Update Blog... INTERLOCHEN!!

Well hi there. I haven't done this in awhile. Got into myspace and it all went downhill from there... lol.

Right now I am at Interlochen Arts Camp in northern Mighigan as a piano major. Life is amazing here. There is so much for me to connect with. It is a place where the arts literally encompass daily life. Nothing happens here that does not involve a form of art in one way or another. Even this far into the summer, it is still a bit hard to believe. I am really thankful to be here.

One of the most amazing things about this place is the amount of people that I have met. I had heard from many that I would meet some really close friends here; I honestly did not believe them at all. Only when I got here did I realize that not just a few, but many if not most of the people here are just like me when it comes to their dedication to the arts. I have made so many new friendships here. There is no real way to describe the atmosphere when we all get into a conversation about something, even if it is not related to music.

I have also gained a new appreciation for different types of art. I have a new respect for the visual arts especially. I think that this is because several of my good friends are visual artists, and seeing their work and having them explain to me their works' meanings has made me look at visual art in a new light with a new approach.

My personal improvement has come a very long way in these short four weeks. My piano teacher, John Cheek, is without doubt not only one of the nicest people I have ever met, but the best piano teacher I have ever had. I feel as though I have learned more in not only technique, but also in interpretation, style, appreciation, and practice technique in this time than I have ever before. I mean that quite literally.

The food is ok. More like eccentrically unpredictable. Some days are better than others. Some days are actually great for food. Others suck. Breakfast burritos suck. Powdered eggs suck. Their rendition of Chinese sucks. But most things are good. There are usually good soups, and most of their diner choices are pretty good as well. But I will say this. As if I didn't like tofu before, I love it now. It has been my salad bar haven, accompanied by some sort of quasi-impromptu sauce. Mhhhhh.......

Overall, life is great here. My summer has been amazing. I have met so many great people. There are a few friends, and perhaps one female in particular, that I wish I didn't have to leave.... this is one of the downfalls of camp romance. I try, however, not to think about parting, but to enjoy time together in the present.

I would like to announce that although I was invited to attend Interlochen Arts Academy this coming school year, I declined both the offer. Would've been too much, with too short of notice.

This is truly an unforgettable experience. I thank any and all who have helped me get here. I miss my family and friends in Gainesville; know that I am thinking about you.