Interlochen Center for the Arts unveiled its new state-of-the-art Music Center this fall, providing students and faculty access to cutting-edge technology in an unparalleled space for learning and collaboration.
Nestled in the heart of Interlochen’s scenic Northern Michigan campus and outfitted with cutting-edge acoustic technology, the new $24 million Music Center is unparalleled for a high school facility and will transform the way aspiring musicians at Interlochen learn and collaborate with each other.
“Music has a new home at Interlochen,” says Trey Devey, president of Interlochen Center for the Arts. “With its world-class spaces for music instruction, collaboration and recording, the Music Center will nurture and empower any musician who seeks artistic and personal enlightenment at Interlochen. For students from the third grade through high school, there’s nothing else like it.”
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Seamlessly integrating top-notch acoustical engineering with expansive rehearsal, studio and practice rooms, along with lounge areas to foster and encourage student and faculty collaboration, the Music Center has brought together programs in classical, contemporary, jazz and music production and engineering under one roof. Thanks to its professional-grade recording studios, Interlochen Arts Academy students will be able to major in Music Production and Engineering beginning next fall.
Interlochen’s Music Division previously utilized various buildings across Interlochen Center for the Arts’ 1,200 acres. The Music Center now links Corson Auditorium with the Edward P. and Jessie Frohlich Piano and Percussion Building—creating one seamless complex with 25 teaching studios, two large rehearsal halls, nine ensemble rooms, ten practice rooms, two professional recording studios, musical instrument repair rooms, student lounge areas and administrative offices. Features of the three-level, 62,000-square-foot facility include:
- Superior professional-level equipment in the two recording studios that connects to every room in the Music Center and the stage of Corson Auditorium.
- Two 3,200-square-foot rehearsal halls outfitted with cutting-edge acoustic technology, including a double-layered floating roof system to minimize rain noise.
- Observation balconies on the upper level that allow guests to watch ensembles rehearse.
- A stage and theatrical lighting system in the Mallory Ensemble Room.
- Facilities that protect students’ instruments with humidity controls and air conditioning.
The Music Center was designed and constructed by Cornerstone Architects. Planning for the new facility began in 1990, when Sasaki Associates unveiled a set of ambitious designs for the revitalization of Interlochen Center for the Arts’ campus—including concepts for a centralized home for the Music Division. Through the CREATE AMAZING Campaign, the dream of the Music Center became a reality when $24 million was raised, fully funding the building.
Provided by Interlochen Center for the Arts