From the Desk of Trey Devey: The Gift of Artistry
President Trey Devey reflects on art as a form of gift-giving and welcomes the community to join in the celebrations happening on campus and beyond.
Two student musicians smile during Interlochen's annual Sounds of the Season performance.
Dear friends,
As the leaves float gently to the ground all over Interlochen’s campus, I’m struck by a familiar feeling that becomes even deeper this time of year. It’s gratitude—for the people whose love enriches my life, the community I cherish, and the artistry that continues to astound me every time I see our students share their work. To me, art is gift-giving. When we create or enjoy art, we participate in a kind of overflow, the natural result of having so much abundance that we can’t help but share it with others.
That abundance, that joyful expression of love for life itself, is evident to me in every arabesque of student dancers onstage, every brushstroke in their paintings, the notes of the works they perform, the lines of the monologues they recite. What’s less evident are the many hours of labor that go into everything from short films to spoken word poetry and interdisciplinary performances. Our students pour their hearts and souls into everything they make and do, sweating in dance studios and building calluses on their fingers in practice rooms. The extraordinary energy they dedicate to their craft is their gift to the world—and to us.
The beautiful thing about gifts is that they're meant to be shared. This season, our students have prepared several opportunities for you to witness their artistry firsthand. Come to The Nutcracker and marvel as student dancers dazzle on the stage. Bring the whole family to Sounds of the Season and enjoy the mingled talents of staff, faculty, and students in a vibrant celebration of the holidays. Hear the jazz orchestra perform Duke Ellington's "Nutcracker", or take in an exciting showcase of Original Works by our interdisciplinary arts students. Experience for yourself the fruits of their hard work, and take time to share that joy with the people you love. Don’t forget that you can also stay on campus with half off your accommodations if you are seeing a performance.
Even if you can’t make it to campus this year, treat yourself to world-class arts education through a class with Interlochen Online. Or, join us over the airwaves for an exquisite selection of holiday music from IPR that’s perfect for your morning cup of coffee or a reflective evening. Whether you tune in online or during your commute, consider it our special offering in the spirit of the season.
At Interlochen, creative gifts begin with “just an idea” and ripen into experiences that can bring together an entire global community. This alchemy—turning inspiration into profound beauty and lasting connection—is what makes this place extraordinary. And it only happens because of people like you who believe that art isn't a luxury but a necessity of a different kind, one that feeds not our bodies but our spirits. Thank you for being part of this abundant exchange, for receiving what our students so generously offer, and for giving back through your presence, support, and belief in what we do here. You are family to us, and family is always welcome at the table—this season and always.
With deep gratitude,
Trey
