From the Desk of Trey Devey: A Community Built on Care
The Interlochen community comes together for the 99th annual performance of "Les Préludes."
Every August, as another Interlochen summer comes to a close, I find myself reflecting not only on the extraordinary performances that take place across our campus, but also on the countless moments that happen away from the stage.
A faculty member staying after rehearsal to offer encouragement. A counselor helping a camper navigate a difficult day. Students celebrating one another’s accomplishments and cheering each other on through moments of challenge and growth.
These moments may never appear in a program or on a stage, but they reveal something essential about Interlochen. Great artistry flourishes in a community where young people know they are supported, respected, and cared for.
That responsibility has been on my mind throughout this summer.
In recent weeks, many members of our community have reflected on the findings of the independent historical investigation we voluntarily commissioned and publicly released. The experiences documented in the report were painful, and I remain deeply grateful to the survivors who shared their stories with courage and honesty. Their willingness to come forward has helped us better understand our history and reaffirm our responsibility to the young people entrusted to our care.
One lesson is clear: caring for students requires constant attention, humility, and a willingness to keep learning.
A safe community is not created by a single policy, a single program, or a single moment in time. It is built every day through the choices we make and the standards we uphold. It is reflected in the adults we hire, the training and preparation they receive, the expectations we set for everyone who works with students, the ways we encourage concerns to be raised, and the care with which we respond when they are.
Over the past several decades, Interlochen has intentionally built and strengthened a comprehensive, institution-wide culture of safety. The institution has made significant advances in how we protect and support students, with strong policies and protocols, robust training and reporting systems, and greater coordination around student support. That work was well underway before my tenure and has continued and been strengthened during it. We remain committed to building on that foundation. We know that creating a community where young people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive is never finished work. It requires vigilance, reflection, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
As we look ahead, our focus remains on ensuring that every student who comes to Interlochen experiences the environment they deserve: one where they can take creative risks, form meaningful connections, discover their voices, and pursue artistic excellence with confidence.
As this summer ends, I am once again reminded of what makes this place extraordinary. It is the young artists who encourage one another. It is the faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to mentorship and growth. It is the community that comes together around a shared belief in the transformative power of the arts.
In 2028, Interlochen will celebrate its centennial. We will reach that milestone with gratitude for the generations who built this institution, humility about the lessons we have learned, and a clear sense of the responsibility we carry forward.
Thank you for being part of the Interlochen community and for sharing in our commitment to creating a place where young artists can thrive.
