This an an awful summer camp. Do not let its reputation fool you. The facilities are terrible all being outdoors in weather not suited properly for instruments including practice rooms! The food is unbearable and someways even unsanitary. The rules are redicilous and unbearable. I wouldn't call it a music camp at all! It's more of a military training camp. With music programs that do not meet the standards set. I was greatly dissapointed. My advice, take the $8,000 tuition and buy your child a new instrument.
Interlochen will always hold a special place in my heart. It's not just the amazing instructors, the beautiful atmosphere, and the opportunity to improve so much in your field, but the overall feeling! It's of acceptance and love, which you won't find in most high schools!! Everyone has a common passion. Not everyone discovers the magic this place has, but those who do never forget it :) It's where people say "be whoever you want to be" and don't judge you when you actually are. You will be AMAZED at the level of talent found here, with mini-Van Gogh's and JK Rowlings in the making. There are so many concerts to go to, and art galleries, and creative writing readings, and dance performances, and theatre.... plus you literally meet people from all over the world. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll call it your home, and personally, the people there changed my life :)
The camp is mostly oriented to the musical and dance enthusiast. Although they do offer visual arts and ceramics, a vast majority of the attendees were performance artists. There are after hours activities as well, and the cabins are adequate as well. Hence, I would recommend looking else where if you're you are hard core visual artist. Also, be aware that the dress code is very strict - Interlochen purchased clothing only. I spent $350 for the minimum of clothing plus a pair of sweats and pull over sweat top.
Parents be warned. Interlochen Arts Camp is a great place to send your child. But be absolutely certain he or she will be able to attend. Because if you drop out as far in advance as two months before the camp start date, whatever the reason, you'll lose 100% of your tuition, as high as $7000. And if you haven’t yet paid all of it, they’ll come after you to get it, as they are trying to do with us. My son (who attended last year) was an applicant for a mere 11 days this year when we had to cancel more than a month before the camp start date. (My wife's company closed, resulting in the loss of her job and our family's medical benefits.) They are demanding we pay the full $5850 tuition. They have shown no mercy. So don’t let the thrill of having your child accepted into Interlochen cloud your judgment. Read the contract thoroughly, especially the fine print. You'll see that virtually everything stacks up in their favor, especially if you have a dispute. Don’t be the next victim.
I loved this camp!! I learned so much and even my band director noticed. The setting is beautiful, with forests and a gorgeous lake. The consolers were really nice, and i made so many new friends.I would recommend this camp to only people who are really in to music, art, dance,theater, etc. because it is kind of expensive. But other wise, don't be discouraged because other people don't like it, see for yourself! It rocks!
I'm going back this year for what will be my 4th summer at Interlochen. I'm a visual artist, and this year I'll major in drawing. Summers at Interlochen have been the best of my life. The atmosphere there is amazing. It is my home away from home, even though I'm only there for part of my summer every year. When I leave I miss it. The instructors know their stuff, and everything is perfect. Interlochen is like art school over the summer, but it manages to be a whole lot more fun. The other campers, the counselors, and all the staff are just amazing, everyone is there for you. I recommend going, I've convinced my friends to apply. It's expensive, but it is definitely worth it. Not going is a missed opportunity, you'll regret it. This place is amazing.
To me, interlochen is the best place in the world, especially after my last summer ('07). As a theatre major, I was really happy with the level of personal attention paid to everyone in the cast of my play, Jungalbook. Everyone was treated with equal importance, as they should be. We had an excellent rehearsal space and performance venue. The directors were amazing, and pushed us to put on the best play possible, and I learned so much from them which is why I will be returning to the same program for summer '08. I don't know about other campers, but I have had some amazing counselors throughout my four summers (so far) at Interlochen. Most of them didn't object to you hanging out in their area and talking about anything. The cabins aren't state of the art, but I couldn't imagine living anywhere else during the summer. Keep in mind, Interlochen is intense, any prospective campers should think about what they want to audition for and make sure they are truly passionate about it.
My son was a junior orchestra camper. In our hometown, he is a pretty good, not great player. At home he's in the 6th grade and plays with 8th graders. He's either first or second chair every time. He loves to play. He was excited about Interlochen. When he got there, he auditioned in the lower group (orchestra as opposed to ensemble) which was FINE. But for three weeks, his lessons were really chaotic. Sometimes the sectional leader didn't show. Sometimes they had to combine the violas and cellos. Sometimes the sectional leader was 20 minutes late. He enjoyed most of the other activities, but they were what you would find at ANY summer camp, not one you travel hundreds of miles to get to and pay premium prices for. The final concert was great -- the top players in the older divisions were phenomenal. But we kind of got the impression that our fees subsidized the experience for the very top players. Not worth the money for us, so we'll go to a cheaper, closer music camp.
Some of the most amazing experiences in my entire life took place in this quiet middle-of-nowhere community. The unparalleled artistic excellence and collaboration is enhanced by the friendliness and the great personalities of the artists, and the strict but very understanding faculty. Two of the greatest summers ever, with a legacy that carries far into the year ahead.
INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP IS HEAVEN ON EARTH. Seriously. I went for singing, and the instruction I got was beyond excellent. It was also amazing to be exposed to so many other amazing types of art-- WYSO (orchestra) is amazing, so are the visual arts, etc. As others have said, the people you meet at Interlochen are by far the best part of the experience. I made lasting friendships-- with people from across the country to across the world. And I'm STILL in touch with them. Interlochen was just that incredible. Ok, so the food is less than amazing. The cabins can be a bit cramped. It can get hot. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Interlochen is sweet! Since I came back from Interlochen this summer, I've been so much better at clarinet!!! I got 2nd chair in my symphony Band and beat almost ALL the 8th graders in chairs!! I'm going to go to Interlochen for a lot more summers!
ok. heres the deal. ppl who didnt like the camp are obviosly spoiled brats who always get what they want when they want it. ive been there 3 summers and it is my sancury. it is beautiful and inspiring. and really ppl- is the food thet bad! no- its just not gourmet!!! so get over it! there is honestly NO better place to go! the guest artists (jousha bell this year) were fabulous and so were the teachers. AAND the best part is the ppl you meet. You cant go to interlochin and not make at least one friend. I had a bazilion beacause hey all share your love of art!!! i have been to many other sleep away camps and NONE were as good as Interlochen. NONE!!!
My sister went to Interlochen for three years (1998-2000), and me for four (2003-2006). I grew up throughout the four summers, and they were unforgettable. I think Interlochen is a great place to try once, but some of the programs are lacking and I feel that the music programs are not intense enough. The food wasn't very good, but there was always an option of fixing a sandwich or a salad when all else failed. The cabins weren't the best, but there is electricity, and a handful of buildings are air conditioned. Every day you spend at Interlochen is special. I would reccommend going there at least once if you are somewhat interested in the arts!
My son just got back from his first summer at Inerlochen and he had the time of his life. The food wqasn't the best (he lost 6 pounds) but some of that may have to with all of the practicing he was inspired to do. The orchestra was tops, the quartet he played in was great,he loved his private teacher and grew tremendously over the summer with all of the experiences that were offered. He made life long friends and will go back next summer. Go to Interlochen if you have any creative interests-music, art, dance, etc. You will have the time of your life!
Interlochen is a sacred place for me, I even remember the words to "sound the call" If you are good enough to make it there you are ready for any big time music school. They need to update some facilities, but it is my spiritual home and where my ashes will be scattered when the time comes.
Okay yeah...the stone food is not wonderful, but everything else is AMAZING. The programs are spectacular, intense but inspiring, the faculty is incredible, mixers and co-recs, slightly lame but so much fun. The kids there are passionate, creative, exciting, talented, and incredibly fun. You will make amazing friends who you will keep in touch with. Plus you get to watch all these amazing performances all summer long. If you're into creative anything, GO.
i can only rate the high school division, but my experiences were AMAZING. i went 2 summers and both times was challenged and grew tremendously. you are surrounded by talent in all disciplines. you get what you put in, so invest! i saw so many different concerts, and got to work with some amazing guest artists. for musical theatre, music, writing, and art, interlochen is one of the BEST. sure, the cabins are "rustic" to say the least, but its a CAMP, not a resort. and besides, you're there for the art anyway. and the food really isnt that bad. the theatre facility is beautiful and recently built. if you are truly passionate, interlochen is the place to go.
I took a poetry class there and learned a lot, but the food was awful and the living situation wasn't great either. Had the facilities and accomodations been updated, it would've been a better experience.
INCREDIBLE. This camp changed my life...taught me that drinking black coffee and hanging out in the creative writing house all day was okay. I plan on attending the academy if I can get a scholarship.
It was such a dump, the kids there treated me like dirt, we had to clean things up when the couselours made the mess, and Pinecrest food was crap!! This camp is like school you sing for five whole hours which even my singing teacher can't do anyways the staff was relatively nice, the cabins need updating and the presedential stff there was pretty nice like the president... otherwise i ain't going back go to Stagedoor Manor people if you are looking for a theater camp, Interlochen isn't the place to go for anything cause it sucks and it is boring no sports!!!... just don't ever GO TO INTERLOCHEN!!!
Everything was just amazing at Interlochen. I learned so much, met so many great people...the staff in my division was great and I really can't wait to come back next summer!
