I was wondering if attending Interlochen summer camp is worth the time and money and if it’s considered prestigious for college applications.
My son is a passionate and driven musician who attends our school district’s arts magnet high school for orchestra. He also plays the electric bass in his school’s jazz band and a local rock band. He writes and produces his own music and recently won an award for original music in local original music competition. He’s currently producing an entry for another competition.
He’s currently exploring whether or not he wants to study just music production or business with an emphasis on the music industry or double major and study international relations, politics or history as well. He’s top school choices right now are Berkelee in Boston or NYU, both of which offer very different paths.
Will attending Interlochen help him choose a path?
Definitely agree with @thumper1 above. Music programs are amazing experienced and help you decide how much music you want (and allow you to be with other kids who love music too). Interlochen is not where the most intense musicians go and my understanding is more fun than other programs. S24 spent 2 years at a similar level but smaller program and just loved it. It helped him realize that he loved music but wasn’t going to apply for BM programs. I believe these level programs do help non music admissions because they show commitment to a high level EC and one that often fills institutional priorities.
My son’s summer at Interlochen was transformative. Mine was considering music performance and his experience that summer solidified his decision. He just graduated from conservatory and is a happy, working musician.
Does your son know what program(s) he would attend there? It sounds like he has an array of interests so is he looking at jazz, composition, orchestra?
You would need to ask camp admissions, as I am not sure how much participants are able to pursue activities/mentors outside of the primary area in which they enroll. So if for example, your son was enrolled in jazz and wanted to explore music production and composition, is the curriculum flexible enough to allow it?
The faculty was amazing. Be sure and apply for financial assistance.
Feel free to message me if you have other questions.
My daughter went to Berklee. It’s an amazing place. My wife and I miss it because while she was there, we saw the most talented musicians we’ve ever seen. Learned that the best talent aren’t the ones you hear on the radio.
If your kid wants to get into performance or production, I’m not sure how they can do better. But you don’t need to go to Interlochen to get into Berklee. My kid could barely read music and had no theory background. You just have to be really good.
Said differently, there are lots of reasons to go to Interlocken (my 9th grade cellist may go next summer), but I wouldn’t do it for admissions purposes. Certainly won’t hurt; but not necessary IME.
It looks like it offers more curriculum options within one summer (meaning you might be able to study multiple things). And it could help your son to decide if that’s where he wants to be for 4 years.
In terms of intensity … I know the string places that are known as more intense. Which would be for an intense brass experience? NYO, Brevard, Tanglewood?
I don’t think my kiddo is looking for super intense this summer (he will likely audition for Interlochen, actually), I’m just trying to think ahead for future summers.
I don’t know all that much about brass but I would guess the places you mentioned are the most intense. I do know that the brass section at Kinhaven where s24 went was outstanding and several went to conservatories including one who who went to Juilliard and another who made it to the last round at Curtis.
