An Interview with Alice Song
Written by Quinn De Vecchi
A new school year can be hectic. That’s why the Interlochen Times works together on publishing pieces on varying subjects, so that IAA students are always in the know. So, this year, we’ve decided to sit down with the staff editors and let students know who is running the publication this year.
I had the pleasure of talking with Alice Song, a three-year senior Violin major from Toronto, Canada. Alice is an Editor-in-Chief for the Interlochen Times.
Do you enjoy learning violin at IAA?
Yes, for sure. I really enjoy doing it, especially as a student under Ara Sarkissian [a violin teacher at IAA]. He’s a great violinist, and I feel very grateful to be able to learn under him. He’s really reformed the way I’ve thought about playing violin—and he’s definitely made me more detail-oriented!
What dorm do you live in?
Lower McWhorter. I love it.
Do you have a favorite spot on campus?
Yes! The park near the lake, where the gazebo and red swingset is [near Dow Residence Hall]. The entire area there is really nice. I love to go there during sunrise or sunset and just sit by the water.
What is your favorite class at IAA?
This school year I’ve really enjoyed Current Events & Journalism so far. In my entire time here…well, I’d have to say Mr. [Stone] Mim’s English III: Harlem Renaissance. I loved that class.
Do you have any hobbies that are unrelated to your major?
I love doing typing tests—like seeing how fast I can type, how many words a minute. I like writing a lot, to be honest. I’m also the founder of the Slam Poetry Club here at IAA! It’s something I really enjoy.
Is there a big difference between Toronto and Interlochen? Any advice for incoming international students?
Honestly, it wasn’t that big of a change coming here. It’s cold either way. Though Americans say weird things—you say “colored pencils,” but I say “pencil crayons.”
For international students, well, I always thought that the International Student Union (ISU) was helpful and a good resource. I really love the events that they plan. I think it’s the cultural food fair—every year international and domestic students get to cook something from their home culture. And everyone gets to try it. It’s always really fun.
And also Ms. [Kalyn] Rabuse [the International Student Services Manager]. She is really nice, and helped me get used to the change. Ms. [Hannah] Reyes [Instructor of Ecology and Advanced Biology] also helped me transition. She works with the ISU and is a great resource for international students too.
As you’re a senior, how is college looking so far? Are you excited? What are you thinking of studying?
I am so ready to graduate. Not so ready for college! I’m [looking around] and applying to some places in Canada. As an international student I need to have some backups outside of the U.S. It probably depends on the school, but I’d love to study some variation of biology—I wouldn’t want to go into pre-med, but something like biotech. I’d also like to minor in something AI or compsci related.
I do think I’ll miss IAA a lot, especially since I don’t know whether I’ll pursue music in college or not. Being here [at IAA] helped me grow in my art, and it’s amazing how many people here love art too.