The Conclusion of the 84th Season of Arts Camp

With the final weekend of the 84th season of Interlochen Arts Camp behind us, the sense of accomplishment and achievement that we feel is an interesting counterpoint to the hope and anticipation that occurred just six short weeks ago on opening night. Looking at the body of work created and performed by nearly 2,800 students, we feel a great sense of pride--and we hope they do too.

One might think that two weeks--or three or six--wouldn't be enough time to achieve something of such meaning and value. Something in which each student’s artistic voice is heard in distinctive ways. Yet this is what happens here; and we’ve seen it again this past weekend. It’s a rare thing, really, to have such a rich and intensive environment full of creative, interesting and motivated students from around the globe. What we see happen, from day one to the concluding performances, readings, gallery displays and the like, is profound.

Despite not knowing many of the other students prior to coming here, these young artists quickly become actors and musicians performing together, critiquing artwork, musical compositions, poems and films. The volume of experience--and quality work--that we’ve seen this weekend tells us that a process of personal identification with and in the arts has taken root, and of course, we hope it grows through the lifetime of these students and throughout all those they touch.

A student asked me in one of my “meet the president” sessions what I enjoyed most about being president of Interlochen. One of my favorite responsibilities is observing the classes and rehearsals, which I get to do all too rarely. Seeing the chemistry between great artist teachers and eager students, and the results that they are able to achieve, is perhaps the most satisfying part of Arts Camp.

We often hear the cliché that we change lives, but after watching these six weeks one realizes that this is indeed what happens here. Few leave here unaware of what happened to them. Yes, the routine of friends and Facebook will quickly return, but the memories and appreciation for the all of the arts will never fade for the students who joined us this summer.