INTERLOCHEN, Mich. -- Michael A. Ferrara, 17, of Palm City has been accepted and will attend Interlochen Arts Academy in the Fall of 2008. In preparation for the Fall term, Ferrara had attended the intensive 1-week Trumpet Institute at Interlochen, world's premier summer arts programs for aspiring artists grades 3 through 12.

Ferrara, the son of Jeannie Ferrara, was able to participate in the Trumpet Institute that provided an opportunity to enhance and develop his skills in all styles of trumpet performance. Ferrara was also able to join world-renowned artist-teachers in rehearsals, classes and performances. Some of the activities that he participated in were: fundamentals, breathing, repertoire, jazz techniques, solo performance, chamber music, orchestral excerpt preparation for auditions and orchestral section performance. The young man was also attending lectures that included topics regarding, career choices and options, audition preparation and how to make a winning recording. Ferrara's rigorous 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. schedule included Master classes that focused on student performance and engagement with the faculty, giving each student experience in solo, section and chamber performances. He also was afforded private lessons with the faculty that allowed individualized learning opportunities, and worked on several advanced repertoire selections that included standard solo repertoire, standard orchestral repertoire required at most auditions for colleges and professional orchestras and standard jazz big band repertoire. Finally, Ferrarawas blessed with the amazing opportunity to work with world-class performers and instructors such as: Allen Vizzutti, Vince DiMartino, John Aley, and Mike Davison.

To prepare for this experience, Mike Ferrara had worked with two local professionals, Mark S. Jones, Director of the MSJ Artist Series and Music Minister at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palm City, and local premiere trumpeter, Adam Bookspan. Ferrara was required to submit recordings of two solo works of contrasting style on a CD or DVD. Ferrara is also grateful to both the MSJ Artist Series, the New Gardens Band, and private local sponsors that assisted with scholarships and monetary support so that he could attend this summer program.

Ferrara was a junior at Martin County High School last year, grateful to the music directors and programs offered in the Martin County School system and leaving it ranked 16th in his class.

Interlochen Arts Camp attracts students, faculty and staff from all 50 U.S. states and more than 40 countries. These 3,000 artists fill Interlochen's northwoods campus with an explosion of creativity. Student-artists learn from world-class instructors and produce more than 450 presentations each summer in dance, theatre, creative writing, visual arts, music and film.

Among the distinguished Camp alumni are Norah Jones, singer Josh Groban, opera and concert soprano Jessye Norman, jazz pianist Eldar, actor Anthony Rapp, cartoonist Cathy Guisewite and many more. Approximately ten percent of the nation's professional orchestra musicians have roots at Interlochen and the alumni community has been awarded 88 Grammy Awards. Camp alumni have also found success outside of the arts - including Google co-founder Larry Page.

In addition to hundreds of performances, presentations and readings by young artists, Interlochen brings leading artists and performers to the northern Michigan campus. Recent guest artists have included Joshua Bell, Bob Dylan, Van Cliburn, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Guster, Lyle Lovett, Trace Adkins, Branford Marsalis, the Moody Blues and many more.

Ferrara is looking forward to performing only a very few times before leaving for Michigan, and is still seeking Scholarship opportunities for the remaining balance of his tuition and related expenses to begin his experience as a high school senior at Interlochen Arts Academy. Looking forward to his time with the visual and performing arts high school he will attend the close-knit community of the world's most talented and motivated student artists. Students immerse themselves in music, theatre, dance, visual arts, creative writing, motion picture arts and rigorous academics in a college-like setting.

The Academy is a fast-paced, creative environment that challenges and inspires. Under the guidance of an exceptional faculty of artists and educators, the Academy offers students the resources they need to achieve the highest possible artistic, intellectual and ethical standards as individuals and as responsible members of a diverse community.

Interlochen Arts Academy was honored in 2006 by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts as one of its inaugural Distinguished Schools in the Arts; Interlochen is one of only five schools in the country to receive this honor. And since 1980, 39 Interlochen graduates have been chosen as Presidential Scholars in the Arts and Academics, more than any other high school in the United States. For more information about the Academy, Camp or how you might assist this hard working young man, please see: www.interlochen.org and/or contact his Academic Counselor, Mrs. Niemi-Maxbauer.

Ferrara will be performing with the MSJ Artist Series, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palm City, located at 2655 SW Immanuel Drive, Palm City, FL - 772-287-8188 on Sunday, July 20, 2008 @ 4:00 p.m. in the first of the "Summer Afternoon Concert Series".