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Chances that make the difference: Luis’s story
Senior clarinet major Luis shares why he chose to attend Interlochen Arts Academy, what he likes best about studying at Interlochen, and how Interlochen’s unique opportunities have prepared him for his next chapter.
Luis Montero Hernandez and the Arts Academy Orchestra rehearse for Interlochen Arts Academy’s March 2023 performance of MUKTI.
Minnesota Orchestra Principal Clarinetist and Interlochen Arts Academy alumnus Gabriel “Gabi” Campos Zamora (IAC 05-07, IAA 06-08, IAC Fac 23) is an inspiration to many young Costa Rican musicians—including current Interlochen Arts Academy student Luis Montero Hernandez.
In fall 2022, Luis—also a clarinetist—chose to follow in Gabi’s footsteps by enrolling at Interlochen Arts Academy.
“Back at home, Interlochen is regarded as a great opportunity to take the next step forward in your professional and personal life,” Luis says. “[Gabi] has found success as a clarinetist after leaving the Academy. His experience here made me confident that making the switch to Michigan was the right decision for me.”
Although attending the Academy was the right decision for Luis, adjusting to life in a new country wasn’t easy.
“Everything changes,” Luis says. “Language, culture, food, temperature, friends, and more are all different. It is tough, especially at the beginning, but ideally the goal you want to achieve and your purpose are strong enough to acknowledge that this visiting experience you’re going through is worth it in the end.”
Finding community and opportunity
At Interlochen, Luis has found the resources, opportunities, and support to help him achieve that goal.
“I love the environment that every member of our community creates,” he says. “Interacting with people who share the same level of passion toward art as I do makes me feel at home and motivates me to keep evolving.”
A student of Instructor of Clarinet and Alexander Technique Dr. Karen Benda, Luis says the Academy’s faculty inspire a culture of excellence through both their high-level instruction and their own artistic accomplishments.
“The expertise the faculty [bring to their roles] challenges students to be the best possible versions of themselves, both personally and artistically,” he says. “It is truly a privilege that students at the Academy get to learn with people as prepared and knowledgeable as the faculty here.”
Luis has been a member of several of the Academy’s ensembles—including the Orchestra and Wind Symphony—and was part of Interlochen’s world-premiere performance of MUKTI at David Geffen Hall in New York City. He considers rehearsing and performing with these ensembles some of the most valuable aspects of Interlochen’s music curriculum.
“The ensemble experience I have had here has been one of the most helpful things about the Academy, since this is not something you can teach in a classroom,” Luis says. “Whether it’s in a chamber music setting, a big ensemble setting, or as a solo interpreter in a recital, students get invaluable chances to perform in concerts and master classes that prepare them for the future—even if they don’t choose to pursue a career as a professional musician. With experience being such an important aspect in the making of a musician, the chances students find here make the difference.”
A day in the life
A typical day for Luis includes both academic and artistic classes—and plenty of time to practice.
“The first thing I do in the morning, after getting ready for the day, is having breakfast at the Stone Cafeteria,” Luis says. “Then I attend my two academic classes. After that, around 10:30 a.m., I practice until lunch.”
After his final academic class, Luis begins the afternoon Arts Block with Woodwind Hour, during which all woodwind students gather for seminars, master classes, chamber music rehearsals, or performances. Next he has a free period—except on Mondays, when he has his private lesson—which he often uses to practice before Orchestra or Wind Symphony rehearsal. The class day concludes at 6 p.m.
“After I eat dinner, I practice and hang out with friends until sign-in at 9:30 p.m.,” Luis says. “Once I get back to my dorm, I get academic work done or do something that I enjoy, like listening to music or watching a TV show. I usually go to bed around 11 p.m.”
Outside the class or practice room, Luis enjoys staying active and exploring northern Michigan with his peers.
“I like to hang out with my friends, go to town, watch TV and live sports, or go to the Dennison Center to work out or to play soccer or basketball,” he says.
Looking to the future
Now a third-year senior, Luis is preparing for college auditions. In addition to the support of his instructors and college counselors, he has also had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the audition process from his peers.
“I have seen how two classes before me have faced the college auditions season that awaits me this year,” he says. “Thanks to that, I have been able to prepare myself accordingly and ideally in order to avoid any extra challenges or inconveniences the people who graduated before me have experienced. I’m looking forward to going to college next year to continue my education as a classical musician and pursue a career as a professional performer and teacher.”
Luis encourages other young artists considering Interlochen Arts Academy to be bold—and to ask for advice on putting their best foot forward in the application process.
“Apply!” he says. “Get in contact with the faculty and prepare as much as possible to showcase your talent and all you have to offer.”
Want to study clarinet at Interlochen Arts Academy? Begin your application today.
