Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announces education and community engagement programs for the 2024-25 season
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce a full schedule of education and community engagement opportunities designed to educate, inspire, and serve Hoosiers of all ages throughout the year. The ISO’s education and community engagement programs provide lifelong learning opportunities to our community.
“In our role as a vital community anchor, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to offer programs that engage central Indiana residents from all walks of life. We’re grateful to our sponsors who make this work possible as we deepen the impact of longtime initiatives like Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and introduce exciting new programs for adults with Classical Jam,” said James M. Johnson, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra CEO.
Teddy Bear Concert Series presented by the Indianapolis Colts (preschool/kindergarten)
Join musicians from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and a narrator as they take you on an adventure through five different original stories written by ISO violinist Victoria Kintner Griswold. Each story introduces children ages 3-7 to the instruments of the orchestra through storytelling, movement, and live music. All children will have the opportunity to try real violins and interact with ISO musicians at the end of each 30-minute program. The 2024–25 schedule features 12 performances held at libraries around central Indiana from September 2024 to July 2025. Don’t miss the launch of a new book on October 26 held at the Hilbert Circle Theatre! More information to come. The series is made possible with generous support from the Indianapolis Colts as thetitle sponsor.
All performances are free and open to the public, registration may be required. Stuffed friends are always welcome! See the full schedule here.
Community Health Network Discovery Concerts (grades 3–6)
Discovery Concerts, which provide a unique way for students in grades 3 through 6 to experience classical music, are made possible through the generous support of Community Health Network. Featuring eight concerts at Hilbert Circle Theatre beginning in January 2025, this season’s theme Symphonic Stories explores narratives and storytelling elements through music. The program includes teacher and student packets provided by the ISO’s education team. The Community Health Network Discovery Concert curriculum covers Indiana Academic Standards in language arts, math, music, ethnic studies, geography, social studies, science, dance, and visual art.
Bring your students to a concert this season! See the schedule and reserve tickets here.
Metropolitan Youth Orchestra presented by Bank of America (K–12)
The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO) is a youth and family development program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, presented by Bank of America. For more than 25 years, the MYO program has been all about developing life skills through the rehearsal and performance of music. Students are provided with a safe and loving environment to make mistakes, overcome fears, develop healthy relationships, fulfill their potential, and take the life skills learned through music to become successful adults.
Join us at MYO’s Winter Concert on January 28, 3 p.m. at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Performances are free and open to the public. See all MYO events and learn more about the program here.
Side by Side (grades 7-12)
Over 1,000 talented Central Indiana students have participated in the unique opportunity to share the stage of the historic Hilbert Circle Theatre alongside ISO musicians since Side by Side began in 1991.
Last season, 40 students participated in the program from 17 different schools in Indiana. This season, students can expect to submit recorded auditions by November 1, 2024, and participate in intensive coaching and sectionals led by Su-Han Yang, ISO’s associate conductor, and members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in the spring, starting in January.
Click to view audition information here.
The Michael Ben and Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Competition
Follow in the footsteps of winners of the Michael Ben and Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Competition who are now musicians in orchestras across the nation, including the ISO. This competition encourages accomplished young Indiana musicians to set and achieve goals of technical and artistic excellence by providing an opportunity to perform in a competitive setting.
Applicants may apply in one of two categories: the Crescendo Category (no older than 13 years old) or the Virtuoso Category (no older than 18 years old). The winner of the Virtuoso Category will receive a cash prize of $2,500 and the opportunity to perform their winning concerto with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at Hilbert Circle Theatre in the spring of 2024.
Competition guidelines and application are available here.
First Thursdays (adults/all ages)
First Thursdays are your FREE ticket to go behind the scenes at the Indianapolis Symphony! Enjoy a beverage and join us in our Hilbert Circle Theatre lobby along with ISO artists, staff, and special guests for an immersive experience. This season will include four hour-long programs featuring performances, exclusive interviews, and interactive activities.
Returning This Year Classical Jam (adults/educators)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to rehearse and play with the ISO on the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage? Classical Jam is your chance to rehearse, mingle, and perform with ISO! Su-Han Yang, our Associate Conductor will lead rehearsal with you and ISO members playing side by side. Get to know your musical colleagues during a rehearsal break and reception before returning to the stage for a casual performance of the piece.
This is a 21+ event with a participation fee of $45 to be paid by cash, check, or card. A discounted rate of $35 will be available for educators. Orchestral parts are assigned on a first come, first served basis (no audition required). Register for the program here.
ISO Connect (K-12)
The ISO Connect program includes offerings to engage students in school and at ISO concerts. Through this program, educators may request ISO musicians to visit your classroom to give short performances, answer Q&As, or conduct sectionals! You can also request ISO staff members to participate in career presentations and more. The ISO is proud to present five different programs developed by The Sassy Violist (founded by ISO violist Amy Kniffen), that combine elements of music, literature, poetry, history, and social justice in an immersive experience. Through the ISO Connect program, your field trips to the symphony can also include a tour of the historic Hilbert Circle Theatre as well as exclusive meet and greets with our musicians after the concert at the front of the stage!
Learn more about ISO Connect here.
About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the IU Health Plans Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration and the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America. For more information, visit www.indianapolissymphony.org.