Patrick Kraemer-Green, a homeschooled sophomore and Early College student at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona, has been named one of 52 recipients, chosen nationally, of the Emerson Scholarship Awards to attend Interlochen Arts Camp. Interlochen, located near Traverse City on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, is among the nation’s premier summer music programs for young musicians and attracts participants from over 40 countries.
“Every year, Interlochen Arts Camp brings together some of the most talented and motivated students from around the world,” said Interlochen President Jeffrey S. Kimpton. “Thanks to the generosity of Emerson, we are able to extend even more opportunities to talented young artists by providing them with an experience unlike any other.” This is the 22nd year Emerson has sponsored the scholarship program.
Emerson scholars are outstanding high school musicians selected from among the top applicants to the competitive summer arts program. Emerson scholarships, valued at more than $7,000, are awarded to those applicants who have demonstrated a very high level of achievement in music. The Emerson Scholars Award provides full tuition, private lessons, and room and board for the six-week summer program. Each year, Emerson Scholars get the chance to work with distinguished musicians from around the world.
Interlochen President Jeffrey S. Kimpton commented, “To be recognized as an Emerson Scholar puts these students in a most elite and prestigious group of talented people. It is quite an honor, not only for the students themselves, but also for the people and places that helped them to become the promising young musicians they are.”
Patrick said he learned about the scholarship through his participation in the Phoenix Youth Symphony. “I was pretty excited to be chosen,” Patrick said. “I think I will really learn from the experience.” While at Interlochen, Patrick will be enrolled in the orchestra and the advanced string quartet program as a violinist. He will also receive private lessons, participate in master classes, and perform with Interlochen’s renowned World Youth Symphony.
In 2010, Patrick won first prize in the Vivaldi Concerto Competition along with his brother, Robert, and soloed with the Four Seasons Orchestra of Scottsdale. During the school year, Patrick is a violin student of MCC music instructor Phyllis Skoldberg. As a participant in the Early College program, he attends music courses in Aural Perception, Music Theory, and Chamber Music as well as several general education courses.
“My experience at MCC has been very good,” Patrick said. “I’ve learned how to focus on intonation and putting feelings into the music.” Patrick plans to major in music when he enters college full-time. “I’d like to be a soloist or work with a world-renowned orchestra,” he stated. “But I’m also interested in studying the science of acoustics.”
To be eligible for the Emerson Scholarship, students must be in grades nine through twelve demonstrate exceptional skill and proficiency on harp, string, wind or percussion instruments. Upon arrival to the Arts Camp, Emerson Scholars contribute their talent and energy to Interlochen’s renowned ensembles, including the World Youth Symphony Orchestra.
In business since 1890, Emerson of St. Louis has grown to become one of the world’s leading manufacturing companies, with a global presence spanning 150 countries. With products ranging from climate control technologies, home appliances, storage systems, food disposers, ceiling fans, and computer power surge protection, Emerson can be found in many households. Since 1990, Emerson has been active in supporting the development of young artists and students.
“Interlochen and Emerson complement one another,” noted Robert M. Cox, Jr., senior vice president at Emerson, “because both organizations positively impact the quality of life for individuals and cultures all over the world.”