About Us

The Learning Community delivers a spectrum of programs serving the community, reaching 80,000+ people per year.

• Teddy Bear Series introduces preschool and kindergarten students to the orchestra through story, movement, and live music, and has produced two picture books.
• Discovery Concerts are designed so children in grades 3–6 have the chance to hear a live orchestra.
• Classical Jam with the ISO allows adults the chance to play with the ISO on stage. A conductor leads a rehearsal with guests and ISO members playing side by side before a performance.
• First Mondays are a series of events designed for adults to get the audience up close with the ISO through guest speakers and various topics.
• Words on Music, before each Classical concert, provides behind-the-curtain perspective from musicians, conductors, guest artists, and community hosts.

Side-by-Side and the Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest

More than 1,000 talented students have shared the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage with their professional counterparts since Side-by-Side began in 1991. Students are auditioned and coached by members of the ISO. The result is a concert featuring the 100+ piece orchestra of students and professionals. Likewise, the Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest encourages accomplished young Indiana musicians (through grade 12) by providing an opportunity to perform in a competitive setting. The winner of the Young Musicians Contest performs their prizewinning concerto with the ISO during the Side-by-Side concert.

Metropolitan Youth Orchestra

MYO was founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Betty Perry and became a program of the ISO in 2008. MYO serves more than 200 students and their families each year—developing musical and life skills. A parent/guardian learns a stringed instrument alongside their student for the first several years.

Learn More About MYO