Indianapolis Family Events

So much to choose from!

Friday, August 20, 2010 by Dinah Montgomery

Even though we musicians have just begun our vacation, I'm already looking forward to our exciting 2010-2011 season! Starting Monday, Aug. 23, you can begin purchasing single tickets to next season's Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concerts. What would I recommend? Choosing just one favorite concert is too difficult, so I have pared it down to 3. There is just so much to choose from!

I have always loved Beethoven's Violin Concerto! This wonderfully talented and innovative musician was suffering the loss of his hearing and yet he created this exuberantly joyful work. Add to this, to hear it performed by Midori puts it right at the top of my recommendations of concerts not to miss! This will be in the set of concerts opening the Lilly Classical Series on October 7-9 with Juanjo Mena returning to conduct.

Any concert by Andre Watts should not be missed! He presents such a wide range of colors from subtle to powerful, and he's chosen Beethoven's Emperor Concerto - could it get any better? We have to wait until January 20-22, 2011 for this series of concerts conducted by another returning favorite, Carlo Rizzi.

I'm also very excited to play for the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis this fall. I don't know how it's possible for the competitors to keep getting more and more talented, but they do! This year, there are 2 violinists that are part of our Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra family - Eric Silberger, son of Marc Silberger (past member of the ISO 1st violin section), and Robin Scott, son of Beverly and Sylvia Scott (Beverly is assistant principal viola and Sylvia is pianist). We're all so proud of them!! Best of luck to you both!! The IVCI takes place September 10-26.

Then there is the Printing Partners Pops Series - Wayne Brady, Bugs Bunny, music of Paul McCartney - just to name a few in the awesome lineup for the Pops this season! I know that's way more than 3 recommendations, but it's impossible to keep the list small! It's going to be a terrific season! See you at the Hilbert Circle Theatre!

Remember the Time - Michael Jackson

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Candi Berry

As I've reported in previous blogs, I'm gradually familiarizing myself with Classical music and I'm grateful to report it has acquired a permanent residence in my musical landscape. Classical compositions now make up a respectable share of my IPod library and at least half of my work week is comprised of listening to Instant Encore playing through my work computer. It's a great resource which allows listeners to enjoy full pieces, not just thirty second samples. It also features numerous selections form our own Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on its website.

Having noted this, I have to point out that a larger percentage of my musical library is dedicated to 80's music. It's a special treat for me that our upcoming Symphony on the Prairie concert will feature the music of Michael Jackson. I've been a fan of his since Thriller debuted while in sixth grade. I've included a picture of myself as a child with my Michael Jackson doll, a Christmas present from my family. I laugh now when I see this picture and my pairing of a ruffled dress shirt with those red parachute pants!

I was deeply saddened when Michael Jackson passed away last year. I was attending the Led Zeppelin show at White River State Park featuring our orchestra when the news broke. At the end of the evening, "Stairway to Heaven" was played and a special dedication was made to Michael Jackson's memory. It was a gift for me to be surrounded by family and friends listening to beautiful music as I reminisced about what his music meant to me over the years. My favorite MJ song is "Man in the Mirror," I still break out in goose bumps when it starts playing. I also love the music videos empasizing his incredible dancing abilities. I never learned how to properly execute a moonwalk, I'm sure the grass at Conner Prairie will hinder me from attempting it one more time. I will, however, certainly be dancing in my seat the entire show.

Final thoughts

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by Sean Newhouse

As you’ve probably heard by now, my time as Associate Conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is quickly drawing to a close – I’ll be conducting the last concerts of my tenure this weekend at Marsh Symphony on the Prairie, before I head to Boston to take up a new position.

As I reflect on my two years here in Indy, I’m struck by how fortunate I’ve been to have had an incredible diversity of opportunities with the ISO, conducting on every concert series, from the classical subscription series to the Family series, from Symphony on the Prairie to the Discovery concerts for students. By my count, it all adds up to 76 performances of 32 different programs during my time here!

Among these 76 collaborations with the Indianapolis Symphony, there are a number that I know I will look back on especially fondly in the years to come. Some of these personal musical highlights: my first concerts at the Prairie back in 2008, which included Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7; the performances of the Corigliano Piano Concerto and Rachmaninoff 3rd Piano Concerto as part of the American Pianists Association competition in 2009; and the recent performances of Strauss’ Don Juan as part of the classical season finale that I conducted just last month. There were also highlights of other sorts – playing the national anthem for over 67,000 people at Lucas Oil Stadium before the Colts-Patriots game last season, and 2 shows with a Beatles cover band last summer at the Prairie, which drew the most excited, fun, and hippest crowd I’ve ever performed for. As for lowlights – well, only one really comes to mind: the Happy Hour concert that I was slated to conduct just before the start of my official tenure in 2008, which was canceled because of a power outage – bummer!

I want to thank you, the wonderful loyal audiences of the ISO, for the warm welcome you’ve given me from the beginning of my time here – I look forward to hopefully returning in future years to make music for you again. To the staff of the ISO, thank you for your professionalism, creativity, and sense of humor through thick and thin. And above all, a tremendous thank you to the musicians of the ISO – it has truly been a pleasure to collaborate with you over the past two years. Thank you for your artistry, thank you for your flexibility, and thank you for your patience with me as I have learned and grown as a conductor.

It occurs to me that my career seems to be following an eastward progression – my first job after grad school was in Los Angeles, then I came to Indy, and next I’m headed to Boston. If this trend continues, it may be a while before I work my way all around the world to get back in the vicinity of Indy :-) In any case, I will always treasure the great memories from my time here, and the friendships I’ve made – and hopefully I’ll get the chance to come back and visit and make music again soon!

See you at the Prairie this weekend!

P.S. – During the coming years, if you’d like to stay in touch with what I’m up to, check out my website: www.seannewhouse.com.

Take Me Home, Country Roads

Friday, July 9, 2010 by Jessica Di Santo

I'd like to introduce Bob Schultz, senior account director at Borshoff Strategic Communications, a fan of the ISO and a good buddy of mine. Bob recently told me he how much he and his family loved John Denver's music, which the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is performing this weekend in concerts at Marsh Symphony on the Prairie. I made him prove it by telling his story.

Ahhh, a Rocky Mountain High once again! My wife Diane and I can still remember when we heard the tragic news of John Denver’s death on Oct. 12, 1997. For us, it was the day the music died.

JD was much more that that folksy singer/songwriter with a goofy smile and twangy voice singing “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” We were first introduced to the music of the man while working at CYO Camp in Brown County, Indiana back in the ‘80s. His music inspired me to take up guitar; to learn how to play “Eagle and The Hawk”; to fall in love. Later, when Diane was working on the Ft. Belknap Indian Reservation in Hays, MT, John Denver filmed his annual Christmas show there. Not too much later, “Annie’s Song” was played and sung by my Colorado and now-deceased brother Rick on Diane’s and my wedding day.

From then on, each time JD made an Indy visit, we’d gather our camp friends, head to Market Square Arena or Deer Creek and sing along to every song. Then, as our three kids were born – each was “given” their own JD tune that became their lullaby. Although his death has created a significant void, JD’s music survives. (In fact, our missionary friend Patrick says that “Country Roads” is played more in European and Asian countries than any other American song.)

So – we’ll be there, with our kids and friend this weekend – on the prairie – thanks to the incredibly talented Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the look-alike, sound-alike Jim Curry. We’ll be singing along, remembering days gone by and introducing true American classics to the next generation. And I’m so pleased to know that JD’s music is still alive and well at that same CYO Camp where our kids now go.

Take me home, country roads!

Ben's Internship Adventure

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by Jessica Di Santo

ISO Development intern Ben Luttrell gives us another glimpse into planning for the ISO's Circle the City for the Symphony event Aug. 7.

Between Conner Prairie trips, Circle the City for the Symphony duties, internship adventures and the dreaded “professional development," I’d say I’m having quite the summer so far at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The honeymoon of “Wow, I have my own phone line!” has faded into the “I’m expected to do real work” feeling, but I’m quite excited to report that my internship has been everything but the coffee-fetching, errand-running busywork life that some had expected me to lead.

One part of my job that bucks the “intern does the busywork” stereotype is participating in Circle the City for the Symphony committee meetings. I love planning and coming together to talk strategy, and this road race is certainly the biggest event I’ve ever been on a steering committee for. The full committee has met a few times now, and it’s been quite an adventure each time. Updates, brainstorming, planning, logistics, marketing, sponsorships all make regular stops on our agendas, as well as everything down to the minutest of details to be planned.

We’re working hard to not only put together the best event possible, but also get as many people as can to learn about Circle the City for the Symphony and register to participate in it. We set a goal to have 2010 people participate in Circle the City this year in downtown Indianapolis (with “2010 in 2010” being the appropriate slogan). We really want this event to be fun for the whole family, from the most competitive of runners to anyone looking for a safe walk around the city. To do that, we’ve expanded on two of our events aimed at those who aren’t looking to earn a time or a medal but rather a safe and fun way to support the Orchestra while enjoying a beautiful day.

First: the Symphony Stroll is back and better than ever. The Stroll is a one-mile walk through downtown Indianapolis aimed at all ages, abilities and activity levels. Unlike the competitive 5K/10K courses, the Stroll course is open to baby strollers and the family pet. The course will feature several of our wonderful Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians playing for you as you walk by, and the end of the course will land right in the middle of our Post Race Party. All Stroll participants also get a free ticket to a Marsh Symphony on the Prairie concert!

Second: we’ve expanded on the Junior Jog from last year. The event is only open to children under the age of 10 and is a one-lap run around Monument Circle. Each of the runners will receive a bib, shirt and medal for taking part in the event, as well as their own Symphony on the Prairie ticket. Note that, unlike in years past, there is a fee for the Jog this year.

Right now, we’re bringing something together that is going to be big-time news for families regarding Circle the City for the Symphony. I can’t divulge anything until we have the answers to every possible question (something my supervisor is very keen on reminding me!), but I can say that it is a fantastic opportunity regarding the Symphony Stroll and Junior Jog. Keep posted to the ISO Blog, and I’ll be sure to let the cat out of the appropriate bag when the time is right.

All in the [Military] Family

Thursday, July 1, 2010 by Jessica Di Santo

For me, the best part about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's patriotic concerts July 2-4 isn't Tchaikovsky's magnificent 1812 Overture, or the inspiring suite from Gettysburg or even the spectacular fireworks at the end.

I'm more affectionate for the Servicemen on Parade piece. The Indianapolis Symphony plays this medley of songs representing the branches of the military: Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Army. We ask that any patron who has served in the military to stand when his or her song is played. It's a poignant and proud moment for everyone at Symphony on the Prairie.

If you're attending this weekend, pay particular attention not only to your fellow servicemen standing next to you, but check out who is standing in the Orchestra:

Michael Borschel, Assistant Principal Clarinet
Mike served for three years in the U.S. Army in the U.S.M.A Band at West Point, NY, after Basic Training at Ft. Ord, California, from 1969-1972. As a member of the West Point Band, Mike performed more than 100 concerts and 100 parades every year.

Jerry Montgomery, Horn
Jerry was enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1972-1975 and performed as part of the NORAD Band. He told me that two of his colleagues in the band also went on to distinguished horn careers: Dan Gress was principal horn of the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Dan Rauch is currently one of the top horn makers in the world.

Marvin ("Chappy") Perry, II, Principal Trumpet
Chappy served in the U.S. Army Band at Ft. Myer, Virginia from 1970-1973 and achieved the rank of E6 (equivalent to a Staff Sergeant). Chappy's band performed at many ceremonies including the White House, Arlington Cemetery, special music productions, a few short tours and concerts. He also performed at a few parades, including the second inaugural parade for President Richard Nixon. Chappy has very interesting stories to tell about his military career, but this one in particular is priceless:

"Prior to my enlistment, there was a requirement for annual re-qualification at the rifle range, even for members of the Army's top musical unit. Interestingly, the band repeatedly outscored the Third Infantry, the show troops of the Military District of Washington."

Mark Ortwein, Bassoon
Mark served in the U.S. Air Force from 1990-1998 and achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant. He played for all the living presidents and even spoke to President Clinton about saxophones after a ceremony. Mark also played at the dedication ceremony for Mt. Rushmore and the opening of the Ronald Reagan Library.

Look for these gentlemen to play and stand during the salute!

And if you see me on Friday night (top of the hill, right side) with my family, look for my Dad during the medley. As a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) commissioned officer (retired at the rank of commander), he will be standing during the Coast Guard's song (hey, it's the closest thing he's got). We'll also be honoring my brother Judd Crawford, who served seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard and who now serves in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer, stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.

We look forward to honoring all of our military servicemen and women this weekend. Chappy says it best: "I have the utmost respect for other members and former members of our military. Some have suffered unbelievable hardship. They and their families have my sincere admiration."

Happy Fourth and we'll see you at the Prairie!

Getting Competitive: Sign up for the team competition by July 23!

Friday, June 25, 2010 by Jessica Di Santo

Ben Luttrell gives us his third installment of his thoughts about the ISO's Circle the City for the Symphony event. Perhaps I need to give him his own blogroll?

I was a team captain for Ball State University's Relay for Life this past April. The opportunity I had to work with the BSU chapter of PRSSA (the public relations group for students) was good, but the real pleasure for me came from the opportunity to tell people all about this wonderful event and the cause it supports. It wasn’t about me and it wasn’t about the activities or the food or the free entertainment; it was all about getting as many people as I could to come out and spend some time supporting a worthy endeavor.

Take all of that, and fast forward to this summer with the ISO. Walking in to the position, I had a vague sense of what the orchestra did to better the community beyond concerts and clinics. The sheer magnitude of it all amazes me at times. The Guitar Center donation of instruments to our Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, for example: it caught me completely off guard and made my day. The fact that I have the opportunity to learn from this kind of organization still amazes me to this day. I know this sounds a little sappy, but I mean it. Enriching the lives of people through music is extremely important to me; it’s a trait I inherited from family and reinforced through education and fraternity.

If you’ve never captained a team for a charity race before, or if you want an opportunity to rally together and support a very worthy cause, Circle the City for the Symphony is providing a great opportunity to do just that. We’re pleased to roll out the brand new Biggest Team Competition this year. People from organizations across the board, from the most competitive of runners aiming to take top prize in the 10K, to someone just looking for a stroll through downtown and a morning of music and family fun, will be able to join forces as a team. Team members will receive a $2 discount on registration for linking together.

The most exciting part about this is the prize. Samaritan’s Feet, who will be at the race collecting shoes for needy children, is offering to partner with the largest team and offer a shoe distribution for needy children at the charity or community organization of the team’s choice. If you or your team doesn’t have a specific location in mind, Samaritan’s Feet will provide several choices for the team to pick from.

The more people we have coming out and supporting us, the merrier it will be for all parties involved. Circle the City for the Symphony is a great opportunity for your organization to rally together for a great cause, and have a safe and fun family adventure, too.

Online registration is live! Team captains should click here to register the team, and then the other members can click here to register after that. The deadline for team registration is July 23, so hurry up and start recruiting!

THANK YOU, Guitar Center!!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 by Carol Baker

So I got one of those calls that comes in every once in a while about someone wanting to make a sizable donation to an ISO education program, and you think, will this really come through? Maybe, maybe not. I want to play it cool and steady, but there's a part of me that gets really excited even though they may not pan out. =)

About 20 years ago I worked as a telemarketer for a regional theatre company selling subscriptions. It was difficult work, but I believed in the product - live theatre. My boss would tell me that a certain percentage of people who commit over the phone and tell you they'll send in a check, don't. Instead, I was encouraged to collect a credit card number on the spot to avoid the possibility of amnesia or minds changing.

A Maestro Open committee member had called me to say he made a contact with a guy at Guitar Center who said he may have some instruments to donate to the ISO. I called up Randy Jaunzemis, VP of Logistics with Guitar Center, that same day to follow up on the lead and in fact, Randy told me that he had some instruments, but didn't know what kind or how many instruments he would have. He then said he would call me when they came in from Maryland.

Some time passed and I got that call, so I drove to the big Guitar Center distribution center in Brownsburg and walked in to a conference room filled with string instruments. Wow! Some needed repairs, but many were ready to be placed in the hands of a child. At that time Randy couldn't commit to which instruments would be coming our way because he had some schools coming by for a look later that week. He did allow me to take one full sized violin with me that day to hand over to one of our Metropolitan Youth Orchestra students still using an instrument too small for the growing boy. I was ecstatic! If we ended up with just the one, that OK, but maybe he might have 5 instruments out the many he had in that room for us? We had to wait and find out.

That next week, Randy and his colleagues dropped off the instruments at Symphony Centre. It was a TRUCK LOAD!! We had a concert about a week later and I asked some of the parents to help me catalog the generous gift - 26 instruments in all (roughly $11,000 worth!)

“When one of my contacts put me in touch with the orchestra, I was surprised by the excitement and need for the instruments,” said Jaunzemis. “Putting instruments in the hands of aspiring musicians fits perfectly with our company anthem, ‘we help people make music.’”

Thank you to Guitar Center, Inc. and Randy Jaunzemis for their generous donation to the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. This youth and family development program uses string instruction to reach inner city youth and many students have no means to acquire an instrument. Their gifts will be well used!

THE METROPOLITAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Founded in 1995 by Betty Perry and managed by the ISO since 2008, the MYO is the only youth orchestra in the city designed to serve socioeconomically challenged students in an urban setting and does not require an audition to participate. The program provides a safe, structured and positive learning environment for at-risk and underserved youth and their families; builds students’ musical skills through free and reduced-tuition music instruction; teaches them life skills and exposes them to nurturing adult role models; and encourages them to graduate high school. More than 150 socially, economically and racially diverse students in grades K-12 from area schools participate in the 35-week program.

The MYO program is also supported by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust; National Endowment for the Arts; a Community Crime Prevention Grant; American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009; Christel DeHaan Family Foundation; The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate; Back Home Again Foundation; Indianapolis Chapter of the Links, Inc.; The Glick Fund, a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation; Shaw-Burckhardt-Brenner Foundation; Sheila Fortune Foundation; The Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis; and Stewart & Irwin P.C.

Samuel Barber - Words and Music

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 by Candi Berry

A big advantage to music is the share-ability factor. Of course this applies to books and movies as well, two of my other great loves. Many of us are passionate about these avenues of expression and enjoy lending out our collections to friends and colleagues. In the past few months, several composers have come up in conversation, Camille Saint-Saens, Jean-Philippe Rameau and Samuel Barber to name a few. Of these, I delved into Samuel Barber pieces after a colleague lent me the second movement of his Violin Concerto. From the moment I began listening, the soulful melody pulled at my heart and became an instant favorite. I've listened to it many times and I'm looking forward to hearing it played this weekend in our Hall.

After sharing my thoughts with another colleague about the Violin Concerto, I was lent Knoxville: Summer of 1915 which sets music to a short story by James Agee. The story was subsequently added to a book, A Death in the Family, winning the author a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction posthumously. Barber was said to have identified with the piece, both he and the author were five years old in 1915. Barber also related to Agee's memories, the author's father died in 1916 and Barber' s own father's health was rapidly deteriorating as he composed this work. It's a special treat for me when music and literature intercede. I requested Agee's book from the library and will begin reading it next week. I've listened to the piece many times and look forward to comparing Barber's musical composition with Agee's words.

In researching further, I borrowed an audio CD from the library entitled Prayers of Kierkegaard. I haven't read Kierkegaard's work, however I'm familiar with Socrates whom Kierkegaard studied. Again, I was fascinated by Barber's choice to compose based on his interpretation of written word. Barber studied Kierkegaard's work for over a decade. The piece is divided into four parts, each representing a different prayer. Barber was quoted as saying about the piece, "The truth he sought after was a truth for me, one that demanded sacrifice and personal response." I can relate to his quest to find meaning in life experiences and admire his ability to interpret similarities between his and the philosopher's point of view.

In closing, I would like to thank my friends and colleagues for continually sharing recommendations and recordings with me. I'm going to further my knowledge of the greats Brahms, Beethoven and Mozart this summer in addition to attending many concerts at Symphony on the Prairie.

Ruby Red Slippers

Sunday, March 28, 2010 by Paul Berns

EDITOR'S UPDATE (as of April 2, 2010): Due to an arm injury, Leila Josefowicz is unable to perform in concerts next weekend. Pianist Adam Golka will replace Leila and perform Beethoven's First Piano Concerto.

Hi:

So on Saturday night my daughter visited from Steamboat Springs, Colorado and points out to me some little ones in the lobby dressed up and wearing Ruby Red Slippers alla Judy Garland in our wonderful pops concert using the full Wizard of Oz movie. Cute as can be. Kids of all ages have enjoyed the pops weekend. And on Sunday, our management wisely chose to change our usual Sunday 7pm concert and make it an afternoon matinee - sounds like our Marketing Department hard at work. What a wonderful time for our family audience.

Next week the ISO does not perform. Proud to say my 7(8) piece band is performing at the Hilbert Circle Theatre for a NCAA Final Four Salute. We will be playing the fight songs for all the Final Four teams (go Dawgs) and we will be talking to the band directors from Butler, W. Virginia and the other two finalists. Just like the Academy Awards: "and now ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for sports commentator Jim Nance," we play walk-on music and fade out, etc. ISO percussionist Craig Hetrick and Mark Ortwein will be with me for this epic. Many of my ISO colleagues enjoy music of all styles: contemporary chamber music, solo opportunities, jazz, and rock. We have an accomplished organist (Bob Goodlett) - you name it. Actually among our staff we also have singers, a trumpet player, a bassoonist, and, of course, business, marketing, arts administration specialists. And among our ushers........????

The orchestra is very much looking forward to performing under Maestro Mark Wigglesworth on April 9 and April 10. With world class violinist Leila Josefowicz (she looks as if she would blend into our Happy Hour audience!!) Imagine the music of Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich. I hope to see some of our Happy Hour audience at this concert. You will love it!! Actually our Symphony on the Prairie audience would really enjoy this concert too!

See you at the Symphony!

Nick Kendall Visits MYO

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 by Carol Baker

Nick Kendall of Time for Three visited the ISO's youth and family development program called the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra during rehearsals this month -making stops to see Orchestra C and D... What did he talk about?? Why, his improvisation, cross-over music and practicing!!!

Luckily, he didn't get out the door without jamming with our young musicians! Check out this unique video of Nick Kendall and the Orchestra D (our youngest students) performing a student favorite - the "Up and Down" song!!

Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays Shostakovich

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by Paul Berns

Hi Everyone:

Went to Chicago to drop off the ISO xylophone bars for tuning (yes, the wood bars go out of tune) and visited with my ex-high school student Matt Decker, a junior at Roosevelt (a terrific music school). Sat in stage seating (just like the Hilbert Circle Theatre)...had not heard the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for many years. What a great orchestra and great luck for me they performed the Shostakovich Symphony 11 we are playing next week. If you did not know, our talented assistant principal french horn Rick Graef's Dad plays for this great orchestra and sat first chair for the entire concert. Talent runs through Rick's family.

The CSO's hall is huge--high ceilings and the brass and percussion can play out without a concern for overall balance.

It is never too late to learn or enjoy other orchestras. Indeed the Chicago Symphony is one of the world's best. But, I am fortunate to play for and you are fortunate to hear another world class orchestra = yep, our ISO.

After the concert I hung out with their timpani/percussion section and then took a cab to Stanleys by Lincoln West (great macaroni and cheese) and saw a student from my Butler University teaching days. Shane is the drummer in a Pearl Jam Tribute band and they have played in 17 states - and I had no earplugs. Shane is really a great rock 'n roll drummer. Great time, knows the music well, and very tasty fills. Yes, many of us in the ISO enjoy all styles of music!!

I hope you still enjoy my blog??!!!! Here is another Top Ten listing of places the ISO has performed:

10. Berrien Springs, Michigan (an Easter Sunday runout concert years ago)
  9. Zurich, Switzerland
  8. Oxford, Mississippi
  7. Wabash, Indiana (Honeywell Center - we play there often)
  6. Champaign-Urbana, Ill. -- University of Illinois
  5. Troy, New York -a very old (all wood) concert hall above a bank -- incredible acoustics!
  4. Muncie, Indiana (Ball State University)
  3. Richmond, Indiana (Earlham College)
  2. Long Island, NY -- many venues
  1. Lucas Oil Stadium -- before the recent Colts/Patriots game

ISO Performa at Lucas Oil Stadium Opening - 2008

A member of the audience recently asked me if the ISO has annual challeges and asked would we be fired or traded if we played in Carnegie Hall (Super Bowl) and did not achieve a "win" from a NY critic?? Great questions: professional orchestras do hot have a challenge or reseating process. If a critic did not like our playing in Carnegie Hall, on the very same night another critic might write a glowing review.

That is it for now. So much to write and so little time.

Best ~
PAUL BERNS

The Pale Pink Dress

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by Jessica Di Santo

Memory is a funny thing.

I've been known to get up, walk to someone's office, and forget why I just got up and walked to someone's office. More times than I care to admit, I send emails and forget to include the promised attachment. I know I've said this phrase more times than not: "Didn't I tell you that already?"

Luckily, my long-term memory is better. I can still rattle off the books of the Old Testament in seconds (taught to me as a young kid in Sunday school). I memorize lyrics quickly, and they stick with me forever. And speaking of music, my first and most poignant musical memory occurred here: 7310 17th Ave. NW Seattle, WA 98117. My childhood home. I've never forgotten the address.

[Present occupant: Please forgive me while I blog about your house for a bit. By the way, the picture of it on Google Earth looks nothing like what I remember. What did you do?]

This week, I reach back into that good/bad memory bank of mine and recall the address where I heard Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B Flat Minor for the first time (on vinyl for you young kids - here's a picture just in case).

My mother kept a pretty impressive record collection of classical music. All the masters were in our library--Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky--and these records rounded out the Crawford family's diverse musical tastes (Scott Joplin and the Kingston Trio for Dad, Elton John for brother Judd and Really Rosie featuring Carole King for me). I would come home from school and open the door with my Latchkey, invade my mother's closet in search of that fancy pale pink dress with the pleated skirt, select Tchaikovsky's first piano concerto, carefully place the needle on the record in the right spot, turn up the volume on our huge 1970s cabinet turntable (this sucker was a piece of furniture!), and dance around the room in my own little world...at least until my older brother replaced my beloved Tchaikovsky with Pink Floyd.

My memory is clear as crystal: As soon as I would hear the horns blasting those first four notes, shivers ran down my spine. I'd strike a pose once the orchestra answered. Then, that gorgeous melody by the strings put me into my dance routine of gliding and twirling until that pleated skirt was a perfect parallel to the ground. And of course, I would stop occasionally and play air piano.

I didn't need a TV to be entertained. I didn't need video games (although I tried begging mom and dad for an Atari, to no avail). I don't remember ever feeling lonely. I had music. I had Tchaikovsky.

It wasn't until I reached Music Appreciation class in college when I realized there was more to the concerto. You mean there's more to the piece than just the first movement? Fantastic. But the first movement is my first classical music memory.

If you come to the concert this weekend, look for me in the first mezzanine. I'm the one who will visually respond to the first four notes and then the melody. It will go something like this: twitch, grin, sit back, smile, wipe a tear, close my eyes, and remember that pale pink dress.

Congratulations Betty! Inspire 2010: Power of Mentoring Awards

Friday, February 12, 2010 by Carol Baker

Congratulations Betty!!

Betty Perry, ISO staff member and music director of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, is a finalist for the Inspire 2010: Power of Mentoring Awards to be presented by College Mentors for Kids, Inc. on February 24^that 11:30am at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. She was nominated by Donna Proctor at Marian University.

This "Mentor of Excellence" award is presented annually to individuals who have dedicated themselves to mentoring and inspiring excellence.

About MYO: The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra is a youth and family development program that uses string music instruction to reach inner city youth in a unique after-school setting. The MYO model offers positive use of free time; sequential, structured learning activities; a process of learning to set personal goals and strinve for personal best; exposure to positive, caring adult role models; and healthy peer interaction. As a result, the high school strudents who participate and stay engaged in MYO have significantly higher graduation rates than their peers and matriculate to college. The program serves students in grades k-12.

While the program has been around since 1995, MYO has been a program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra since July 2008. ISO Director of Education Carol Baker manages the program and Betty Perry is Music Director. There are 17 part-time teachers who support the program as well as a significant partnership with Butler Community Arts School.

Betty, we are proud of the work you have accomplished! Congratulations again!

We also thank the following extraordinary sponsors for making the MYO program a reality!

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
Shaw-Burckhardt-Brenner Foundation
Sheila Fortune Foundation
The Glick Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation
Back Home Again Foundation
Indianapolis Chapter of the Links, Inc.
The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate
Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis
Christel DeHaan Family Foundation
The Arts Council of Indianapolis
Indiana Arts Commission
National Endowment of the Arts
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009

NYE, Viennese-style

Monday, December 21, 2009 by Sean Newhouse

Every year, the Vienna Philharmonic, one of the world’s most acclaimed orchestras, performs a series of New Year’s Concerts on December 30, 31, and January 1. These concerts have become beloved around the world through the annual broadcast of the New Year’s Day performance. These programs feature almost exclusively Austrian music, and in particular, music of the Johann Strauss family: waltzes, polkas, overtures, and the like.

I’m thrilled that this year, for the first time in a number of years, the ISO will be doing an entire New Year’s Eve performance inspired by this wonderful tradition, and I have the privilege of conducting it. This is music that is very close to my heart – it has an elegance, charm, and nobility matched by little else in the repertoire. I’ve done individual pieces from this concert on many other occasions in the past, but this will be my first time doing an entire concert of Viennese repertoire, so I’m really looking forward to it.

The video productions of the VPO concerts frequently feature dance performances with the musical ones, and so I’m delighted that in that spirit, Indy’s own Dance Kaleidoscope will be joining us on stage for several numbers. I saw their choreography the other day, and DK Artistic Director David Hochoy has done a great job of capturing the special qualities of this music. Also in the tradition of the VPO concerts, we will have a wonderful guest soprano, Jacqueline Brecheen, to sing several arias from Viennese operettas.

I’ll leave you with a video from the 1987 VPO performance, with Herbert von Karajan conducting the famous “On the Beautiful Blue Danube” waltzes, also featuring dancers from the Vienna State Opera Ballet.

See you (New Year’s Eve) at the Symphony!

Hope for the Holidays Part Two

Monday, December 7, 2009 by Jessica Di Santo

Hope for the Holidays

Wednesday, December 2, 2009 by Jessica Di Santo

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Children's Bureau have partnered to bring holiday joy to Indiana families facing financial hardship this season. Our campaign for donors to purchase $10 Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration tickets for those in need is off to a great start--more than 50 tickets have been distributed to families so far. There's still time -- go here to learn how to can donate the gift of Yuletide.

In the meantime, read those heartwarming stories of families receiving holiday gifts from Children's Bureau case manager, Rachel Hughes.

First Christmas Stories
by Rachel Hughes, Children's Bureau

A few Christmas’ ago, we had a 12 year old boy. His prior living conditions and relationship with his biological mother was horrible. On Christmas morning, he didn’t have a visit or pass and he was one of a few kids that had no one to see him. He woke up early and staff let him open up a few presents. This boy was just so excited to have presents. He wasn’t sure when the last time was that he had gifts on Christmas. It didn’t matter if it was a toy, socks, clothes or underwear, he was so grateful and appreciated everything he received. After every package, he thanked everyone and his smile was so big. He thanked everyone he saw for him getting presents (even if they weren’t involved) and wrote a good thank you letter which was a struggle for him due to not having enough space to write his note. Behaviorally, this kid was a challenge but that Christmas he was grateful, compliant and happy.

Last year, we had a little girl whose house caught on fire. She lost all of her toys and clothing. More than anything else, she wanted a Bratz head doll to replace the one she lost in the fire. On Christmas morning when she saw the Bratz doll, she was so happy. It was like a piece of her life before the fire was given back to her.

We had an 8 year old girl that was afraid that Santa wouldn’t be able to find her since her address had changed many times since last Christmas. We had the security officer call pretending to be Santa and telling her that he knew where she was and what one of her presents was. She was so excited and was relieved that even though she was in a placement, Santa could still find her. It gave her a reassurance that Christmas was still going to be okay even though she wasn’t placed in a home or with a family for Christmas.

Working with children in the system is very hard. Success is not high but staff still fights for every kid to have had at least one success while in placement. We have had many children learn to read while here even though they were 15 or so. We’ve had kids learn better coping skills than hurting themselves or others. The most valuable lesson most learn while they are here is that they are worth something. No matter what they have been told, they are valuable. They are important. They mean something. They don’t need to define themselves through others or behaviors. Who they are is enough. They don’t need their family to say they are worth something. They don’t need a boy or a girl to make them feel good about themselves. They can achieve and have a future no matter what their past has been.

A Mid-Week Round-Up

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by Jessica Di Santo

I couldn't choose just one thing to write about this week.

Win Joshua Bell's New CD!

Joshua Bell, world renowned violinist, Hoosier native and our guest artist for this weekend, has just been named the 2010 "Instrumentalist of the Year" by Musical America. The Indianapolis Star's Jay Harvey recently blogged about his upcoming appearance with the ISO.

We also have a free copy of Josh’s new CD, At Home with Friends, ready to give away. Just post your favorite Joshua Bell moment, concert, performance or experience in this blog, and we'll select a winner on Friday at noon!

Congratulations Gabriela

Congratulations to ISO composer-in-residence, Gabriela Lena Frank, for winning a 2009 Latin Grammy Award in the category of "Best Classical Contemporary Composition" for her piece, Inca Dances!

Give the Gift of Yuletide

The Indianapolis Symphony is proud to partner with the Children’s Bureau, an organization that sponsors families in need each year during the holidays. As part of the gift packages for these families, you can donate $10 Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration tickets. Click here to learn more.

Florence Henderson Performs with the ISO Nov. 20-22

It’s commonly known that Florence Henderson is a native Hoosier (and one of our favorite TV moms). However, did you know:

Florence can be found as part of the “Global Indiana” exhibit at the Indiana State Museum? See her picture here among other famous Hoosiers.

Florence’s voice can be heard each year at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway 500 race: here’s a clip of her performance of “God Bless America” in 2005.

The town of Dale, Indiana (population: 1,500) is Florence’s hometown. Did you know? Abraham Lincoln grew up on a farm nearby.

Meet Lucina Moxley.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 by Jessica Di Santo

Lucina is a pianist of great accomplishment. At 91 years young, she still teaches several students, performs various two-piano concerts and recitals, and remains very active in the musical community in Indianapolis. She attends many of the ISO’s Coffee Classical performances.

Lucina shares her love of music in the community by being generous as well. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra was the recipient of that generosity this summer, as Lucina purchased a new Steinway Concert Grand Piano and donated it to the Orchestra in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Ball.

A generous spirit, the love of music and an association with the Indianapolis Symphony are a part of Lucina’s family history. Lucina’s parents and her late husband, Sam Moxley, served on the ISO’s Board of Directors. When Lucina’s father passed away, her mother gifted two concert Steinway pianos in 1982 as a tribute to him. In 2009, Lucina paid tribute back to her parents by purchasing our Steinway in memory of them.

Lucina didn’t just offer to purchase the piano though. She provided us valuable expertise in choosing it! Lucina, pianist Jonathan Biss and ISO President and CEO Simon Crookall traveled to the Steinway studio in New York City this summer to select the piano which would be perfectly suited for the Hilbert Circle Theatre and our orchestra. Lucina and Jonathan played six of them, and ultimately settled on the beautiful instrument which is now a part of the ISO collection. Gabriela Montero will play Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue on our new Concert Grand this weekend during Opening Night Gala.

Lucina proudly owns and plays her two concert Hamburg Steinways, which she considers her greatest treasures. Thank you Lucina—your gift of a new Steinway Concert Grand Piano is now one of our greatest treasures too.

Beginnings Again...

Saturday, September 12, 2009 by Carol Baker

The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra held family orientation/retreats the week of 9/1 led by our friends Rebecca and Dante with Theater of Inclusion (http://theaterofinclusion.com). If you've never heard of TOI, they are made up of this fantasticly artistic duo who design and facilitate workshops for youth, teaching teams, and corporate groups. Their workshops often focus on developing character, strengthening cooperation, and intensifying team building. Our family retreat covered creating a positive and inviting learning environment for MYO, developing common vocabulary and developing a culture of inclusiveness --- All concepts integral to MYO's program success!

One of the activities involved building, drawing and studying this tower of blocks...

Question: What do you see? Some parent/student responses included:

Building of knowledge
Different pieces/shapes (blocks) representing the MYO community
Teamwork - we all have important roles
Setting of goals

Another Question: How is this tower like me? Responses included:

Like the blocks, I am connected to my family and my orchestra
I focus my attention on my goals and stand straight
I am prepared and ready
Parts of me are strong and other parts weak
I am strong

What does a "tower of blocks" mean to you? How is a "tower of blocks" like you? As I come to work everyday, I think of my work not as a whole, but as a part of something bigger. I look around at piles and piles of "to-do"s on my desk or in my computer and I think - what kind of building block do I need to be today or what building block am I going to use today... Each pending or completed task, each interaction with a colleague, MYO family and donor are also building blocks. We'd like for you to be a building block too. What can you bring to our tower to build it taller and stronger?

In general, I love "beginnings and endings" of things. The cyclical nature of my work keeps me going each and every year at the ISO. As towers are built they occassionally crumble and have to be reinforced or taken down and started all over again. Working in educational and community settings has taught me that that's OK. This is how we learn and grow. This is how we make things better or stronger. We just have to be brave enough and have the courage to keep going.

To all of our MYO friends and family, we are looking forward to an awesome year together. Our tower is going to be beautifully constructed and amply supported. I can't wait to see what the year brings and how our tower of blocks will look. With everyone's help it'll be an MYO masterpiece!!

We can make it stronger by working together.