BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

Incoming Clarkston Junior High School ninth grader Grayson Coe will spend his summer up north chasing his artistic and musical passion.
Coe will attend Interlochen Arts Camp, the nation’s premier multidisciplinary summer arts program for aspiring artists in grades third through 12, which is located near Traverse City. He also heads to camp with a $500 Erin Modrzynski Memorial Scholarship from the Clarkston Cultural Arts Council.
Coe, the 14-year-old son of Cyndi and John Coe and younger brother of 16-year-old Spencer, has spent the past year composing over 100 original songs on the piano. He is a self-taught pianist but has always had musical aspirations and guidance from many teachers.
“When I was about 10 years old, I wanted to play the music I heard in video games and recreate it,” said Coe. “My teachers at school are the real reason I have stayed interested in it. Gwen Stewart at Independence Elementary was a big influence. She encouraged me to try vocals, gave me a solo and referred me to the University of Michigan Vocal Academy. Ross Taylor at Sashabaw Middle School taught me viola and Wendy Stuart at CJHS kept me playing viola, especially during the chaotic past year. Danielle Blanchard is a private music teacher who I loved learning from as well.”
Coe has played viola in the middle school and junior high orchestra for the past three years.
He has also attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and now heads up to Interlochen for piano study.
“I like the sound of the piano, and it just seemed to come naturally to me,” Coe said. “The benefit to playing more than one instrument is I have access to more than one music style and compositional style.
“Going to Interlochen, I am excited to be around people who understand and love music just like I do. I hope to accomplish and improve my technique and knowledge about the piano. I look forward to meeting kids from other countries and states.”
Admittedly, Coe said he may get homesick some 205 miles away from home.
“While I am away, I will totally miss seeing my friends, my dog and hanging out on Deer Lake,” said Coe.
Earlier this year, Coe was honored by the Clarkston Foundation for art and drawing and also likes to sing, act and perform.
“I had a role in the school play and a few musical acts in the talent show but, sadly, all were canceled last year,” said Coe.
This summer, in addition to Interlochen, Coe will be busy recording his music and creating a YouTube channel.
Away from his music, Coe likes helping out at the Clarkston Family Farm, weight training and martial arts.
At the end of the day, he knows it is an honor to be accepted and cannot wait to learn from the best of the best at Interlochen.
Coe said he has aspirations to keep taking his musical talents to higher levels as the years continue to pass.
“Ideally, I would like to make living by playing music,” Coe said of his future aspirations. “I would love to play with other artists and do more live performances.”
Showing his humble side, Coe said he owes a great deal of gratitude to his support team for all the sacrifices the past few years.
“I thank both my parents, especially for my new piano this Christmas,” said Coe. “My two grandmothers have always supported me, too.”