The Linda VanSickle Smith French Horn Chair
Dr. Lauren Hunt, inaugural holder of the Linda VanSickle Smith French Horn Chair, and Interlochen Arts Camp alumna and donor Linda VanSickle Smith (IAC/NMC 57–60)
A single spark can ignite artistry — and philanthropy — in others.
That’s certainly true for Camp alumna and donor Linda VanSickle Smith (IAC/NMC 57-60). Her successful career in music was influenced by the gifts of encouragement and artistic purpose she found as a French horn student at Interlochen. Years later, she’s creating her own spark in establishing the Linda VanSickle Smith Endowed Chair in French Horn.
This new endowed chair position provides a permanent basis of support for French horn instruction and mentorship of the highest standard, benefitting generations of Camp and Academy musicians. The inaugural holder of the VanSickle Smith French Horn Chair is Dr. Lauren Hunt, who joined Interlochen’s faculty in fall 2023.
I’m so excited about this opportunity to work with Interlochen’s amazing French horn students. Linda’s generous gift will allow the next generation of young horn artists to thrive in this unique place.
Investing in world-class faculty is essential for Interlochen now and into its second century. With endowed chairs, the institution communicates a clear, ongoing sense of purpose and is best poised to attract instructors — and students — of the highest echelons of talent and potential.
For Linda, the inspiration she received at Camp now carries forward through her generosity of spirit — to be carried forth by the Linda VanSickle Smith Chair in French Horn and the Camp and Academy students whose passion and potential will ignite when Drawn Here.