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Orchestra & Wind Ensemble Summer Program for High School Students
Why Take Orchestra & Wind Ensemble

Experience the joy of performing in an internationally renowned student ensemble this summer by tackling professional-level repertoire under the direction of world-renowned conductors. Grow as a musician and artist with a group of outstanding fellow musicians from all over the world.
What You'll Learn
In this program, you will have the chance to train with professional conductors and other talented students in one of four large ensembles.
Admission into our summer program is competitive, which means that you'll be surrounded and supported by young musicians who are equally passionate and driven. Our accomplished faculty bring real-life expertise and laser-focused attention to address your challenges and help you to breakthrough to the next level. You'll be challenged, stimulated, and best of all, have fun getting better at doing what you love.
As an orchestra or wind ensemble student, you will participate in:
- Large ensemble rehearsal, leading to six unique public performances throughout the summer
- Chamber music class which includes small ensemble rehearsal and coaching, student performances, special topics, master classes, and faculty performances
- Weekly private lessons with one of our outstanding faculty members, many of whom hold advanced degrees in music, teach at the college level, and/or perform in professional symphony orchestras
- Studio classes
- Musician Artistry (music theory and literature, aural skills, improvisation) or Performance Artistry (Alexander Technique, movement, the art of performance)
The Rep
The Orchestra & Wind Ensemble repertoire is an eclectic curation of classical and contemporary pieces from an esteemed selection of diverse composers.



Explore Ensembles
World Youth Symphony Orchestra
Led by world-renowned conductors, WYSO plays advanced repertoire chosen from traditional and contemporary masterpieces, in this challenging and inspiring orchestral experience.
World Youth Wind Symphony
Push the boundaries of your talent and be exposed to diverse, professional level repertoire, under the leadership of renowned conductors and section coaches.
Interlochen Philharmonic
Focus on traditional and contemporary repertoire in a challenging orchestra ensemble that will help you further develop your advanced skills.
Interlochen Wind Ensemble
Develop your skills on advanced repertoire with mentorship from inspirational conductors and section coaches, and surrounded by other talented musicians.


Interlochen is an amazing environment. My favorite part is making music with my peers and connecting with my teachers. It's a life changing experience, and I'll never forget it.
Stanley, Orchestra & Wind Ensemble


Program Highlights
Dedicated Scholarships
We have two dedicated scholarships for our orchestra and wind ensemble summer camp students: the Fennel Scholars program and the Interlochen Orchestral Scholars program. Both reward up to a full-tuition scholarship. Students may also be eligible for other need-based and merit-based financial aid.
Venues & Facilities
In addition to our state-of-the-art rehearsal space inside The Music Center, performance venues include the 3,900-seat Kresge Auditorium, the 950-seat Corson Auditorium, the open-air historic Interlochen Bowl, and the beautiful Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall.
Performance Opportunities
Each large ensemble performs multiple concerts throughout the summer. There are also numerous chamber music and solo recitals.
Additional Opportunities
Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, which offers six music programs for students in grades 9-12, as well as a post-graduate year.
Past Guest Artists
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Jeanne Baxtresser, (former) Principal Flute, New York Philharmonic; (former) Instructor of Flute, The Juilliard School
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Keith Buncke, Principal Bassoon, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
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Mei-Ann Chen, Principal Conductor of Recreation - Grosses Orchester Graz at Styriarte
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Sarah Chang, Violinist
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Elaine Douvas, Principal Oboe, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Instructor of Oboe, The Juilliard School
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Carol Jantsch, Principal Tuba, Philadelphia Orchestra
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Rob Knopper, Principal Percussion, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
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Anthony McGill, Principal Clarinet, New York Philharmonic
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Midori, Violinist
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Erik Nielsen, Chief Conductor - Bilbao Symphony Orchestra
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Leelanee Sterrett, Horn, New York Philharmonic