Almont junior loves Interlochen experience

Opportunity and career choices opened up

 

ALMONT — Not sure what his future held once he entered high school, Almont student Keith Geml started allowing his mind to wander, and wonder, what he might want to do, once he was done with his time in high school.

Never in his 16 years did he imagine himself going to Interlochen Arts for elite musical training for six weeks. He had never been gone from home for more than three days.

But, at the prompting of an Almont math teacher, Geml found himself doing just that.

“My math teacher challenged me. Asked me what I wanted to do with my life, and I didn’t really know,” Geml recalled when the first seed of improving his musical skills was planted. The math teacher did not want to be identified.

“He knew I liked music and thought it would be a good experience for me, to see if it was something I wanted to pursue.”

Geml had only been involved in marching band and concert band at Almont, but never involved with the music world to the level he experienced this summer.

A true artist’s retreat, Interlochen invites students grades 3-12, as well as adults of all ages, for powerful arts education programs designed to hone their skills and nurture their humanity.

According to their website, since 1928, Interlochen has offered an immersive arts experience that fosters a sense of closeness discovered only through a deep, shared appreciation.

Generations of artists and arts enthusiasts have experienced the special and intangible magic that transpires on Interlochen’s beautiful campus, nestled between two pristine lakes and surrounded by quiet pines in northwest Michigan.

After being challenged to broaden his thinking, Geml, an accomplished piano player, took some time to consider his options.

He later decided to apply to Interlochen in December of 2024 and received word of his acceptance in March of this year. He attended this summer, from June 22 thru August 3.

“I’m a different person after this experience,” Geml proclaimed. “I was not skilled by any means when I came here and I had a lot of questions about life. But, now that I’ve been there, it’s been the most fantastic experience of my life. I’ve made lifelong friends and friendships and I have learned so much.”

He went on to add, “music is my passion now. I know I want to do this for as long as I can. I love composing classical music. I can’t wait to see where this opportunity will take me.”

Geml said a typical day at the six-week camp would include meetings, time to compose, doing chores and practice time.

“It was eight or eight and a half hours every day,” he recalled. “We had time for recreation too. I discovered table tennis, something I had never done before. I enjoyed learning that and got pretty good at it.”

In 1962, Interlochen Arts Academy opened its doors as the nation’s first independent boarding school for the arts.

In its first year, the school had 135 students and a staff of 34. It combined rich experiences in the arts with challenging and comprehensive college-preparatory academics.

Over the years, the school and its students have compiled a record of success in arts and academics, with more Presidential Scholars than any other school in the nation, public or private.

Academy alumni can be found in leadership positions in the arts and other professional fields.

Geml said during his time there, it was estimated 3,500 students from all grade levels, along with some adults, attended the specialized training. He estimated around 1,000 high school students were in attendance during his six-week stay.

“It’s an international thing,” Geml explained. “People from other countries and 28 states from the U.S.

At Interlochen, young artists transform artistically and personally through our programs.

Students are pushed to find new ways to stretch their talents, build confidence and help artists find their unique voice.

Students emerge from their Interlochen experience standing taller, imbued with a strong sense of purpose and possibility.

Interlochen is the destination for young artists where they transform passion and potential into purpose.

Following his memorable experience this summer, Geml reflected, “I want to play music that will put smiles on people’s faces. Give them good emotions. There is enough bad happening in the world.”

He added, “I want to make a difference. We need more goodness in the world. I hope to have a long career playing and composing music and then, who knows. Maybe I will get my teaching certificate and teach music.”

Despite his six-week experience exploring music and life opportunities, Greml said, “it’ll be good to get back home and see my family. I loved the experience at Interlochen. I can’t wait to see where it takes me. I made some great contacts that could help me in my future.”

To learn more about Geml and his experience, you can follow him on Instagram at keith_music, or his email is keith.g.classical@gmail.com.