Farewell from the Clarinerd!

Now that I’ve sappily snapped photos of the Hilbert Circle Theatre marquee, the Symphony Centre entrance, the Marketing and Communications Department sign, and my desk…I feel it is time to pen one final blog post.

As this is my last day at the ISO, my sentimental mood has led me to reflect back on the amazing opportunities this internship has afforded me – meeting and interacting with a group of wonderful co-workers, taking private lessons from the ISO’s principal clarinetist, hearing some of my favorite symphonies (Mahler 1, Brahms 3, Beethoven 7), attending performances by some of the world’s greatest artists (Lang Lang, Ben Folds, Leila Josefowicz) and getting the opportunity to fuse my two passions (writing and classical music) each and every day at work.

Yet, as I ponder, I realize that what has most impacted me during this internship is my recognition of how much I simply love orchestras. During my time at the ISO, I have become aware of how these ensembles have the capacity to inhabit a unique and profound role in our lives. During his October 26 concert at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, Ben Folds gave a thoughtful nod to the ISO. He said, “Symphony orchestras are part of the pillars of our culture. Please go out and support your local orchestra – even if they’re just doing The Nutcracker or Star Wars or something.” His words resonate with me, as I have, in the past three months, experienced firsthand the power of a symphony orchestra. I have witnessed how the ISO brings together a wide variety of people – groups of children at SymFUNy Sundays, young professionals at Happy Hour and multi-generational families at Yuletide –, fosters learning and enhances the experience of audience members through pre-concert talks and outreach programs, and, most importantly, shares both the hallmarks of classical repertoire as well as groundbreaking new works with the Indianapolis community each week. Working in the Communications and Marketing department, I have observed the tireless behind-the-scenes efforts to bring patrons to the halls and take part in the experience of an ISO concert.

I share these thoughts not to push everyone in Indy to buy ISO tickets (although everyone should consider attending the amazing slew of upcoming ISO concerts!), but to communicate what I have learned during my internship – that symphony orchestras are, in fact, indispensable cultural institutions that preserve and proliferate our world’s greatest musical works. I feel so fortunate to have been able to take part in, as Ben Folds would say, such a “pillar of our culture” here in Indianapolis.

So, to my fellow college students: the ISO is a great place to intern, and I urge you to consider applying to work in one of the many great departments here. And to everyone who has been reading my blog posts: thank you so much for allowing me to share my thoughts and indulge in my “clarinerdy” tendencies!