THE AFRICAN DIASPORA PROJECT
In fall 2021, Interlochen launched the Arts and Music of the African Diaspora, a three-year project to provide creative programming for Arts Academy students and our campus community to develop, present, and teach the music and art of the African diaspora. This curriculum encourages and enables students to study history, culture, and artistry, showcasing how traditions, techniques, and trailblazers of the African diaspora have contributed to the definitions of national music and artistic citizenry. This work is integral to our commitment to meet the needs of our worldwide community and elevate our founding tenet of inspiring world friendship through the arts. BILLY CHILDS In April 2022, American jazz pianist, conductor, and Grammy Award-winning composer Billy Childs arrived at Interlochen to participate in the African Diaspora Project. The Arts Academy orchestra performed the premiere of Childs’ Second Violin Concerto, written for Rachel Barton Pine. Childs, African Diaspora Project Composer-in- Residence Dr. Bill Banfield, and the visiting string players of the Ying Quartet conducted masterclasses and rehearsals, met with student groups, and addressed the entire Interlochen community. Their time culminated in a public concert including works by Dr. Banfield and a performance of the Billy Childs Ensemble and the Ying Quartet that included Arts Academy Jazz Combo and Jazz Orchestra students, showcasing the jazz legend side-by-side with the jazz artists of tomorrow. OTHER CAMPUS VISITORS INCLUDED: • Yuval Sharon , the Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director of Michigan Opera Theatre, and acclaimed bass-baritone Davóne Tines • Laurin Talese, composer and award-winning jazz vocalist • Anthony Tidd , composer, producer, audio engineer, educator, and musician
Billy Childs working with a jazz student
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2022 ANNUAL REPORT
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