After an extensive global search, Kedrik Merwin has been selected to serve as director of music at Interlochen Center for the Arts. In this role, he will oversee all aspects of music at Interlochen Arts Camp and Interlochen Arts Academy.
Merwin brings considerable experience as a teacher and administrator. For the past ten years, he has led music programs at two private independent high schools in Atlanta. Under his direction, these programs flourished, experiencing rapid growth and increased student participation. He has also led successful efforts to build a new performing arts complex and developed a comprehensive musicianship program that highlights technology and embraces musical styles from around the world.
“There is no question that Dr. Merwin has the experience, competence, vision and creativity to lead the music program at Interlochen,” said Jeffrey Kimpton, president of Interlochen Center for the Arts. “His efforts will ensure that new generations of young musicians and artists have the very best possible educational and artistic experience.”
Merwin holds degrees in trombone performance with emphasis in music theory from St. Olaf College and Northwestern University. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music. In addition to his responsibilities as a teacher and administrator, he has continued to perform professionally with the Atlanta Symphony and many other regional orchestras in the Southeast. He has taught at the college level at the University of Rochester and Columbus State University.
His outstanding accomplishments have been recognized by many. He was honored for outstanding teaching by Columbus State University, and was awarded the Pam and John Smart Faculty Award for innovative and motivational teaching, in 2005. Dr. Merwin was named a Kurt Hahn Leadership Fellow in Georgia in 2008.
“I am very excited to join the outstanding faculty at Interlochen,” said Merwin. “The Camp and Academy bring together such talented and motivated students and teachers and offer so many resources for learning and performance. As a music educator, I can’t think of a better place to be.”
