2024 / 2025 GUEST ARTISTS
Academy Guest Artists 2024 - 25
Dear Friend,
I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your generous support of Interlochen and our guest artist programs. This year alone, we have welcomed 131 guest artists at the Academy—an extraordinary achievement made possible by your gift.
These visits are transforming the educational experience at Interlochen. By bringing diverse, world-class artists to our campus, we are expanding our students’ horizons and enriching their experience in profound ways. Guest artists offer our students a unique opportunity to engage with creative professionals from around the world. Our students gain valuable insight into the life of a working artist, explore new ideas, uncover potential career paths, and expand their understanding of both the arts and the world around them.
Through master classes, lectures, exhibitions, and informal conversations, guest artists supplement our already outstanding arts and academic faculty, enriching the Interlochen experience. Their visits support the foundation of our education of young artists: inspiring creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
Enclosed, you’ll find highlights of the incredible artists who joined us this year. Your support makes all of this possible. For that, and for so much more, I am deeply grateful.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Camille Colatosti, Ph.D. (she/her) Provost
Interlochen Center for the Arts
MUSIC
NAME Dr. Alejandro Cremaschi
PROFESSION Professor of Piano Pedagogy at The University of Colorado Boulder and Executive Director of Sous International Music Festival
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Minnesota
SPECIAL NOTES Prize winner at the International Beethoven Sonata Piano Competition
VISIT DETAILS September – Taught group piano and piano pedagogy classes, followed by an Interlochen Public Radio piano recording session
NAME Dr. David Earll
PROFESSION Assistant Professor of Tuba-Euphonium at the University of Kansas
EDUCATION Doctorate of Musical Arts in Tuba Performance at Arizona State University under the tutelage of Dr. Deanna Swoboda
SPECIAL NOTES 2016 Clifford Bevan Award for Excellence in Research
VISIT DETAILS September – Gave a tuba and euphonium brass master class on technique, musicianship, and career development
NAME Dr. Sandra Snow
PROFESSION Professor of Choral Conducting, Director of Choral Programs, and Chair of the Conducting Area at Eastern Michigan University
EDUCATION Ph.D. in Music Education with a Choral Cognate from Michigan State University
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 9-10 – Coached ensemble numbers during the Opera Workshop of Amahl and the Night Visitors and led a discussion with composition students on the current and future direction of choral works
NAME Dr. Jennifer Dirkes (IAC 05-06, IAA 06-08)
PROFESSION Musical composer
EDUCATION Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
SPECIAL NOTES Orchestrator for Wicked (2024), Jurassic World: Dominion (2022), and Geostorm (2017)
VISIT DETAILS October – Spoke to composition students about the realities of working as a Hollywood orchestrator and composer
Dr. Alejandro Cremaschi
Dr. David Earll
Dr. Sandra Snow
Dr. Jennifer Dirkes Alumni
MUSIC
NAME Joseph Skerik (IAC 13, IAA 14-18)
PROFESSION Faculty member in residence at Emory University and violist at the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta
EDUCATION Yale School of Music
SPECIAL NOTES Newly appointed violist of the Vega String Quartet with performance experience at the Ravinia Institute, Aspen Music Festival, Lake George Music Festival, and more
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 23 – Gave a string master class during Interlochen String Day
NAME Dr. David Wharton (IAC 04, IAA 04-05)
PROFESSION Faculty member at the University of Wyoming
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Connecticut
SPECIAL NOTES Co-host of the 2024 North American Baroque Trumpet Conference
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 23 – Coached a brass master class
NAME Hal Grossman
PROFESSION Associate Professor of Violin at the University of Oregon
EDUCATION Performance degrees from the University of Michigan and Eastman School of Music
SPECIAL NOTES Former IAA faculty member
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 22 – Led a violin master class
NAME Aaron Pilsan
PROFESSION International pianist and Bach scholar
EDUCATION Hannover University
SPECIAL NOTES Gramophone’s Recording of the Year and a BBC Music Magazine Award for his J.S. Bach recordings
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 23-28 – Taught a master class, judged the annual Interlochen Concerto Competition, and performed in the Dendrinos Chapel
Dr. David Wharton Alumni
Joseph Skerik - Alumni
Hal Grossman
Aaron Pilsan
MUSIC
NAME Joseph Johnson
PROFESSION Associate Professor of Cello at the Eastman School of Music
EDUCATION Master’s degree from Northwestern University
SPECIAL NOTES First prize from the American String Teachers Association National Solo Competition
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 26-27 – Served as judge of the Concerto Finals and led a cello master class
NAME Ivy Ringel
PROFESSION Principal Bassoonist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
EDUCATION Master of Music from Rice University
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 27-28 – Served as judge of the Concerto Finals and led a bassoon master class
NAME William Purvis
PROFESSION Professor in the Practice of Horn and Coordinator of the Woodwind and Brass Studies at the Yale School of Music, and Festival Artist at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Haverford College
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 29-Nov. 1 – Coached a chamber music master class and concluded his residency with a recital
NAME Trio Azura
PROFESSION Duncan McDougall (violin), Yejin Hong (cello), and Yanfeng (Tony) Bai (piano)
EDUCATION The Colburn Conservatory of Music
SPECIAL NOTES Gold medalists at the 51st Fischoff Chamber Music Competition
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Performed for all classical music majors, coached chamber music groups, and participated in a session at Interlochen Public Radio
Joseph Johnson
Ivy Ringel
William Purvis
Trio Azura
MUSIC
NAME Camille Thurman
PROFESSION Jazz saxophonist, singer, composer, and member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO)
EDUCATION SUNY Binghamton University
SPECIAL NOTES Became first woman in 30 years to tour, record, and perform full-time internationally with the JLCO as a saxophonist/woodwind doubler for the 2018-2020 season
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 5-9 – Performed alongside jazz students at the City Opera House and The Alluvion
NAME Jim Walker
PROFESSION Professor of Flute and Chamber
Music at The Colburn School Conservatory and Academy of Music
EDUCATION University of Louisville
SPECIAL NOTES Former Principal Flutist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 8 – Facilitated a master class for flute students
NAME Peter Sykes
PROFESSION Lecturer in Music, Historical Performance at Boston University College of Fine Arts, Principal Instructor of Harpsichord at the Historical Performance Department of The Juilliard School, and Organ and Harpsichord faculty member at the University of Michigan
EDUCATION New England Conservatory of Music
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 16 – Spent an hour with each organ student, offering personalized guidance on technique and artistry, as well as organ registration technique. Sykes ended his visit with a masterclass and recital.
NAME Scott Ramsay
PROFESSION Adjunct Lecturer of Voice and Opera at DePaul University School of Music
EDUCATION Master of Music from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
SPECIAL NOTES Highly regarded by opera companies and symphony orchestras both nationally and internationally with repertoire spanning from Bel Canto to the 21st Century
VISIT DETAILS December – Gave a master class to classical voice students and shared experiences of his career as a performer
Camille Thurman
Jim Walker
Peter Sykes
Scott Ramsay
MUSIC
NAME Dr. Jean Carlos Gonzalez
PROFESSION Assistant Professor of Music at Lawrence University
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan
SPECIAL NOTES Featured on the Grammy-Award nominated album Sila: The Breath of the World, in collaboration with John Luther Adams, The Crossing, Jack Quartet, and the University of Michigan
VISIT DETAILS Dec. 11 – Collaborated with percussion students by leading a master class
NAME Marcellus Brown
PROFESSION Director of Bands Emeritus at Boise State University
EDUCATION Master of Music from the University of Michigan
SPECIAL NOTES A champion of new music and an advocate for wind band repertoire, Brown has conducted ensembles across the country
VISIT DETAILS Spring 2025 – IAA Wind Symphony
Guest Conductor
NAME Dr. Katy Ambrose
PROFESSION Assistant Professor of Horn at the University of Iowa
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts from Temple University
VISIT DETAILS January – Led a horn masterclass and performed with Interlochen faculty member Dr. Lauren Hunt, the Linda VanSickle Smith Horn Chair and Director of Brass. Together, Ambrose and Hunt performed as the Lanta Duo in their recital, Amplifying Women’s Voices, featuring Interlochen collaborative pianist Dr. Ya-Ju Chuang.
NAME Dr. Jena Gardner
PROFESSION Associate Professor of Horn at Western Illinois University (WIU) and Director of the WIU Comm. School of Music
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts from Northwestern University
VISIT DETAILS January – Virtual guest artist who taught a session on wellness and healthy embouchures to brass students
Dr. Katy Ambrose
Dr. Jena Gardner
Dr.Jean Carlos Gonzalez
Marcellus Brown
MUSIC
NAME Dr. Patrick Smith
PROFESSION Coordinator of Music History; and Associate Professor of Horn and Music History at Virginia Commonwealth University
EDUCATION Doctor of Philosophy in Music from the University of Florida
VISIT DETAILS Feb. 6 – Led a virtual master class for the horn studio. Smith offered insight focused on rhythm and breathing techniques
NAME Aaron Smith (IAA 00-01)
PROFESSION Freelance Trumpeter and Composer
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts from California Institute of the Arts
VISIT DETAILS Feb. 10-14 – Completed a brass residency and worked with composition students during studio class. Smith also attended a separate brass studio class, where students observed him collaborating with faculty as they rehearsed his commissioned piece.
NAME Dr. Jan Swafford
PROFESSION Well-known writer on music and author of biographies of Ives, Brahms, and Beethoven
EDUCATION Doctor of Music in Composition at Yale School of Music
SPECIAL NOTES Longtime program writer and pre-concert lecturer at the Boston Symphony Orchestra
VISIT DETAILS Feb. 16-19 – Shared his insights and analysis on Charles Ives and his Symphony No. 4, which is set to be the featured piece in the 2026 Centennial Tour, titled Imagine US—a play on the U.S. and “us,” we the people.
NAME Zack O’Farrill
PROFESSION Director of the Fat Afro Latin Jazz Cats
EDUCATION Manhattan School of Music
SPECIAL NOTES Son of Grammy-Award winning pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill and grandson of legendary composer Chico O’Farrill. Core member of the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.w
VISIT DETAILS Feb. 24-28 – Gave a jazz and percussion master class providing students with jazz performance, improvisation, and rhythm tips
Dr. Jan Swafford
Zack O’Farrill
Dr. Patrick Smith
Aaron Smith – Alumni
MUSIC
NAME Dr. Jeong-Suk Bae
PROFESSION Assistant Organist at the Co-Cathedral of Sacred Heart and Organ Instructor at the University of St. Thomas
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance under Robert Bates and Matthew Dirst (harpsichord) at the University of Houston
VISIT DETAILS March 10-12 – Presented an organ master class and recital
NAME Rasha Nahas
PROFESSION Palestinian singer-songwriter and rock artist
EDUCATION Classical guitar-trained in Haifa’s underground music scene
SPECIAL NOTES First to receive the Bertha Foundation Artivism Award
VISIT DETAILS March 11-15 – Performed at the community meeting and gave a concert at The Alluvion. She also coached a singer-songwriter master class.
NAME Alan Baer
PROFESSION Principal Tuba of the New York Philharmonic
EDUCATION Graduate studies at the University of Southern California, Cleveland Institute of Music, and California State University at Long Beach
VISIT DETAILS April 3-5 – Gave a brass master class and shared insights on orchestral playing and tuba performance during the IAA Brass & Percussion Festival. Baer ended his residency with a recital.
NAME Elmer Churampi (IAC 10, IAA 10-13)
PROFESSION Fourth + Utility Trumpet at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
EDUCATION Trumpet performance under Ben Wright and Tom Rolfs from the New England Conservatory
SPECIAL NOTES Winner of the Boston Pops Concerto Competition
VISIT DETAILS April 3-5 – Gave a brass master class during the IAA Brass & Percussion Festival. Churampi ended his residency with a recital.
Dr. Jeong-Suk Bae
Rasha Nahas
Alan Baer
Elmer Churampi Alumni
MUSIC
NAME David Jackson (IAC/NMC 85)
PROFESSION Professor of Trombone at the University of Michigan
EDUCATION Master of Music from the University of Michigan
VISIT DETAIL April 3-5 – Gave a brass master class during the IAA Brass & Percussion Festival. Jackson ended his residency with a recital.
NAME Nancy Zeltsman
PROFESSION Professor of Marimba and Chamber Music at Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Berklee College of Music
EDUCATION New England Conservatory of Music
SPECIAL NOTES Leading figure in marimba performance and pedagogy
VISIT DETAILS April 3-5 – Gave a master class during the IAA Brass & Percussion Festival, with an emphasis on technique, interpretation, and the evolving role of the marimba in modern music. Zeltsman ended her residency with a recital.
NAME Søren Hansen
PROFESSION Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer
EDUCATION Self-taught record producer and mixer
SPECIAL NOTES Co-founder of the musical group New Politics
VISIT DETAILS April 6-12 – Worked with music production and engineering students during a master class and shared insights on songwriting, production, and performance. Hansen also gave a performance.
NAME Dr. Jeremy Denk
PROFESSION Concert Pianist
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts from The Juilliard School
SPECIAL NOTES New York Times bestselling author, recipient of the MacArthur ‘Genius’ Fellowship, and the winner of the Avery Fisher Prize. He was recently elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
VISIT DETAILS April 9-11 – Oversaw a piano master class and performed a solo piano recital.
Søren Hansen
Dr. Jeremy Denk
David Jackson – Alumni
Nancy Zeltsman
MUSIC
NAME Dr. Chen Yi
PROFESSION Lorena Cravens/Millsap/Missouri
Distinguished Professor at the University of MissouriKansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts from Columbia University (with distinction)
SPECIAL NOTES 2005 election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and 2019 election to the American Academy of Arts and Letters
VISIT DETAILS April 17-19 – Premiered a new composition with the IAA Orchestra and gave a master class to composition students
NAME Jeanine Cowen
PROFESSION Chair of the Screen Scoring Program at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
EDUCATION Degree from Berklee College of Music; completed graduate work in interactive design and game development at Savannah College of Art and Design
VISIT DETAILS April 14-17 – Worked closely with composition and music production and engineering students, offering insights into the art of scoring for film and media. Her visit comes as students prepare for the Greenacres documentary, which is set to debut next fall.
NAME Jamie Leigh Sampson
PROFESSION Professor of Music Composition, Theory, and Entrepreneurship at the School of Music at the State University of New York at Fredonia and co-founder of the publishing entity
ADJ•ective New Music
EDUCATION Master’s degree in bassoon performance and composition from Bowling Green State University
VISIT DETAILS April 2025 – Led studio classes focused on entrepreneurship for composers. This visit included guiding students on how to market, brand, and sell their music.
NAME Kristin Wolfe Jensen
PROFESSION Professor of Bassoon and Division Head of Chamber & Collaborative at The University of West Texas
EDUCATION Master of Music from The Juilliard School
SPECIAL NOTES Founder of Music and the Bassoon, a widely used online instructional resource
VISIT DETAILS May 1-3 – Jensen came to campus for the IAA Woodwind Festival
Dr. Chen Yi
Jeanine Cowen
Jamie Leigh Sampson
Kristin Wolfe Jensen
MUSIC
NAME Dr. Damani Phillips
PROFESSION Director of Jazz Studies and Associate Professor of African-American Studies at the University of Iowa
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder
SPECIAL NOTES Author of What Is This Thing Called Soul: Conversations on Black Culture and Jazz Education
VISIT DETAILS May 2-4 – Led a master class on jazz performance, technique, and improvisation. Phillips was also on campus for the IAA Woodwind Festival and ended his residency with a recital.
NAME Dr. Julietta Curenton
PROFESSION Assistant Professor of Flute at Shenandoah Conservatory
EDUCATION Doctor of Musical Arts from Stony Brook University
SPECIAL NOTES Alumna of Ensemble Connect, an educational program in partnership with Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and The Weill Music Institute to bring music education to underserved schools and areas in New York City
VISIT DETAILS May 3-5 – Gave a master class on flute technique and expression. Curenton was also on campus for the IAA Woodwind Festival and ended her residency with a recital.
NAME Nicholas Stovall
PROFESSION Principal Oboe of the National Symphony Orchestra, faculty member of the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, and instructor at the National Symphony Youth Fellowship Program and Summer Music Institute
EDUCATION The Juilliard School
VISIT DETAILS May 4-6 – Led a master class focusing on technique, musical expression, and improvisation for the saxophone. Stovall was also on campus for the IAA Woodwind Festival and concluded his residency with a recital.
NAME Chad Burrow
PROFESSION Professor of Clarinet and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan, Co-Artistic Director for the Brightmusic Society of Oklahoma, faculty member of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, and Alpenkammermusik Festival in Austria
EDUCATION Master of Music from Yale University under David Shifrin
VISIT DETAILS May 5-7 – Facilitated a master class on technique and interpretation. He was also on campus for the IAA Woodwind Festival and concluded his residency with a recital focusing on artistry
Nicholas Stovall
Chad Burrow
Dr. Damani Phillips
Dr. Julietta Curenton
MUSIC MUSIC
NAME Matt Brewer (IAC 93-00, IAA 98-01)
PROFESSION Professor of Jazz Bass in the Roots, Jazz, and American Music Department at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music
EDUCATION The Juilliard School
SPECIAL NOTES Selected from young artists across the country as an inaugural member of the Grammy Band; performed at the 2000 Grammy Awards
VISIT DETAILS May 1-3 – Brewer came to campus for the IAA Woodwind Festival
NAME Carolyn Anderson (IAA 13-15) and Steven Naylor (IAC 15-16, IAA 16-17)
PROFESSION Soprano, educator, and producer/director; pianist and composer
EDUCATION A.B.D. status working on Doctor of Musical Arts in Contemporary Music, specializing in voice performance and digital media from Bowling Green State University; master’s degree in-progress from Indiana University Jacob School of Music
SPECIAL NOTES Alumni residency
VISIT DETAILS March 12-14 – Led a composition group lesson exploring Naylor’s compositions and discussed writing for the voice and piano. The pair concluded their visit with a discussion on recital repertoire and a lecture on opera in film, providing students with a multifaceted look into composition, technology, and storytelling through music.
NAME Dr. François Germain and Dina Kuznetsova
PROFESSION Program Director of the CIM Opera Theatre, Vocal Coach and Diction Faculty at the Conservatory; Voice Faculty at the Conservatory and Voice Faculty at the Academy within the Cleveland Institute of Music
EDUCATION Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Montreal; Master of Music in Voice from the University of Akron
VISIT DETAILS Fall 2024 – Hosted a mini-residency with voice students and presented a fully staged production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s holiday opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors
NAME Dr. Reena Esmail and Yolanda Kondonassis (IAA 78-82)
PROFESSION Artistic Director of Shastra; Cleveland Institute of Music Harp Department Head
EDUCATION Doctorate of Musical Arts from Yale School of Music; Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 9-15 – Collaborated with chamber singers, the Academy Choir, classical voice, and composition students. Over the next year, Esmail and Kondonassis will work together to create Terra Infirma, a concerto for harp, percussion, and string orchestras. The piece will be performed and professionally recorded on campus in November 2025 as part of a multimedia presentation featuring a guest conductor.
Matt Brewer – Alumni
Carolyn Anderson – Alumni Steven Naylor – Alumni
Dr. François Germain
Dina Kuznetsova
Dr. Reena Esmail
Yolanda Kondonassis – Alumni
MUSIC
Sean Dobbins
Michael Malis
Brandon Rose
NAME Sean Dobbins (drums), Michael Malis (piano), and Brandon Rose (bass)
PROFESSION Director of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Summer Jazz Program; Founder of the Other Tones concert series; professional musician
EDUCATION Faculty member at the University of Michigan, Oakland University, and Wayne State University; doctoral candidate at the University of Michigan; master’s degree in jazz studies from Michigan State University
SPECIAL NOTES Michael Malis is a former IAA faculty member
VISIT DETAILS Feb. 3-7 – During a weeklong residency, the trio worked closely with ensembles, combos, big band and the improvisation class. Private lessons were offered to every jazz drummer, bassist, and pianist.
Roy Poper
David Byrd-Morrow
Dr. John Gruber
NAME Roy Poper (trumpet), David Byrd-Morrow (horn), and Dr. John Gruber (trombone)
PROFESSION Associate Professor of Trumpet, Associate Professor of Horn, and Assistant Professor of Trombone at Oberlin College and Conservatory
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts from California Institute of the Arts; Master of Music from Stony Brook University; Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan
VISIT DETAILS November – Led a series of master classes for brass students. Poper worked with trumpet seniors, Byrd-Morrow engaged with horn students, and Gruber provided valuable tips to low brass players.
Dr. Alice Teyssier
Nuiko Wadden
Dr. Ross Karre – Alumni
NAME Dr. Alice Teyssier (vocalist), Nuiko Wadden (harp), and Dr. Ross Karre (IAC 98, 00, IAA 00-01) (percussion)
PROFESSION Founder of MATRICALIS; Principal Harpist of the Pittsburgh Opera, Ballet Orchestras, and Des Moines Metro Opera; Associate Professor of Percussion at Oberlin Conservatory
EDUCATION Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of California-San Diego; Oberlin College; Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of California-San Diego
VISIT DETAILS March 7-8 – Performed a recital for music students
MUSIC
NAME Ilmar Gavilan (violin), Melissa White (violin) (IAC 93-94, IAA 00-02), Jaime Amador (viola), and Felix Umansky (cello)
PROFESSION Harlem Quartet
SPECIAL NOTES The quartet was featured on the 2013 multi-Grammy Award winning album, Hot House with Chick Corea and Gary Burton.
VISIT DETAILS Jan. 28-30 – Coached chamber musicians in master classes and worked with string students. The Harlem Quartet also performed a concert at the City Opera House in nearby Traverse City.
NAME River Guard (tenor), Cameron J. Rolling (bass), Brianna J. Robinson (soprano), Kendra Faith Beasley (mezzo-soprano), and Cole Bellamy (baritone)
PROFESSION Detroit Opera Resident Artists (DORA)
EDUCATION Master’s degree in opera from the University of Toronto Opera School; Master of Music in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City; master’s degree in performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music; Artist Diploma from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music; Master of Music from Florida State University
VISIT DETAILS Jan. 29-30 – Facilitated voice and collaborative piano master classes for classical voice students and pianists. They also participated in a Q&A session, discussing their artistic journeys and professional paths.
“ The Academy has allowed me to study with some of the best professors in the world, as well as given me a conservatory-like experience. I am privileged to study with one of the greatest, if not the greatest saxophone players in the world. This environment has made me feel at home, and I know that I am in a place where I belong.” —SHIRE (IAC 24, IAA 24–25), SAXOPHONE STUDENT
“ Under the instruction of my instructor’s practice and performance techniques I have made great amounts of progress... this year I have received two solos. This will be my very first time having a solo as principal oboist, and learning the English horn. All of this was made possible due to the excellent teachers I have been honored to work with.”
—LAUREN (IAA 23 – 25), OBOE STUDENT
Harlem Quartet
Detroit Opera Resident Artists
VISUAL ARTS
NAME Elaine Gurian and James Volkert
PROFESSION Freelance museum consultant/advisor; freelance exhibit and facility planner
EDUCATION Master of Education in Elementary Education and Art Specialist from State College of Boston; Master of Fine Arts from the Art Center College of Design
SPECIAL NOTES Both were members of the Museum Group through 2024
VISIT DETAILS Fall 2024 – Accomplished museum consultants worked with visual arts students throughout the fall to present an exhibition titled Think Nothing of It. Moving Forward…, which was the culmination of a five-day workshop created by senior visual art students.
NAME Shanny Brooke (IAC 95-96, IAA 95-97)
PROFESSION Artist at Higher Art Gallery, Twisted Fish Gallery, and The District Gallery
EDUCATION Interlochen Arts Academy
SPECIAL NOTES Best known for her symbolic, thought-provoking pieces
VISIT DETAILS May 2025 – Brooke juried visual art students’ work at the end of the academic year and provided constructive feedback on their portfolios.
“Before coming to Interlochen, I had only ever worked in acrylic paint in my small bedroom on my farm... The visual arts instructive community at Interlochen has given me unlimited support and creative freedom to explore myself through my practice, and in turn, it has given me a better outlet to understand myself.”
—CHLOE (IAA 23-24), VISUAL ARTS STUDENT
“ I can say with absolute confidence that the Academy has changed my life in every single way—I grew into myself as a person, discovered my voice, and realized the power in art and specifically theatre. Learning under the guidance of the theatre faculty and artists has been the greatest blessing I’ve ever received, and thanks to people like you—who believe in the power of the performing arts—all of it has been made possible.” —PIPER (IAA 22-24), ACTING STUDENT
Elaine Gurian
James Volkert
Shanny Brooke – Alumni
NAME Jamie John (IAA 15-19)
PROFESSION Multidisciplinary artist
EDUCATION Interlochen Arts Academy
SPECIAL NOTES Longtime guest artist of the Interdisciplinary Arts Division
VISIT DETAILS September – Led a zine workshop for the Art & Technology class, followed by the Recontextualizing Hemingway in Michigan workshop with interdisciplinary arts instructor Steven Speciale’s Concept to Completion course.
NAME Michael Spencer Phillips (IAC 96)
PROFESSION Professional dancer in New York City, currently with RIOULT Dance NY; interdisciplinary artist, choreographer, and producer on a global scale
EDUCATION Dance at University of Michigan
SPECIAL NOTES Winner of the alumni Emerging Artist Award from the University of Michigan
VISIT DETAILS December and January – Played a pivotal role in the “Original Works” show featuring student work from visual arts, creative writing, film, songwriting, and dance. This performance included a preview of an innovative collaboration between the Dance Division and the Figure Drawing class, utilizing Artificial Intelligence software as a creative tool, with original music by interdisciplinary arts student Bianca Chen.
NAME Ren Casey (IAC 97, 99, IAC 98-00)
PROFESSION Managing Partner at Slate Legal Recruiting
EDUCATION New York University
VISIT DETAILS Feb. 10-13 – Taught an entrepreneurial workshop titled Presentations in Leadership & Management in the Arts; spoke to how his skill set in theatre performance has worked to his advantage in a non-performance career.
“ I’ve gotten the chance to meet and work with several amazing guest artists such as Michael Spencer-Phillips, who has expanded my choreography and dance skills significantly.”
—LUCY (IAC 18-24, IAA 23-25), INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS STUDENT
Jamie John – Alumni
Michael Spencer Phillips Alumni
Ren Casey – Alumni
THEATRE
NAME Anthony Nikolchev
PROFESSION Movement Instructor at California Institute of the Arts and Co-Artistic Director of Galiana&Nikolchev’s The Useless Room with Gema Galiana
EDUCATION Wesleyan University
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 9 – Led a movement workshop and college visit session for theatre students.
NAME Toni Trucks (IAC 97, IAA 98-99)
PROFESSION American television and film actor
EDUCATION Musical theatre at University of Michigan
SPECIAL NOTES Has 18 television and 10 movie credits to her name
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 13-18 – Coached monologues and songs for senior musical theatre students and worked closely with students in the Advanced Musical Theatre class to prepare for their upcoming production at the City Opera House in nearby Traverse City.
NAME Maryn Shaw (IAC 07-08, IAA 09-11), Tierney Malloy (IAC 09, IAA 09-11), Katie Kleiger (IAC 07-08, IAA 09-11), and Mia Hutchinson-Shaw (IAA 09-11)
PROFESSION Actress; actress, writer, and producer; actress; voice and stage actress
EDUCATION Master in Fine Arts from New York University; Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pace University School of the Performing Arts; Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie; Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
SPECIAL NOTES Alumni Weekend Panel
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 18 – Former alumni who returned for Alumni Weekend to participate in an Alumni Panel for a Q&A with students, staff, and fellow alumni
NAME Rachel Jett
PROFESSION Artistic Director at the National Theatre Institute
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Writing from New York University TISCH School of the Arts
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 11 – Taught a workshop focused on Russian movement style, emphasizing natural speech and addressing social issues while avoiding being overtly political
Anthony Nikolchev
Toni Trucks – Alumni
Alumni Weekend Panel
Rachel Jett
THEATRE
NAME Rodney Cottier
PROFESSION Associate Director of London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts (LAMDA); recent Head of School at LAMDA
SPECIAL NOTES Over 40 years of experience as a stage director and educator teaching courses in stage combat, acting, and text analysis. Cottier has also directed over 25 plays from Shakespeare’s canon.
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 12 – Facilitated a three-hour workshop on King Lear and offered students an in-depth look into LAMDA’s prestigious program offerings.
NAME Brant Russell
PROFESSION Associate Professor and Chair of the Acting Program at The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts in Stage Directing from Northwestern University-Evanston
SPECIAL NOTES Founding Artistic Director of the CCM Playwrights Workshop and Editor of The Cincinnati Review
VISIT DETAILS Dec. 13-14 – Led a theatre workshop focusing on monologues and oversaw college auditions for CCM.
NAME Kirsten Kelly
PROFESSION Documentary filmmaker
EDUCATION Master Directing Program at The Juilliard School
SPECIAL NOTES Co-founder of Spargel Productions and former Senior Producer at Transform Films/Odyssey Impact
VISIT DETAILS Jan. 13-16 – Kelley gave a master class and feedback to theatre students on their One-Act play scripts.
NAME Jamal Howard and Sue Pak
PROFESSION Co-Artistic Director of New American Folk Theatre and Associate Company Member with TUTA Theatre; 2023-2024 BIPOC Resident Playwright at Strawdog Theatre Company
EDUCATION Loyola University Chicago; JD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
VISIT DETAILS March – Howard and Pak directed the premiere of The Great MC, an action-packed production as part of the Theatre for Young Audiences BIPOC Superhero Project.
Brant Russell
Rodney Cottier
Kirsten Kelly
Jamal Howard
Sue Pak
CREATIVE WRITING
NAME Jia Tolentino
PROFESSION Staff writer at The New Yorker
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts in Fiction from the Univ. of Michigan
SPECIAL NOTES 2020 Whiting Award winner
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 9 – Tolentino was interviewed by student editors at The Interlochen Review. She also presented a reading from her bestselling book Trick Mirror and led a master class for creative writing majors titled How to Sound Like Yourself, where she guided students in a series of exercises and discussions of readings by Kurt Vonnegut and Joan Didion.
NAME Robyn Schiff
PROFESSION Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature and Director of the Program in Creative Writing at the University of Chicago
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop and Master of Arts at the University of Bristol
SPECIAL NOTES Pulitzer Prize in Poetry finalist
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 30-31 – Schiff participated in the Interlochen Visiting Writers Series and was interviewed by students with The Interlochen Review. Schiff also held four one-on-one manuscript consultations and joined students for an informal lunch. She also presented a reading from her award-winning book Information Desk: An Epic, and taught a master class titled Mapping Memory, leading students through exercises and discussions inspired by poems from Rita Dove, David Trinidad, and Ruth Fainlight.
NAME Dr. Brittany Cavallaro and Jeff Zentner
PROFESSION Instructor of Creative Writing at Interlochen Center for the Arts (on sabbatical); author and Senior Associate Counsel at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
EDUCATION Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of WisconsinMilkaukee; JD from Vanderbilt University Law School
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 13 – Held a masterclass on collaborative writing and met with singer-songwriter and interdisciplinary students. They also spoke at the community meeting and read from their collaboratively written book, Sunrise Nights.
NAME Jacques J. Rancourt
PROFESSION Middle school English teacher at The Hamlin School
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
SPECIAL NOTES Award-winning poet and author of Novena and Brocken Spectre
VISIT DETAILS Jan. 15-16 – Led a master class titled Turning Towards Surprise, exploring different types of poetic turns. He also oversaw one-on-one manuscript consultations, gave a poetry reading, held a Q&A and book signing, and visited Dr. Karyna McGynn’s Advanced Poetry class to discuss the process of writing and publishing chapter books.
Robyn Schiff
Jia Tolentino
Jacques J. Rancourt
Dr. Brittany Cavallaro – Alumni
Jeff Zentner
CREATIVE WRITING
NAME Anne-Marie Oomen
PROFESSION Founding Editor of Dunes Review, current board member of Michigan Writers, and Instructor of Solstice MFA in Creative Writing at Lasell University
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts from Grand Valley State University
SPECIAL NOTES Recipient of the 2023-24 Michigan Author Award for Lifetime Achievement. Award-winning author, playwright, and former Director of Creative Writing at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
VISIT DETAILS Jan. 22-29 – Taught a playwriting master class exploring dramatic structure, dialogue, and character development. Oomen’s visit culminated in a staged reading of creative writing students’ original 10-minute plays.
NAME Dr. Mona Awad
PROFESSION Assistant Professor in the Creative Writing program at Syracuse University
EDUCATION Ph.D. in Creative Writing and English Literature from the University of Denver
SPECIAL NOTES New York Times-bestselling novelist and author. She is also a three-time finalist for a Goodreads Choice Award, recipient of an Amazon Best First Novel Award, and was shortlisted for the Giller Prize.
VISIT DETAILS April 9 – Awad interviewed with Interlochen Review student editors, completed a fiction master class, and gave an evening reading. The day also featured a Q&A session and book signing.
NAME Patrice Gopo
PROFESSION Author and podcast host
EDUCATION MBA/MPP in Business Administration and Public Policy from the University of Michigan
SPECIAL NOTES Author of Autumn Song and the inaugural winner of The Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award
VISIT DETAIL April 10 – Visited campus to lead writing exercises with students, presented at community meeting, and attended an award ceremony at the National Writers Series in Traverse City.
“ My teachers’ guidance has led me along the path to becoming a YoungArts winner as well as a Scholastic National Gold Medalist. These two prestigious awards are opportunities I would not have gotten close to if not for my training and time spent at Interlochen. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude.”
—ADDISON (IAC 23, IAA 22-25), CREATIVE WRITING STUDENT
Anne-Marie Oomen
Dr. Mona Awad
Patrice Gopo
DANCE
NAME Steven Melendez
PROFESSION Artistic Director of the New York Theatre Ballet
EDUCATION Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre
SPECIAL NOTES Subject and star of the documentary film Lift
VISIT DETAILS Sept. 2-3 – Taught ballet classes and led discussions on resilience, sharing how dance changed his life.
NAME Anna-Marie Holmes
PROFESSION Founder and Co-Artistic Director for the International Academy of Dance Costa do Sol in Portugal and Co-founder of Ballet Adriatico in Italy
EDUCATION Royal Conservatory of Music
SPECIAL NOTES Former Artistic Director of Boston Ballet and the School of Classical Ballet at Jacob’s Pillow, Holmes was the first North American to be invited to guest star with Mariinsky Ballet (then Kirov Ballet) in St. Petersburg
VISIT DETAILS Sept. 8-9 – Taught classical ballet classes and shared knowledge from her distinguished career. She also discussed her professional journey, the challenges of a dance career, the importance of resilience and mental preparation, and technique.
NAME Miki Orihara
PROFESSION Professional dancer and Dance Faculty of Modern HCD Dance at The Hartt School, Hartt Community Division
EDUCATION Empire State College, State University of New York Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, and The Joffrey Ballet School
SPECIAL NOTES Former Principal Dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company
VISIT DETAILS Sept. 8-14 – Worked with dance students to stage Celebration as part of the Martha Graham Centennial Celebration.
NAME Susan Shields
PROFESSION Director of the School of Dance at George Mason University
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts in Dance from GMU
SPECIAL NOTES Former dancer with the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company
VISIT DETAILS Sept. 15-17 – Facilitated dance auditions on behalf of GMU.
Steven Melendez
Anna-Marie Holmes
Miki Orihara
Susan Shields
DANCE
NAME Sarah Lamb
PROFESSION Principal Dancer of The Royal Ballet
EDUCATION Boston Ballet School
SPECIAL NOTES Presidential Scholar in the Arts and silver medalist in the NY, USA and Japan International ballet competitions
VISIT DETAILS Sept. 23-24 – Lamb emphasized to dancers the importance of mental health and shared her perspective as to why she doesn’t use social media. She also spoke about embracing unexpected roles and how they shaped her career, as well as the value of staying open to opportunities as a dancer.
NAME Tempe Ostergren
PROFESSION Assistant Professor of Ballet at the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory
EDUCATION The School of American Ballet
SPECIAL NOTES Past principal dancer in the Boston Ballet
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 1-2 – Facilitated audition classes for dancers and answered questions about college-level expectations and potential dance career trajectories.
NAME Michael Vernon
PROFESSION Professor of Music (Ballet) from Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University
EDUCATION The Royal Ballet School
SPECIAL NOTES Choreographed for Mikhail Baryshnikov and Cynthia Harvey at American Ballet Theatre
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 7-8 – Led an audition class for senior dancers. Held a Q&A on college and professional trajectories.
NAME Baptiste Bourgougnon and Vicky Mantey
PROFESSION Director of Undergraduate Course and International Development at the London Contemporary Dance School; Lecturer in Dance at London Contemporary Dance School
EDUCATION National Conservatoire in Paris; University of London
VISIT DETAILS October 10 – Held audition classes and workshops in hip-hop and contemporary dance. Students learned about educational opportunities outside the U.S. and the history and social aspects of hip-hop, along with its musicality.
Sarah Lamb
Tempe Ostergren
Michael Vernon
Baptiste Bourgougnon
Vicky Mantey
DANCE
NAME Derek Brockington (IAA 13-15)
PROFESSION Dance Theatre of Harlem
EDUCATION Grand Rapids Ballet School
SPECIAL NOTES Derek has been commissioned to create work for Dance Theatre of Harlem, Columbia Ballet Collective, Ballet Theatre Company, and the New Jersey Festival Orchestra
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 18-20 – Returned for Alumni Weekend to participate in a Q&A Alumni Panel.
NAME Matthew Christensen
PROFESSION Ballet instructor at Mercyhurst University and Principal Dancer with the Nashville Ballet
EDUCATION University of Utah
SPECIAL NOTES Received the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Fellowship in Dance; ballet master for Centennial Youth Ballet
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 20-22 – Led college dance auditions for Mercyhurst University.
NAME Derek Reid
PROFESSION Professor of Dance and Associate Dean for IDEA at Butler University
EDUCATION Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Service Learning from Gonzaga University
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 28-29 – Held a dance and choreography workshop as well as a college audition for dance students.
NAME Tinka Dailey
PROFESSION Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at the Cornish College of the Arts
EDUCATION Harkness Ballet
SPECIAL NOTES Principal Dancer for The American Dance Machine
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 29-30 – Led a dance audition class and discussed college level dance expectations.
Derek Brockington Alumni
Matthew Christensen
Derek Reid
Tinka Dailey
DANCE
NAME Craig Hall
PROFESSION Ballet Master and Director of Repertoire at New York City Ballet
EDUCATION School of American Ballet
SPECIAL NOTES Mae L. Wien Award winner for Outstanding Promise
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 7-8 – Hall taught a dance class and spoke about his career, including some of his favorite performances, and the unique perspective gained from becoming a professional stager, where knowing every dancer’s part deepens the connection with choreography and the choreographer.
NAME Beverly Bautista and Marc Spaulding
PROFESSION Co-owner of Dance Education Equity Association and Assistant Professor of Jazz at Point Park University; Visiting Assistant Professor of Modern Dance at Point Park University
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of CaliforniaIrvine; Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of California-Irvine
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 11-12 – Bautista and Spaulding discussed college-level expectations and potential career paths and gave students the opportunity to ask school-specific questions following a master class. They also held an audition opportunity for the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University.
NAME Kenya Clay
PROFESSION Choreographer at American Dance Training Camps
EDUCATION Self-taught
SPECIAL NOTES Sought-after choreographer, having worked with Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Hudson, and major brands like Toyota and Skechers
VISIT DETAILS March 2025 – Clay inspired dance students to embrace new movement styles in a masterclass in contemporary dance.
“ I’ve been able to engage in numerous masterclasses with renowned guest artists such as Sarah Lamb of the Royal Ballet and Anna-Marie Holmes of the Kirov. In my relatively short time here, I’ve seen immense growth in my dancing and more specifically my artistry. Coming from South Dakota, access to quality training and support in my passion was minimal.
—JULIAN (IAC 24, IAA 24-25), DANCE STUDENT
Kenya Clay
Craig Hall
Beverly Bautista Marc Spaulding
NAME Lisa Dosson
PROFESSION Storyboard artist at Disney
EDUCATION Kendall College of Art and Design
SPECIAL NOTES Seasoned professional with experience on projects for Disney, Bento Box, and Fox Television
VISIT DETAILS September 2024 – Worked with animation students to elevate their work, and guided students in life-drawing and storyboarding sessions.
NAME F. Hudson Miller (IAA 72-76)
PROFESSION Sound editor at Warner Bros. Studios
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts in Cinema Production from the University of Southern California
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 15-21 and May – Presented a master class, screening, and a Q&A session with film and animation students. Miller introduced students to the role that sound plays in storytelling, guiding them through the process of integrating sound design into the timeline, screenplay, and character development. Additionally, he worked with students in a workshop setting, providing early-stage sound design opportunities for students developing scripts. He returned in May to work with seniors on their film projects.
NAME Troy Quane
PROFESSION Professional film director
EDUCATION Master’s degree in computer animation from New York University
SPECIAL NOTES Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film - Nimona
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 30-Nov. 4 – Quane presented a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Nimona, offering insights into its transition from a graphic novel to an animated feature, followed by a Q&A session. Quane also gave portfolio reviews to help students refine their work for college applications and served as a judge for the Animation Pitch Competition, streamlining real-time feedback on character development and storytelling.
NAME Alina Bobrova (IAA 14-17)
PROFESSION Fine art photographer and multidisciplinary artist
EDUCATION Parsons School of Design
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 31-Nov. 2 – Led a Q&A session for film and animation students, sharing insights into Bobrova’s post-Interlochen journey and career. She also encouraged students to explore their artistic aspirations, including careers in spoken-word and visual storytelling.
Lisa Dosson
F. Hudson Miller Alumni
Troy Quane
Alina Bobrova Alumni
FILM & NEW MEDIA
NAME Steve Leeper
PROFESSION Founding Professor of Animation at Central Michigan University
EDUCATION Master of Fine Arts from Art Institute of Boston
SPECIAL NOTES Instrumental in developing prototype stop-motion model rigging that can be 3D-printed, including facial expressions, torsos, feet, and hands
VISIT DETAILS November 2024 – Coached students through a hands-on three-day workshop on puppet building, construction, and animation techniques.
NAME Sunny Liu (IAA 09-11) and Dr. Jasmine Guo (IAA 10-12)
PROFESSION Filmmaker, pianist/composer, and animator; classical pianist, contemporary concert composer, and film composer
EDUCATION Master of Music from The New School and Master of Documentary Filmmaking from the School of Visual Arts; Ph.D. from University of California Los Angeles under Richard Danielpour, Peter Golub, Ian Krouse, and Kay Rhi
VISIT DETAILS Nov. 1-3 – Engaged students in a master class, screening, and Q&A session. Liu presented Pianoman, a documentary about an undocumented immigrant who builds and repairs pianos. Both artists also discussed their careers after attending the Academy, reflecting on how their lives and artistic paths have evolved over time. Their visit provided students with valuable insights into the intersections of music and film, as well as the challenges and growth that come with pursuing a career in the arts.
NAME Miranda Dressler, Travis Williams, Kimberly Wright, Troy Quane and Neil Wade
PROFESSION Art Director at Bento Box/Fox; Development Executive/Production Manager for GAPC Entertainment; Senior Producer of GBH Kids; Professional Film Director; Senior Manager of Animation at Nickelodeon
EDUCATION The University of the Arts - Illustration; Colorado State University; The George Washington University; master’s degree in computer animation from New York University; Washington University in St. Louis
VISIT DETAILS January 2025 – Panel of esteemed judges for the Animation Pitch Competition on campus, bringing together students from Film & New Media, Creative Writing, Visual Arts, Songwriting, and Interdisciplinary Arts to develop and present unique television pitches. The competition culminated in a live presentation at the Dendrinos Chapel where students showcased their ideas on stage.
Steve Leeper
Miranda Dressler Travis Williams
Kimberly Wright Troy Quane Neil Wade
Sunny Liu - Alumni
Dr. Jasmine Guo - Alumni
EDUCATION AND ACADEMICS
NAME Adam Fosson
PROFESSION Project Engineer at Helmerich & Payne
EDUCATION Montana Technological University
SPECIAL NOTES Inventor of a patented transducer assembly for oil and gas wells
VISIT DETAILS Sept. 23 – Chatted with Interlochen’s Science Division to share insights from his work in petroleum engineering. Fosson’s visit supplied students with real-world perspectives on innovation and engineering in the energy sector.
NAME Dr. Lisa Damour
PROFESSION Psychologist and author
EDUCATION Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan
SPECIAL NOTES Dr. Damour is regarded for her work on adolescent development, particularly as it relates to mental health and emotional well-being
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 3-4 – Spoke to the campus community during Family Weekend about how teenagers navigate emotions and the best ways to support them through developmental stages.
NAME Beatriz Moreno
PROFESSION Bilingual Migrant Specialist at Suttons Bay Public Schools
EDUCATION Bachelor of Social Work from Northwestern Michigan College
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 22 – Moreno shared her experience growing up in a family of migrant farmworkers. Her talk highlighted the challenges she faced and context on the current migrant farming community.
NAME Eric Hemenway
PROFESSION Director of Repatriation, Archives, and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Waganakising
EDUCATION Honorary Degree from Oakland University
VISIT DETAILS Oct. 24-25 – Talked to students about the importance of cultural preservation and Indigenous heritage.
Adam Fosson
Dr. Lisa Damour
Beatriz Moreno
Eric Hemenway
EDUCATION AND ACADEMICS
NAME Kyle Horne (IAA 08-10)
PROFESSION Sustainability Manager at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
EDUCATION Master of Public Health from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
VISIT DETAILS Jan. 16-21 – MLK Day and theatre guest artist who facilitated auditions, attended classes, and shared expertise on social activism in the nonprofit sector.
NAME Twyla Tharp
PROFESSION Founder and Choreographer of Twyla Tharp Dance
EDUCATION Barnard College
SPECIAL NOTES Redefined contemporary dance by seamlessly blending ballet, modern dance, and jazz. Choreographed for the American Ballet Theatre, The Joffrey Ballet, Broadway, and Hollywood, earning multiple Tony and Emmy Awards.
VISIT DETAILS April 30 – Was a community meeting guest and shared insights into her creative process and the importance of pushing artistic boundaries. Held master classes for dance, musical theatre, and interdisciplinary arts students.
NAME Eileen Isagon Skyers, Cory McAbee, and Victoria Espinel
PROFESSION Head of Marketing at Kaiber; founder of the arts collective Captain Ahab’s Motorcycle Club; President and CEO of the Business Software Alliance
EDUCATION Master of Arts in Critical Studies from the Pacific Northwest College of Art; self-taught; JD from George Mason University Law School
VISIT DETAILS February 27 – Participated in an Artificial Intelligence panel discussion during a community meeting on campus. Moderated by a Student Representative Board member, this discussion featured presubmitted questions exploring the impact of AI on art, creativity, and digital governance.
Twyla Tharp
Eileen Isagon Skyers Cory McAbee Victoria Espinel
Kyle Horne – Alumni
“ The experiences I’ve had have been eye-opening! Just last week, we had a well accomplished guest artist come in. Hearing from her and getting to ask her questions was inspiring.”
—MAX (IAA 25), FILM & NEW MEDIA STUDENT
“ Growing up in a lower middle-class family, I would have never imagined myself being fortunate enough to study with Tina Qu and collaborate with such inspiring musicians who have inspired and pushed me to be a better musician. The support and resources here have truly changed me, I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
—YUJIN (IAC 22-24, IAA 24-25), VIOLIN STUDENT