Ian appears on Show 454.

Ian Dodd (clarinet), 18, is currently in his senior year at the Interlochen Arts Academy. During his time at Interlochen, Ian has studied with Emil Khudyev, Bryan Conger, and Karen Benda, and has performed as Principal Clarinet in both the Wind Symphony and the Orchestra. He was recognized as a Finalist in the 2023 Interlochen Arts Academy Concerto Competition and as an Alternate for the Michigan National Teachers’ Association State Competition. Ian has had the honor of receiving scholarships to attend numerous summer programs, including the Domaine Forget International Music Festival and Interlochen Arts Camp.
Ian is very interested in using music as a medium to support communities. During his junior year, he ran an orchestral sight-reading club, which brought together dozens of Interlochen musicians through its weekly Sunday meetings. Additionally, as a member of the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Institute, Ian performed chamber music for middle school students in a community outreach concert, as well as for the greater Washington D.C. community as part of the Kennedy Center’s Free Concert Series.

Outside of playing the clarinet, Ian loves spending time outdoors hiking and skiing. As co-president of his school’s Ecology Club, he leads walks, environmental service projects, and stargazing trips on Interlochen’s beautiful campus. As a member of the Skiing Club, he enjoys off-campus trips to Crystal Mountain, a nearby ski resort. When he has time, he is also an enthusiastic chef, and loves to cook for his family and friends.
Looking toward the future, Ian hopes to major in Clarinet Performance as well as take courses in Business and Environmental Science.

Receiving the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award will support Ian in covering his travel costs to attend his upcoming college auditions. The Award will also help to support his tuition at the Interlochen Arts Academy for his final semester, and allow him to network by taking consultation lessons with prospective teachers.