Finding her voice: Fourth-year classical voice senior Bridget shares her Interlochen story
It all started with an ice cream token.
Drawn by the promise of a free ice cream token for the Melody Freeze, Bridget Shene never imagined that attending a Camp meeting about Interlochen Arts Academy would change her life.
“ I realized that I really wanted to go to Academy and that I needed to talk to my mom about applying,” Bridget says. “Through some miracle, I ended up going.”
That meeting set her on a path to becoming a four-year student at Interlochen Arts Academy, where she has flourished as a classical vocalist, grown academically, and built friendships that will last a lifetime.
Classes and friendships: a uniquely creative approach
Bridget’s journey into classical voice began with musical theatre, where she discovered her vocal abilities.
“I realized that my strong suit was my voice,” she explains. “ I wanted to dive more deeply into that, and it brought me to opera.”
Her passion led her to Interlochen, where she’s been able to refine her technique in an environment that nurtures both artistic and personal growth. Before coming to Arts Academy, Bridget attended public school, where making friends didn’t always come easily. But at the Academy, she found herself surrounded by peers who shared her passion for the arts.
“ Being around like-minded people makes it a much better environment for me here,” she says. “It opened me up a lot more.”
From late-night conversations with friends to catching up on TV shows with her roommate, Bridget is building deep and lasting connections. She also greatly appreciates the school’s unique approach to academics.
“ I really like the freedom that we're allowed to have with the academics here,” she says. “For example, a teacher might let us choose a topic for a project, as long as it’s revolving around a certain idea. And then we’re allowed to branch out and approach it creatively, maybe even incorporating our arts majors.”
Bridget (center) performs in Edmonia in May 2024.
Learning from the best
One of the defining aspects of an Interlochen education is the opportunity to learn from world-class guest artists. For Bridget, meeting renowned soprano Dawn Upshaw was an unforgettable experience.
“ I truly admire her voice because she has such a relaxed, effortless tone,” says Bridget.
She’s also enjoyed working with the Detroit Opera Residency, learning from professional singers through master classes and even performing alongside them in an annual showcase. Beyond Interlochen’s campus, Bridget has tested her range onstage at the Traverse City Opera House—an experience that has helped her prepare for life after Interlochen.
Looking to the future
As a senior who attended Arts Academy for all four years, Bridget is getting ready for the next chapter.
“After college, I'll start in a YoungArts program,” she says. “The goal is to become a main-stage singer.”
If that doesn’t pan out, she’s also intrigued by the idea of directing operas.
The growth that you experience here, as an artist and a person, is tremendous.
For students considering Interlochen, Bridget says it’s well worth considering: “ You should at least try out because you never know what's going to happen. The growth that you experience here, as an artist and a person, is tremendous.”
As Bridget prepares to graduate, she carries with her not only the technical skills she’s gained but also valuable gifts like friendships, artistic confidence, and vision for the future. There’s no question that she’ll continue to make an impact with her voice in the years ahead.
Students at Interlochen Arts Academy enjoy world-renowned artistic training from gifted professionals alongside college-preparatory academics. Learn more about Arts Academy.
