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From the desk of Trey Devey: June 2020

In times like these, it is critical to remain agile and adaptable—qualities that are at the core of artistic training.

Dear Friends,

If you’re a regular reader of this newsletter, you may have noticed that Crescendo has been arriving more frequently. In these unprecedented times, we made the decision to shorten our traditional publishing cadence to keep you better informed about what is happening in our community—both on and beyond our campus.

The world outside our doors is evolving rapidly. Every minute of the frenetic news cycle brings new informationa bout COVID-19, the movement against racial injustice, economic uncertainty, and the pivotal 2020 elections.

In times like these, it is more important than ever to remain agile and adaptable. Fortunately, this is where artists excel. Adaptability is at the very core of artistic training. We hear it in an orchestra’s seamless transition to a new tempo. We see it in an actor’s undetectable improvisation after a missed cue. We find it in the stories of our students, alumni, and faculty—always ready to adjust to the unexpected challenges of charting meaningful lives in the arts and beyond. In the past few months, many of our alumni have proven themselves especially adept at adaptation. You will find them leading the movements that define our generation, seizing this unprecedented moment, and inspiring action through art and activism.

In this edition of Crescendo, you’ll hear inspiring stories of adaptability in many forms. We’ll share our plan to bring students back to Interlochen Arts Academy this fall. You’ll hear how alumnus and Camp faculty member Timothy McAllister is teaching his students to navigate the complex career of the classical saxophonist—and how he’s pivoting his Interlochen Online courses to emphasize digital artistry. You’ll also hear how a diverse group of regular and first-time donors have supported Interlochen in surprising new ways.

Lastly, you’ll learn how our alumni are adapting to these uncertain times. Our citizen artists are continuing to provide moments of comfort and advocacy for racial equality in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—showcasing how our alumni shine as beacons of equity and the healing power of the arts.

I am especially grateful that you have taken the time to keep in touch with your Interlochen community. Now, more than ever, we need the bonds of unity and friendship forged across nations and races through the power of the arts. I hope the stories in this magazine encourage and inspire you, while providing a moment of respite in a troubled world. Thank you for reading, and I’ll see you again in August.

With gratitude,
Trey