Dates

• Existence: 1971-1989
• Existence: 1971 - 1989

Biography

Roger E. Jacobi studied at The University of Michigan, receiving his bachelor of music degree in 1948 and master of music degree in 1951. His entire professional life was dedicated to music and arts education. Roger was associated with the Ann Arbor Public Schools as a teacher of music from 1948-1956, and as music coordinator from 1959-1968. In rapid succession he added summers on the Interlochen staff, teaching at the University of Michigan, directing its popular annual Midwestern Conference and planning the new School of Music building on North Campus, and active participation in state and national arts education associations. Roger rose in rank at the University from lecturer in 1957, to assistant professor in 1959, associate professor in 1963, and professor in 1966. He was also a lecturer in the School of Education from 1959-1971. Roger became associate dean of the School of Music in 1971, a position he held briefly prior to his appointment to the presidency at Interlochen. Roger served Interlochen beginning in 1953 as head of the program office for the National Music Camp, which eventually became Interlochen Center for the Arts. From 1956 through 1959 he was personnel director for the Camp and secretary to the board of trustees. He led the Intermediate Training (Cadet) Orchestra 1957-1965, directed the University Division at Camp 1969-1971, and served as Interlochen’s third President for 18 years, 1971-1989. In accepting the presidency five years after the death of Interlochen’s founder, Roger gave stability and direction to an institution struggling to balance the traditions of the 45-year-old Camp with the adventurous 10-year-old Arts Academy. At the same time he developed a balanced budget that provided a period of reassurance for anxious trustees. He took on the challenges of constructing Corson Auditorium (1975) and Dendrinos Chapel/Recital Hall (1981) and the introduction of jazz to the Camp curriculum in 1972. The Creative Writing program was added as a discipline in 1975. One of Roger’s greatest memories was hosting President Gerald Ford at a High School Symphonic Band concert in his honor in July 1975.

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records: