<p>Susan has covered just about everything I would say about the two programs, and I agree with her assessment. Don’t be influenced by comments about one being better than the other or about one being filled with kids who think they’re the next Idina Menzel. It’s not an accurate portrayal of the program, any more than comments in the past about Interlochen being filled with geeky music kids is. Both have good programs and chances are that your child will enjoy their time at either one. One comment I’d like to respond to is the contention that an audition somehow lends some sort of increased credibility to a program. I disagree. There are many excellent programs out there, some of the ‘best’ as a matter of fact, which require no audition. Also, in the big picture, it isn’t going to make a bit of difference whether you have Interlochen or SDM on your resume, especially for a child who is only 13. Does your D have a preference? </p>
<p>Oh, and a disclaimer. My D did not attend either of those programs so I have no affiliation or preference for one over the other. She has friends who have attended each of those programs, actually more from SDM than Interlochen probably, but we’ve always heard good things about both.</p>