Two Upper School students spent the summer at nation's leading summer arts program

This summer, sophomore Julia Walker and junior Ellery Badros attended Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan, the nation’s leading summer arts program. For 99 years, Interlochen has offered renowned, competitive programs in the performing and visual arts. Julia participated in the one-week Musical Theater Dance Intensive, and Ellery attended the Voice & Opera summer program for three weeks. 

In Ellery’s words:

“Interlochen proved to be a transformative experience for me! My time in Michigan was filled with voice lessons, music theory classes, and chocolate ice cream breaks. I especially enjoyed learning about the physiology of the voice through classes in Acoustical Science and Vocal Mechanisms (the first time I’ve ever been asked to name my larynx!) The program culminated in a choir concert featuring the Interlochen Singers and World Youth Honors Choir, two evenings of solo recitals, and our opera scenes performance. I connected with people from all over the world, all of whom were incredibly talented in their instruments. One highlight was a masterclass with distinguished soprano Renée Fleming. I’m so immensely grateful for this opportunity, and for the teachers, campers, and mentors who made my time unforgettable!”

Julia added:

“My favorite part was all of the connections I made through the experience, as well as all of the learning and the ways I improved my skills. My favorite part was meeting people from across the country who shared my love for dance and musical theatre, and I’ve been so happy to have kept in touch with many of the friends that I’ve made. The program included dance technique and acting classes, as well as workshop-style singing classes. We received so much helpful feedback on our routines and music, even as we learned a new dance almost every day. All of the choreography was so carefully thought-out by my teachers, and was such a joy to learn and perform. Overall, I loved and am so grateful that I got to learn from and meet so many talented artists and see all of the creativity that everyone brought to the program.”