ICCA: Connecting with creative individuals

As the Interlochen College of Creative Arts (ICCA) recently noted, it can be difficult for adults to find creative outlets. The college has joined Artsbowl to provide creative individuals with opportunities for personal enrichment.

The success and popularity of Interlochen’s programs for young artists have, at times, overshadowed the newer programs for older students and many adults are still unaware that Interlochen offers this type of course. It is hoped that through its partnership with Artsbowl an increasing number of adults will benefit from one or more of the college’s creative programs.  

The college is part of the world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, which was founded in 1928 as a music camp for high school students. Over the years, the centre has continued to expand and now boasts a fine arts boarding high school, a public radio station and a performing arts series, as well as arts training and enrichment for adults.

Interlochen officially launched the ICCA in 2005 and it now runs long-established programs such as chamber music and band. Beginner and advanced courses in several disciplines are available in a variety of subjects including creative writing, motion picture arts, music, theatre and visual arts. Some courses are one-time events and others are offered annually, such as chamber music, band and guitar festival. Each year, ICCA also offers a small number of professional development courses for working artists or arts educators. 

At ICCA there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ student, with everyone looking to take away something different from their experience. Some are seeking to learn or explore a new skill, while others are dedicated amateur artists and musicians who travel to Interlochen for an arts experience that is better than one they could find closer to home. There are even a number of arts educators who will attend a seminar to advance their professional skills. 

Although the college itself is still relatively new, the long-established Interlochen Center for the Arts has an impressive list of well-known alumni. Former students include singers Norah Jones, Josh Groban and Jewel as well as Lorin Maazel, conductor of the New York Philharmonic. Jazz drummer Peter Erskine also attended the centre along with Felicity Huffman of Desperate Housewives fame. The centre’s alumni have earned more than 90 Grammy Awards and seven Tony Awards…and that’s discounting those awarded to entire orchestras or large ensembles.

So what of the future? The ICCA says it will continue to offer arts opportunities for enrichment and professional development including long-running and new programs.