Playing Out Loud

Betsie Hammerberg and Colleen Hill-Rakunas join us for a secretive yet lively, and educational episode on costumes, directing, artistic families and their influence plus many, many laughs. Podcast Music Composed by: Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by: Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen Arts Academy)Recorded by: Recording Engineer Marc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen Arts Academy)

Jan and Tom are two dynamic actors, with stories to underpin their success and performative adventures. Both came to the studio with heartfelt gratitude to share their love of the theatre, their experiences, and to impart some inspiration and joy into our little podcast. I am certain you will love this one!Podcast Music Composed by: Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by: Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen Arts Academy)Recorded by: Recording Engineer Marc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen Arts Academy)

Leo and Max burst into the studio today with hilarity, deep thoughts, Shakespeare everything, and a passion for the theatrical arts. Oh and if you listen closely, you'll hear some Dutch spoken (it sounds complicated)!Podcast Music Composed by: Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by: Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen Arts Academy)Recorded by: Recording Engineer Marc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen Arts Academy)

We finally have two dancers in the studio (arguably the most flexible people we've had)! Today we learned a ton about Anna and Cameron as dancers, choreographers, and performing artists - plus all the fun things they are working on! They also aced the "rapid fire" quiz at the end.Podcast Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Both Dr. Amanda Sewell from Classical IPR and Dr. Laura Osgood Brown from Interlochen's Opera Theatre department, come from classical music backgrounds and on this episode, we discuss how "extra" opera is, education and radio work in the same space, and how truly universal classical music is. Podcast Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Do you like jokes? Do you like folks who tell jokes? Then you're gonna love this episode feature local favorites Jeremy West and Scott Witkop. They frequently perform around the state of Michigan (even in da UP) and at the forefront of ensuring our region has a laugh now and again. Podcast Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Have you ever been so frustrated with playing your instrument, you throw it at a wall? Well, today we dive into that incident with Sam Clark plus we discuss Manitou Winds, a lovely chamber ensemble in the area and a little quartet called HOT with Laura Hood. Both musicians have an incredible history of performing in the region and Laura tells us about her time at the Leelanau School, like running the entire music department! Podcast Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Kicking off 2026 with representation of the low end of the string section in any orchestra or ensemble; the fantastic Gary Gatzke and Dan Jones! We discuss orchestras, teaching, traveling and more!Podcast Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

The incredible Ed Ronco joins us in studio to do a wrap up of the year's highlights (not all encompassing!) for all things performing arts in the region.Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Lynne Tobin and Bill Fishburn discuss all things orchestra, lights, community, education, out-of-state experiences and just how many cellos are in the region.Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Aaron and Rebekah (Bekah) discuss new works, storytelling, sound engineering, and what it means to be a recovering perfectionist.Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Karine and Lesley discuss all things entrepreneur as artists including their extensive background in teaching and performing.Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Episode 5: Devin Keast of https://voyageurscomedy.com/ and Sean Francis of thecomedyproject.com join us today to talk all things comedy, improv, the comedic renaissance that is happening in West and Northern Michigan, and yes, there are lots of jokes, bits and laughs throughout the show.Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Episode 4: Nan Worthington and Rob Ford join us in studio to talk all things props, Elk Rapids players and the joy of creating for the community.Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Guests Tyler Clark and Rudy ValdezMusic Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Guests Cynthia Van Maanen and Jean Jenkins.Music Composed by:Cynthia Van Maanen, composer (Faculty, Music Composition at Interlochen Arts Academy)Performed by:Interlochen Jazz Combo Directed by Chris Glassman (Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen)Recorded by:Recording EngineerMarc Lacuesta (Director of Music Production at Interlochen)

Today we talk with Wes Curry and Kendall Kotcher, diving into what it means to be part of community theater and to wield stage weapons of all kinds.