about how you feel about a boarding-school environment, being away from your family, etc.
My D graduated from IAA in voice. Feel free to message me with questions about the school. I have only positive things to say. My D had great opportunities in music at home, so we were unsure if it was worth sending her. It was. It is an amazing place.