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The Miami-Interlochen Partnership first launched in 2018 after philanthropist Dan Lewis approached Interlochen with a bold idea: a collaboration between Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Miami Music Project. After successful auditions and surpassing everyone’s expectations, 44 young musicians were awarded full scholarships to attend the 2018 Interlochen Arts Camp throughout the summer. By the end of the summer camp season, the Miami-Interlochen Partnership had proven an extraordinary success.
Several standout Miami Music Project students enrolled at Interlochen Arts Academy boarding school following the 2018 summer camp season, paving the way for future Miami-Interlochen Partnership students to continue their studies at the Academy. In total, 13 partnership participants have attended and graduated from the boarding school on full-tuition scholarships funded by Dan Lewis and Valerie Dillon.
“I feel very lucky and grateful to be able to focus on my musical performance throughout the rest of my high school education,” said Carlos Montenegro. “Miami Music Project has taught me the importance of hard work and practice. Everything I’ve done at Miami Music Project has been critical to receiving this scholarship. I will also attend the summer program now, so there will be a lot of Interlochen to look forward to.”
Carlos and Sebastian look forward to enjoying the Interlochen experience, which the organization describes as a “true artists’ retreat.” Students from grades 3-12 engage in a wide array of powerful arts education programs designed for young artists to hone their skills and prepare them for a unique standard of excellence upon graduating from high school.
“Miami Music Project taught me everything I know about orchestral music!” said Sebastian Cardona. “My skills have truly matured in an orchestral setting, and I’ve learned what a professional level of musicianship requires.”
Anna Klimala, president and CEO of the Miami Music Project, celebrates the achievement of these students and the ever-growing partnership with Interlochen, which continues to offer new, transformational opportunities to Miami Dade’s youth:
“Since 2018, our partnership with Interlochen has set a new standard of achievement for our students. In total 288 of our students have directly benefited from participating in Interlochen Arts Camp and year-round Academy, returning with new skills and experiences that have not only shaped their lives, but also inspired and impacted hundreds of their peers,” Klimala said. “We couldn’t be prouder of Carlos and Sebastian. This is what true transformation looks like—this is real impact, possible only thanks to the power of a strong partnership. And it doesn’t stop here. The model we’ve built together holds immense potential for replication across the country, offering thousands of young people the opportunity to change their lives.”
About Interlochen Center for the Arts
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 on Interlochen’s beautiful campus, nestled between two pristine lakes and surrounded by quiet pines in northwest Michigan.
A true artist’s retreat, Interlochen invites students in grades 3-12 and adults of all ages to powerful arts education programs designed to hone their skills and nurture their humanity. The depth and breadth of offerings are unmatched.
The umbrella organization, Interlochen Center for the Arts, encompasses seven distinct program areas, each founded to propel arts education and engagement: Interlochen Arts Camp, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen Online, Interlochen Public Radio, Interlochen Presents, Interlochen Hospitality, and Interlochen College of Creative Arts.
About Miami Music Project
Miami Music Project is a leading nonprofit using music as a tool for social change, empowering youth from underserved communities through free, high-quality music education. Students train and perform in children’s orchestras, gaining access to ensemble-based learning, mentorship, and leadership development. Inspired by El Sistema, the program provides over 16 hours of weekly after-school instruction, fostering personal and academic success.
Since 2008, Miami Music Project has grown to seven chapters, impacting over 33,000 students through its transformative programming. Its Pathways Program offers extensive college preparation, including application guidance, essay writing support, and assistance with financial aid and scholarships, ensuring students can access higher education in music or any path they wish to pursue.
A recognized national model, Miami Music Project collaborates with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, The Children’s Trust, Florida International University, and a broad network of local and national partners in the arts, education, and social services. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Music Cities Award for Diversity & Inclusion in Music and the 2025 Serving the Arts Award in Arts and Education Inspiration. The Women’s Edge ranked it one of the 2025 Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Florida.
Through the transformative power of orchestral music, Miami Music Project nurtures young musicians while shaping future leaders and engaged citizens, proving that music can create lasting social impact.
Instagram: @miamimusicproject
Facebook: @miamimusicproject
LinkedIn: Miami Music Project
YouTube: @MiamiMusicProject
Website: https://miamimusicproject.org/
