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A drummer’s life: Fourth-year senior Reese Poole gives an insider’s look into life at Interlochen Arts Academy, from meeting amazing guest artists to collaborating with students from other majors
Hearing hit songs on movie soundtracks inspired Poole to study at Interlochen and become a dynamic and versatile drummer. He reflects on his adventures at Arts Academy and his hopes for a future in the music industry.
Not everyone can pinpoint the exact moment when their career direction crystalized. But for fourth-year Academy senior Reese Poole, the sudden insight flared to life as he was watching two animated supervillains duke it out.
“Whenever I watched movies and heard the rock songs and contemporary songs on the soundtracks, I knew I really wanted to play songs like that,” he remembers. “I especially remember watching Megamind. The song that stood out to me the most was ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ by Guns N’ Roses.”
Drawn in by that infectious beat, Poole set a course for Interlochen Arts Camp’s rock-pop program.
“I had already been accepted to Arts Academy, so I went to Camp to see what Interlochen was like,” he says. “Once I got there, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I didn't want to go anywhere else, and I could only see myself doing the arts for the foreseeable future. It was the best choice I've ever made.”
Poole already had a background in cello and piano, and a deep-seated love for classical music. Now, he finally had the chance to turn his technical know-how into contemporary tunes.
Learning from the best
In his four years at Interlochen, Poole has learned a lot about what it takes to be a professional artist—from professional artists.
“I've met so many amazing guest artists that I thought I would never meet,” he says. “I've had the opportunity to study under Andrew Dost, who has such versatile music experience. I also really liked working with Patrice Rushen. She changed my whole perspective on being a musician. I learned how to be really professional in rehearsals, to be very diligent with my craft, to always keep working, and to know that even when I’m really good at something, there’s still so much more to learn.”
Poole also treasured the opportunity to work with bedroom pop singer-songwriter Claud, who’s an alum of Arts Academy.
“Claud is another great artist who came for a songwriter show in April of last year,” he says. “I was actually asked to play on some of their songs that they performed at the concert. That was really, really fun.”
Asked who his favorite Arts Academy teachers are, Poole names several.
“Every teacher here is so easy to talk with and supportive,” he says. “I'd have to say one of my favorite teachers is probably my ensemble teacher, Josh Davis. I also have private lessons with adjunct faculty Brad Novak. He owns the Beat Lab in Traverse City, and he’s completely transformed my perspective on popular music and drumming in general.”
A day at Interlochen
Poole starts his day by driving to Interlochen—he’s a day student this year, since his family recently moved to Interlochen. His first class of the day is also his favorite: Jazz History.
“I'm just jazzed about it,” he says, smiling. “Every single morning when I'm driving to school, I cannot wait for this class, because it's so fun. I just love the teacher, Chris Glassman, and it's such an interesting class.”
If he has free time later in the day, Poole likes to explore campus and get some physical exercise while he’s at it.
“I really like riding my bike past Lochaven and down to Duck Lake. It gives me a sense of peace,” he shares.
Poole also stays involved on campus through social activities and attending performances.
“I love talking and just hanging out with friends. We love going to other performances—I especially like going to the theatre performances and the visual art thesis exhibitions. Those are some of the most amazing things happening on campus.”
I have made the best connections and friends of my life. I’ve met people I will be in touch with forever. And I’ve improved so much as a musician.
Capstone projects, college plans, and big dreams
As his time at Interlochen draws to a close, Poole reflects on how he’s changed over the past four years.
“I've never been a part of a community where everyone is just as passionate about their art as I am,” he says. “I have made the best connections and friends of my life. I’ve met people I will be in touch with forever. And I’ve improved so much as a musician.”
He’s hard at work on his senior capstone, and can’t wait to bring students from multiple disciplines together to make it a reality.
“It's a hybrid, interdisciplinary project. I want to work with students in film and new media, as well as visual artists and classical musicians. One of the neatest things that I've learned at Interlochen is that collaboration is such a key element of our institution. It’s how you come up with absolutely revolutionary ideas.”
Looking to the future, Poole plans to attend The New School in New York City, where he’ll study jazz and contemporary music. After that, he’ll start putting his skills to work.
“I don’t want to be known as just a drummer or an instrumentalist,” Poole says. “My goal is to write and be known as a songwriter. It might be difficult building up a songwriting career in the music industry that we have today, but I think it'll be pretty interesting. Mostly I just want to have fun.”
His journey at Arts Academy has brought social expansion, artistic excellence, and chances to meet extraordinary artists. When asked what he’d tell a prospective student, Poole is enthusiastic.
“Take the leap,” he encourages. “There are so many resources that will help you financially when you’re making that move. It’s a big life decision, but it's so worth it. It doesn't matter if you're extremely good, or if you're just starting out. There is so much room to learn and to expand yourself at Interlochen.”
Students at Interlochen Arts Academy enjoy world-renowned artistic training from gifted professionals alongside college-preparatory academics. Learn more about Arts Academy.
