Interlochen Online Middle School (grades 6-9) Summer Programs

Writing Fantastic Worlds (1st 3 weeks)

Description
Using esteemed literary and fantasy/sci-fi author Ursula Le Guin as a reading guide, students in this program will examine how to write fantastic stories, including developing interesting characters, building worlds, and structuring plots that pull readers in and keep them engaged. Student-created short writing exercises will be given throughout the course, and we will share and discuss your own literary sci-fi and fantasy stories as a class. Whether you are interested in writing novels or short stories, high fantasy or riveting science fiction, we’ll teach you how to craft a story that transports your readers to another world.

Cost
$1,900

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Faculty:

Jason Daniels Writer

Lyric Poetry, Lyric Essays (2nd 3 weeks)

Description
"Lyric" is a shapeshifter. We probably first encounter the word through song lyrics—which controversial friends might try to convince us "aren't poetry"—but it's derived from the ancient Greek musical instrument, the lyre. Lyric poetry is usually described as relatively short, personal, musical; when it mixes with the variety of definitions offered for the lyric essay—hybrid, fragmented, a combination of the researched and the personal—we enter a productive flux where we're not sure if we can see our own genre in front of our face. In this three-week class, students will immerse themselves in readings from the most vital, contemporary practitioners of these forms, and produce their own lyric poetry and/or essays to be workshopped with peers.

Cost
$1,900

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Faculty:

	AM Ringwalt Writer and musician
	Emily Pittinos Associate Editor for Poetry Northwest

Dance (1st & 2nd 3 weeks)

Description
This Dance program is comprised of both classical ballet and modern dance classes. Students will immerse themselves at first in classical ballet technique, focusing on vocabulary, coordination and structure with barre and center work. They will then embark on adventures in modern dance, exploring the space while learning how to fuel their own creativity with movement and music.

Cost
$1,900

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

The Filmmaker (1st 3 weeks)

Description
This course introduces students to fundamentals of visual storytelling. Applying concepts from presentations, class conversation and their own research, students will complete exercises and projects with their new understanding of visual grammar: shots, composition, and the basics of cinematic language. Students learn camera operation and placement, best practices in audio recording and set etiquette, including the responsibilities of various crew roles.

Cost
$1,900

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Micro-Short Filmmakers (2nd 3 weeks)

Description
Put story ideas into lightning paced practice and refine your skills. Learning to create meaningful visual stories is enhanced by the frequency with which you are able to create new works, reflect on the results and try again. This course will help you identify, design, and apply key aspects of a story, clarify your vision and amplify your voice under the guidance of professional filmmakers.

Cost
$1,900

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Arts Mashup (1st & 2nd 3 weeks)

Description
The Arts Mashup program provides students the opportunity to explore a variety of art forms. Students learn from Interlochen faculty in theatre, animation, visual arts and creative writing. Each week, students complete projects in different arts disciplines and collaborate on projects with other students.

Cost
$1,900

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Middle School Band, Orchestra, Choral and Piano Seminar (1st & 2nd 3 weeks)

Description
This course is designed to introduce middle school band, orchestra, choral and piano students to a variety of ensemble and solo repertoire. Students will work with faculty in sectional settings in addition to 1 private lesson per week. This course will include focus on musicianship, practicing techniques, critical listening, and musician wellness.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Faculty

Mary Land Conductor

Theory for Composers (1st & 2nd 3 weeks)

Description
This immersive course is designed to provide students with valuable information related to the field of music composition. Course participants will learn about the fundamental aspects of musical creativity, including a study of Sound, Harmony, Melody, Rhythm, Growth, and Notation, while examining a diverse array of musical selections from the literature of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Faculty

Dr. Andrew Smith Composer

Introduction to Jazz Improvisation (1st 3 weeks)

Description
Expand your understanding of Jazz! In this course you will learn how to improvise in jazz as well as historical contexts of the music often played. All students will gain skills in ear training and analysis along with techniques to strengthen your playing through scales, drills, listening, and light transcription.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Jazz Improvisation (2nd 3 weeks)

Description
Expand your understanding of Jazz! In this course you will learn how to improvise in jazz as well as historical contexts of the music often played. All students will gain skills in ear training and analysis along with techniques to strengthen your playing through scales, drills, listening, and light transcription. This second summer session will expand on the methods from the first session, but it is welcome to returning and new students as the tunes and techniques will change from session to session.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Music Technology Foundations (1st 3 weeks)

Description
Dive into understanding the foundational aspects of recording technology. In this course you will learn about Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) and production techniques as well as how to find the sounds you are looking for. Whether you are writing your own music for the first time or are trying to take an already written song and play with the production or style, this course is what you need to get started.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Faculty

Marc Lacuesta Music Engineer, Producer

Chris Wainwright Music Engineer

Music Technology Techniques (2nd 3 weeks)

Description
Building upon the foundations of music and technology, students will increase their ability to support and realize their creative voice and ideas. Leveraging the possibilities and opportunities within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) students will craft their own musical works while learning the basics of how to apply common music production techniques to their concepts.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Songwriting Exploration (1st 3 weeks)

Description
There are some things that cannot be said with words, and that is where music comes in. In this class, we will explore the elements that make up a song, as well as discuss ways to create an effective marriage between music and lyrics. Students will be encouraged to sing and play original work. The emphasis of the class is lyric writing and the revision process. All levels welcome. Prerequisite: vulnerability and a good attitude.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Faculty

Joshua Davis Singer-Songwriter

Vaughn Faison Singer-Songwriter

Finding Your Voice (2nd 3 weeks)

Description
Each person has a unique voice and life experience. In this course you will learn how to write compelling lyrics and melodies while discovering the many facets of your own distinctive voice.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Faculty

Joshua Davis Singer-Songwriter

Vaughn Faison Singer-Songwriter

Acting (1st & 2nd 3 weeks)

Description
Develop the foundational acting skills that will last you a lifetime! In this program, students develop the key tools needed by young actors - the body, the voice, and the imagination. Through a series of well designed exercises and structured classes, students will expand their abilities and discover their potential. The final project is a monologue presentation that each student will work on during their individual weekly one-on-one coaching sessions.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Faculty

Laura Mittelstaedt Actor

Jeffrey Nauman Actor

Emily Nelson Actor and Adjunct Professor at AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts

Introduction to Designing for the Stage (1st 3 weeks)

Description
This course introduces and explores the building blocks of design for the theatre. We’ll explore theatrical textual analysis and dramaturgically-informed design, walk through the steps of the design process, and utilize our creative minds to come up with varied design concepts for a play.

Cost
$1,900

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Designing for the Stage (2nd 3 weeks)

Description
This course builds upon learned skills and concepts from Introduction to Designing for the Stage, though students do not have to have taken that course to take this one. In this course we will introduce and explores more advanced concepts for designing for the theatre. We will more deeply explore theatrical textual analysis and dramaturgically-informed design, put into practice the steps of the design process, and utilize our creative minds to come up with varied design concepts for a play.

Cost
$1,900

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Musical Theatre (1st & 2nd 3 weeks)

Description
Sing, dance and act this summer with instructors from Interlochen! This program focuses on all the key skills needed by young performers. With classes in Acting a Song, Song & Dance Lab, and Private Voice, students discover new techniques to help them advance their craft to an even higher level. The final project is a song presentation that students have been working on in their private one-on-one coaching sessions.

Cost
$2,200

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Faculty

Elizabeth Gray Singer, Actor

Visual Arts Mashup: Painting + Graphic Design (1st & 2nd 3 weeks)

Description
In this program, for artists at all levels, students enhance their artistic expression, style, and visual vocabulary. Students strengthen their observational and 2D skills in a Painting Techniques course as they explore traditional techniques in combination with contemporary practices. Students will also engage in a Graphic Design course that will develop their technical skill. For their final project, students create a digital portfolio that can be used in professional pursuits These digital portfolios will be exhibited to the Interlochen community, and will be the focus of the one-on-one portfolio creation and review sessions.

Cost
$1,900

Schedule
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET