Summer program: Interlochen vs. Indiana Jacobs?

My son applied and got in Interlochen Orchestra for violin. Problem is, he has to accept the offer within 10 days. He also applied to Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Summer String Academy but the application is not even complete yet (waiting for school orchestra director to send in rec letter). The interlochen program gives 3500 Merit Award but is 6 weeks long. Indiana is 3 weeks and seem to do more chamber music, Interlochen will be full orchestra all 6 weeks.

So which program is better for a rising junior who plays violin in school and top regional youth orchestra and made all state in a large state? He does not intend to major in music but wants to keep playing in top notch college level orchestra. Anyway, we are kind of stuck at this point. How can we tell Interlochen to give us some more time while we wait for decision from Indiana?

Actually he also applied Eastman School of Music’s summer program. But I guess the chance of being accepted there is pretty slim?

I’ll let Interlochen parents answer but I do want to say that Eastman seems very possible given your son’s accomplishments. My son went last year and loved it. So I would wait for them as well if possible.

My D loved her time at Interlochen for acting and wanted to transfer there full-time for her own remaining HS years. (We said absolutely not, which she was upset about, but got over in time.)

I recall there was a certain overlap with being accepted to Interlochen and possibly being accepted to another program as well. I think if you write to Interlochen and let them know you’re waiting to hear about another opportunity they will agree to extend the deadline for you. If not, worst case scenario is you could pay a deposit and lose it, but as I recall they granted us an extension. They may not publish it, but it is not unreasonable. They must realize that since they are not guaranteeing a spot to applicants that those applicants will apply to more than one opportunity.

Good luck!

My son was in a similar position last summer and we called Interlochen and asked for a few more days. They granted it.

Thank you for all the information.

We just received email from Eastman. My son is also accepted into their summer program: Eastman Experience: Summer Classical Studies at the Eastman School of Music, which I think used to be called the Eastman Music Horizons.

So we now have two offers: Internochen and Eastman. Still waiting for decision from Indiana University’s Jacobs.

I really want to ask for your option as to which program should we choose, Interlochen or Eastman? Or is Jacobs String Academy really the best amongst the three? I googled online but there seem to be limited information available.

Any suggestion is greatly appreciated!

@Jtsao My S did Eastman for two weeks last year. It is a serious program – lots of work, instruction by f/t faculty, and absolutely top-notch players. His playing improved a lot. The only negative is that the dorms aren’t air conditioned and it got HOT!

Don’t have firsthand experience with the other two, although Interlochen certainly has an exceptional reputation. I don’t know about IA but we’re on the East Coast and it may be more of a midwest thing. Good luck!

My S attended the Jacobs program quite a few years ago now. It is intense and heavily focused on solo and chamber music work. Solo practice time is scheduled and if I recall correctly was 4 hours per day in 2, 2 hour blocks in addition to chamber music rehearsals and coachings. My impression of Interlochen from having considered it and having friends of my S attend is that it is more focused on Orchestra though there may be some smaller chamber group included as well. Indiana is a smaller strings only program. One of the draws of Interlochen is the presence of not just musicians but other artists as well, dance, art, etc. making for a vibrant cultural mix for the summer. Also the setting is amazing, beautiful place. I don’t know anything about Eastman but you may want to look at what your S is drawn to in each program. Does he want to concentrate on chamber and solo work or would he like the chance to play in a high level orchestra? My S was in a great youth orchestra program at home and really wanted to explore chamber music so the Indiana program was a better fit for him. He loved being on the IU campus for that time. For what it’s worth he did a shorter all state program at Interlochen for 2 summers also and it is a fabulous place, more camp like I think.

Thank you for all the information. We are still waiting for decision from Jacobs. From what I read here, all 3 programs are indeed very good. My S has been in the area youth orchestra for several years and played quite a few symphony pieces already (I read the Interlochen program for this summer, I see at least one symphony piece there that my S’s youth orchestra already played this year). I am thinking maybe a program with less orchestra and more chamber music will be a nice change for him. So we are leaning towards Eastman or Jacobs (if he gets in ) at this point.