Joe Maddy of Interlochen
by Norma Lee Browning
Category: Music

Music lessons, Joe Maddy has always felt, should not be painful. They are an exciting experience at the Interlochen Arts Academy or any of the other thousands of schools around the world to which Doctor, Professor and conductor Maddy’s influence has extended during the past forty-five years. Joe Maddy of Interlochen is the lively story of one of America’s best-known, best-loved, and most colorful pioneers in music. Joe Maddy came to Interlochen, Michigan in 1928 to found the first national summer music camp. A Professor of Music at the University of Michigan, he was short on financial support, but not on enthusiasm and skill. In 1961 the music camp was reorganized as the year ‘round Interlochen Arts Academy.... The activities at Interlochen now embrace art, drama, dance, and other academic subjects, but the teaching of music remains the primary purpose. His success at teaching was highlighted in August, 1962, when an Interlochen delegation of 103 musicians and 14 ballet dancers had the honor of entertaining President Kennedy and a large audience on the lawn of the White House....