ABYSO Musicians Attend Prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp

Three musicians from the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (“ABYSO”) have become the first musicians from Antigua and Barbuda to participate in the prestigious Interlochen Summer Music Camp located in Traverse City, Michigan, United States. 

Amari Cornelius, viola, Sa’Kyah Leadeatte, cello, and Aria Tulloch, film score composition, were selected for participation following a formal audition process.

All musicians were part of the one-week intensive programmes in their respective areas of music from 14th to 20th June.

Interlochen offers a range of summer programmes for students focused on developing their artistic skills and fostering a love for the arts. Students can explore different disciplines like music, theatre, visual arts, creative writing, dance, film and new media, and interdisciplinary arts. The camp provides opportunities for students to learn from experienced faculty, meet guest artists, and collaborate with peers. 

During the week, the students engaged in a rich programme of learning and development which culminated with public performances of their work.

 The viola and cello intensive programmes allowed musicians to expand their technique and explore the vast possibilities of their instrument alongside other accomplished young musicians and world-renowned musicians and educators. 

Aria shared, “Interlochen was an exciting and unforgettable experience. I learned new concepts from my teachers and peers, including the technical and business sides of film scoring. The authentic camp setting was fun and interactive, and I really enjoyed spending time with my cabin mates and counsellors. I look forward to building on everything I’ve learnt”.

Amari noted: “Interlochen was an experience of a lifetime. It taught me a mixture of patience and musical mastery, as I have to acclimatize to a new climate and different hours of classes and practice all while learning new skills useful to my development as a violist. Interlochen was an amazing experience”.

Sa’Kyah describes her time there as follows, “My experience at the Interlochen Arts Camp changed my life and helped me develop both personally and artistically. I was continuously motivated to push myself and take on new creative challenges by the passionate and gifted artists around me. I was able to develop my passion for music even more by the supportive and encouraging environment”. 

The ABYSO extends thanks to Dr Cherrie Tulloch, its Health and Safety Officer, for chaperoning the musicians during this visit.

Thanks, are also extended to the Mill Reef Fund for its continued support of the ABYSO. Special thanks to Leslie Heaney for introducing ABYSO to Interlochen and to Heather Lee, Dean of Admission, Interlochen Center for the Arts, for patiently guiding the ABYSO students through the application process. The ABYSO will continue to encourage its musicians to audition for Interlochen each year as part of its commitment to developing the highest levels of artistic excellence in our musicians.

The ABYSO operates year-round, after school programmes for young people at all levels of instrumental or choral learning, from beginners to seniors.

 Public performances throughout the year showcase the young people’s hard work and talent, ranging from orchestral standards to musical theatre shows and intimate chamber events.

Exciting international partnerships bring world class musicians, composers and conductors to work alongside the young musicians, while traineeships bring new or enhanced skills such as instrument repair to the islands.

ABYSO is a registered non-profit organisation served by an eleven-member Board of volunteers drawn from the arts, business and philanthropic communities.