String Orchestra Retreat to provide skill development, meaningful connection to string enthusiasts of all levels
Returning participants share highlights from last summer and why they can’t wait to come back.
When Barb Goldman (IAC 71-73) set foot on campus last summer for the first-ever String Orchestra Retreat, it felt like coming home.
“I got to come back to Interlochen,” she says. “I was a camper and spent three summers there, and I loved it. Interlochen meant so much to me as a place where music was the soul of what we did. It was just so much fun.”
Goldman plays first violin in her home orchestra, Orchard Lake Philharmonic, of which she is also the co-founder. Surrounded by nature and uplifted by conversations with fellow string musicians, she relished the three days spent on the campus she loves—and has already decided to return. Plus, she was able to perform a solo in the retreat’s culminating performance.
“ Gary [Gatzke] is a very good conductor. I enjoyed listening to him and playing with him,” she reflects.
Gatzke, who serves as Director of Community & Continuing Education at Interlochen, says the program is poised for growth after an incredible opening summer.
“Last year we welcomed about 20 individuals to round out our first violins, second violins, violas, and cellos,” he says. “It was a huge success, and we are continuing with hopes of growing the program more and more. We want it to rival the success of the Symphonic Band, Chamber Music, and Adult Choir camps.”
An exciting lineup of music, plenty of time to connect with fellow string enthusiasts, and outstanding instruction will combine to make this summer’s retreat one to remember.
Meaningful repertoire and a balanced schedule
The repertoire for summer 2026, which is posted online, includes music by notable composers including Bach, Schumann, Elgar, and more. It also features exciting pieces from recent years, like David Paich and Jeff Porcaro’s “Africa,” made famous by Toto.
“One highlight of the repertoire this year is Psycho Suite by Bernard Herrmann,” Gatzke shares. “Psycho is a classic horror film with very eerie string music. Hitchcock originally had intended that several important scenes, like the shower scene, would be musicless. Herrmann’s score truly saved the production.”
Retreat participants will experience a balanced mixture of master classes, ensemble rehearsals, and sectionals, with plenty of time built in for socializing.
“Our sectionals allow each section to work closely with a faculty member. Each musician hones their parts and returns to the next full-ensemble rehearsal even more refined,” says Gatzke. “ Within the setting of a string ensemble, you're musically communicating with the conductor and between the sections until everyone becomes one harmonious whole. It's an educationally captivating and enriching experience for string players.”
Robin Price, a multi-instrumentalist who attended the retreat last summer, speaks warmly of her rehearsal experience.
“It’s great getting to work on the pieces together, working out all the rough spots, and hearing them improve so much over three days,” she says. “Even more than the audience or the applause, I like when you finally get to play the piece through and just enjoy the flow of it from beginning to end. That’s always a fun reward at the end of your time working together.”
Price, who chose to play cello, originally heard about the String Orchestra Retreat from her sister-in-law, who found it after searching online. The two are already signed up for summer 2026, along with four of Price’s friends. Price is looking forward to connecting with fellow musicians.
”When you're with a group of people of similar interests, it's so easy to talk together,” she says. “It was really comfortable meeting people and hearing about their home orchestra experiences, how they decided to play their instrument, and what it was like for them to grow up musically.”
A safe space to grow musically
The retreat is designed to accommodate individuals at different stages in their musical journeys. Whether participants are looking to hone their technique, master new repertoire, or enjoy the experience of performing in a string ensemble, Interlochen provides a friendly and challenging environment.
“We welcome people at various proficiency levels,” says Gatzke. “We'll find ways for them to feel comfortable in the chosen repertoire, and we send the repertoire to everyone ahead of time so they are able to prepare.”
From June 17-19, participants will gather under the stately pines to make new friends, receive world-class instruction, and be astounded at how much they can develop musically.
“I am so deeply impressed by the incredible amount of growth that takes place in such a short amount of time,” Gatzke says.
Price can’t wait for June to come around.
“I’m looking forward to the music that we're going to play this year,” she enthuses. “Hopefully some of the people who were there last year will come back. I'll see them again, and have a great time with my friends.”
Learn more about the String Orchestra Retreat or register here.
