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 original stories written by ISO violinist Victoria Kintner Griswold. Each story introduces children ages 3-7 to the orchestra’s instruments through storytelling, movement, and live music. All children will be able 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 the title 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 the 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 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 from 17 different schools in Indiana participated in the program. 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 the Michael Ben and Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Competition winners, who are now musicians in orchestras nationwide, including the ISO. This competition encourages accomplished young Indiana musicians to set and achieve technical and artistic excellence goals 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 applications 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 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 the ISO! Su-Han Yang, our associate conductor, will lead the rehearsal, and you and the ISO members will play 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. The participation fee is $45, payable by cash, check, or card. Educators will receive a discounted rate of $35. Orchestral parts are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis (no audition is 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 participate in career presentations. The ISO is proud to present five 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!
