Indianapolis Youth Symphony

John Mayer - a modern day Johannes Brahms?

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by Scott Harrison

When Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony returns on March 18, the program turns to music by John Mayer and a John of an older generation - Johannes Brahms. Crazy as it may seem, these two musicians actually share more than just a first name.

While many of us are stuck with the image of the old, bearded Brahms in our minds, in his younger days, Johannes (right) was quite the looker and probably attracted his fair share of female attention, just like John Mayer.

But Brahms was more than just good looks. This guy had soul. Brahms was a throwback, looking to the music of Bach to write truly heartfelt music in an era where contemporaries like Liszt, Wagner and Mahler were revolutionaries out to discover the music of the future. In an era where vocal hooks and sampled beats reign supreme, John Mayer also looks to the old masters, writing guitar-driven pop inspired by blues legends like B.B. King and rock gods like Jimi Hendrix.

And the similarities just keep on coming. . .

Brahms wrote four symphonies. Mayer has released four albums. (There are also four Happy Hour concerts this season. Try to explain that coincidence!)
Both men pursued secondary instruments in their youth. Can you imagine Brahms as a cellist or John Mayer with a clarinet in his hands? They both also started touring as teenagers. At one point, Brahms' teacher wanted to send him to America to earn that big paycheck. His parents declined, probably sparing Brahms future anonymity as a washed-up child star.
Speaking of the clarinet, John Mayer's first instrument, Brahms took up an interest in the reedy instrument late in life. He came out of his self-imposed retirement to write some of his most moving music, all featuring the clarinet. Do you think Mayer ever tried his hand at the Brahms' Clarinet Quintet?

The greatest coincidence of all?

Both men shared an interest in older women. John Mayer famously dated Jennifer Aniston, eight years his senior. Brahms spent most of his adult life pining after Clara Schumann, 14 years his elder and the widow of the man who helped launch his career, Robert Schumann. While Mayer was never too shy to share the most intimate details of his relationship via Twitter, Brahms was not as forthcoming. While many scholars believe the relationship with Clara was never consummated, there isn't definitive proof either way.

For the full story on Brahms, check out Jan Swafford's fun biography. (Or get the lightning round in this article.)

As for Mayer? Well, there's always @johncmayer.

(Thanks to Alyson Ahrns for research and writing assistance.)

Steve Hackman Blogs, Ladies and Gentlemen

Monday, March 8, 2010 by Jessica Di Santo

Composer, performer, arranger and conductor for this season's Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony series, Steve Hackman blogs about how he starting weaving the concept for the next Happy Hour together.

The entire concept for Happy Hour #3 was really born out of the idea that "Heart of Life" by John Mayer would make a great arrangement for orchestra. The song came on as I was driving to a gig back in December, and I immediately thought of the Happy Hour series. I called Nick Kendall and pitched the idea of doing it, and he said "Oh my God!"(that's usually a good sign). After that, I began building a whole concert around Mayer's tunes paired with classical selections.   

I'm a big fan of Mayer's music, especially after the first album, Room for Squares. One of the very first things to consider when arranging a pop song for orchestra, and in fact this consideration may ultimately indicate whether an arrangement will be effective or not, is what instrument/instruments will carry the melody. This is a critical decision because the audience is going to be so familiar with the vocal line (and of the personality that sings it). One has to be sure that whatever orchestral instrument is substituting for that personality will be set up for success.

In the case of the Coldplay song we did on Happy Hour #1, our principal oboe Roger Roe did a fantastic job of carrying the melody. Time for Three "sung" the melody as a trio in Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek" on Happy Hour #2. With this arrangement of "Heart of Life" I decided to cheat a little bit--and sing the song myself. Not that I think I do the world's best John Mayer impression, but this is a song I felt like I could do justice to vocally. So that took care of who was handling the melody- then it was on to everything else. The original tune has a wonderful wholesome quality to it that I felt was essential to capture in the orchestration. The "base" sound that I settled on was pizzicato (plucked) strings against lyrical and contrapuntal lines in the woodwinds. This provided a great bed for the solo voice to lie in. Adding harp and glockenspiel (orchestra bells) at times added a more fantastic child-like innocence. Since the strings are plucking for the majority of the piece I needed an instrument to sustain the bass line and in this case I chose the bassoon--lighter and more appropriate to the style than tuba, bass trombone or electric bass.

One spot that I couldn't wait to arrange was where the electric bass comes in on the original version (2:24-Pain throws your heart to the ground…) Yikes! I just realized I forgot to put in a cymbal roll there! Better add it…. Anyway, that section was the perfect moment for the strings to begin playing with their bows (arco). It's like a wonderful breath of fresh air when you hear the string section finally play arco after a long pizzicato section. I also chose the trombone choir to add a luscious pad to that sound. Mayer has some wonderful guitar licks in that section, and I adapted those a bit and gave them to the woodwinds. The original ends with rising sixths in the guitar parts as does our arrangement, except in the bassoons then clarinets.

We finally cadence and segue back in the Grieg excerpt (Piano Concerto in A Minor, 2nd Movement) that began this whole adventure. I chose the Grieg because it matched the key and because it's simply a gorgeous piece of music. With it's romanticism and slow lyrical quality it almost functions to set up "Heart of Life" in the same way that "Gravity" does on Continuum.    

This concert was a joy to arrange. The production of the original tune is so sparse but yet so charming, and it was a pleasure to try my hand at bringing that quality to the orchestra. We'll see how it sounds!    On to the next arrangement.

See you in a few weeks!   

~Steve Hackman

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.

Another top ten list and answers to my questions.

Monday, March 1, 2010 by Paul Berns

Hi Everyone:

After a day of adjudicating at the ISSMA state solo/ensemble competition I am thrilled to announce I am not deaf. I heard over 40 Group I snare drum soloists play and 'wow' were most of them really loud. It gave me a chance to talk to the kids and their parents and point out that if they were really interested in being a music major in college they should attend as many ISO concerts as they can.

Well in my previous blog I asked the question: who from management is at most of our (over) 200 concerts each season. Well, the obvious answer would be the ISO Personnel Manager (and assistant principal trombone) Blake Schlabach-- but also, CEO/President Simon Crookall is often in the audience speaking with our valuable supporters and audience.

Excuse my being so random in this blog: Referring back to my first blog, the ISO owns hundreds of percussion instruments that are stored backstage in a very large and (high ceiling) practice/storage area. Let me know if you would like a tour!! We have 20 sets of sleigh bells, giant tubular chimes (ladders needed-you will see them at Symphony on the Prairie for our July 4th concerts), African drums, cymbals galore, snare drums, triangles, - more later.

The timpani/percussion section----- getting excited and practicing for Shostakovich Symphony 11 on March 12 & 13 = guaranteed to bring you to your feet. Some of the parts are heard on orchestral percussion/timpani auditions!!!!

Here is another "list of ten" for you to enjoy. Places the ISO has performed:

10. Peru (Indiana)
9. Washington, D.C. (Kennedy Center numerous times)
8. New York City (Carnegie Hall numerous times)
7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
6. Berlin, Germany
5. Miami Beach, Florida
4. Chicago, Illinois
3. Bloomington, Indiana (of course)
2. Vienna, Austria - (visited Mahler's gravesite!)
1. London, England

Ok, I am ready for some questions. Bye for now.

PAUL

Introducing myself

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 by Dinah Montgomery

I'm quite excited to post my first blog! I'm not at all savvy about anything electronic, including but not limited to computers, i-pods, phones and remote controls. One of my colleagues reminded me of my "one to one" session with a "genius" at the Apple store where I learned how to turn on my i-pod. My husband, Jerry, who is the 3rd horn here in the Indianapolis Symphony, has thrown his hands up in despair after each of my button pushing marathons with the TV remote control. However, I'm looking forward to blogging! I've been a member of the ISO's 1st violin section since 1975, and there is little truth to the saying that "unless you're the lead dog, the view is always the same."

The past few days I have been eagerly watching the Olympics. I like to think there is somewhat of a comparison between these extraordinary athletes and us musicians. We both have worked immensely hard since we were young children, often making sacrifices in our lives to accommodate our crafts. (My mother made me practice every day, missing lots of fun times with friends, and it took no time for me to get my geek label.) We both suffer through physical injuries and keep pushing through the pain to continue to perform. We strive for perfection with many many repetitions to ensure perfection, and yet when it's time for the real performance, that 12th man, be it a panel of judges or a paying audience, is such an unnerving factor! How many times did I say to myself, "but it went so well in practice!" Because we love our art/sport we continue. The times that all goes well and the audience responds with thunderous applause makes all the work so rewarding and those heart breaking misses, falls or mistakes, those things that have never happened before, they strengthen us in the end, and make us "seasoned performers." I do appreciate all the dedication these athletes put in to their work and love to watch them perform at such extraordinarily high levels. Our concerts aren't quite an Olympic game or a Super Bowl, but all the musicians do bring their best game to each concert, all for that thunderous applause!

A Lot to Learn

Saturday, February 13, 2010 by Brian Smith

Have you ever had one of those days when you wonder where the time went? Well, that happened to me today. I was in my practice room looking over the music I have to prepare for a number of upcoming concerts, which is fairly substantial, and felt a sudden panic. Staring back at me from my stand are symphonies of Beethoven, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich, and concertos of Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky. All of which are to be performed with the ISO in next few weeks. When you add in my regular practice regime and a looming recital on the horizon, that is a lot of notes to learn in a short amount of time.

But you know what. That's just the way I like it. Before joining the ISO's bass section a year and a half ago, I worked primarily as a freelance musician where you mix and match your schedule to perform with various orchestras on an as needed basis. This also allows for one to take a week off to catch up if you want. For this reason one of the biggest adjustments for me, but one I was happy to make, has been performing a different program every week we are on stage. That means a lot more work at home to be ready to go for the next week's show, but I really enjoy the challenge of staying sharp and learning a large amount of repertoire regularly.

I remember when I was in school marveling at the number of projects many of the teachers would take on at the same time. Many had orchestra jobs, chamber music groups, or other pet projects that required as much or more time as their teaching position. I once asked such a teacher how he managed to get everything done and do it at a high level. His answer was simple and poignant, as most truths tend to be. He said, "I love what I do, but I won't be able to do it forever. I want to bust my hump to be as good as I can be for as long as I can be, so I don't wonder 'what if' later." I like that answer a lot.

Classical musicians train for years, many beginning as children, to be able to perform the masterworks of Bach, Beethoven and the rest. I for one feel very fortunate to be able to present them from week to week with the ISO, even if it does require a little more prep time. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go practice.

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

Spending "J-term" at the Symphony

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 by Carol Baker

My name is Sarah and I attend Covenant Christian High School. Each year after Christmas break, students at my school participate in a two week experience called “J-term”, or two week internship. I love music and thought that the Indianapolis Symphony would be a great opportunity. For my two weeks, I was part of the Learning Community. There were many activities and projects that I participated in during these two weeks, like the Young People's Discovery Concert teacher workshops designed to help teachers prepare their students for concerts and assisting HR with paper filing. The teacher workshop was a brand new experience for me and I loved learning the different ways of presenting classical music to groups of elementary level students.

I was able to sit in on an ISO rehearsal and listen to the orchestra practice. Also, I attended a Happy Hour Concert planning meeting for the upcoming January event. It was interesting hearing all of the work that had been put into the event, and the work that still had to be done. Also, I was able to see the new promotional video for these concerts.

I attended a Coffee Concert and it was neat listening to the orchestra perform the songs that I heard them practice the day before. Also, before the Coffee Concert I served coffee and tea to patrons. It was fun and fascinating talking to the different people attending the concert. That ended my first week at the ISO, and I could not wait for the next week.

On Tuesday of my second week, I helped the HR department again with some filing. I saw more paper than I have ever seen in most of my life! It was interesting how many papers and documents go through this department.

This week I was able to eat lunch with Becky, the principal piccolo player in the orchestra. It was fun hearing some of her stories and talk about flutes! Then I said bye and continued with my work in the Learning Community - mainly creating a database of orchestra music for the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra program.

Next came Friday, my last day at the ISO. Today there was a Coffee Pops Concert that I was able to enjoy. I loved this concert and had a great time listening to it.

Well, that was my J-term experience at the ISO. I could not have hoped for a better internship. I learned many things about the business behind the orchestra on stage. I was also able to meet new people and get to know them better. I am glad that I had this opportunity to spend my two weeks with the ISO!

Brahms Scherzo and Yo, Hungry Wolf

Monday, January 4, 2010 by Carol Baker

This month and last - teachers from all over Central Indiana are learning what Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 4 has to do with the Three Little Pigs. What?!? You Ask?

Well, each year over 25,000 students attend the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Young People's Discovery Concerts where they "discover" the exciting sounds of the symphony. Historically, these Discovery concerts are many people's first trip to the symphony. In fact, over a million people have attended these concerts over the decades and it's not unusual for me to hear stories from adult symphony goers saying their first trip to the ISO was as a child on a school field trip!

This year's program, "Musical Storytelling", features several programmatic works - meaning music representing characters, ideas or stories. Examples include Mozart and Bernstein overtures (aka, musical abbreviations of the full length works) of The Marriage of Figaro and West Side Story. The penultimate work on the program is The Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky based on the Russian folktales of the magical bird.

Oddly, Brahms' Scherzo from Symphony No. 4 appears on this "Musical Storytelling" concert. An example of absolute music, or rather, music that tells no story nor conveys an idea, this piece may appear out of place. I sat in the first of two teacher workshops to specifically see how master teacher, Lisa Sullivan was going to connect this piece to the program's theme. Little did I know, I was in for a treat.

Well, you all know the story of the three little pigs, the houses and the recurring theme of "I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down!" I'll admit that when I think of the Scherzo from Brahms' 4th symphony, a nursery story is far from my mind... alas, no longer! She assigned themes from the movement to very parts of the story: the wolf, the pigs, the huff and puff and the celebration at the end. Extracting and downloading these themes and pictures onto her computer, she used PowerPoint to tell the story. The story version she chose to tell was Yo, Hungry Wolf (A Nursery Rap) by Davis Vozar (ISBN 0-440-40953-5).

The storytelling was delightful, but what ensued next was truly memorable. Teachers were introduced to rhythmic words created by Lisa and divided into groups. Each group was assigned the task of creating movements truly worthy of a child's rap. We had a ball!!

Check out the video below of what the teachers created.
<<<<<< >>>>>>>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoZQRRUFnMM

Now, my favorite parts of this movement will always be the recurring ding-a-linging of the triangle, but I will definitely be listening to Brahms' work a little differently now. Next time you listen to the piece, see if you can make out the themes representing the wolf, pigs or celebration.

I also challenge you to add a comment to this post and let us know about your first trip to the ISO. Was it on a school field trip like the Young People's Discovery Concert??

Below is a link to more information about this upcoming program. The next teacher workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 5.
http://www.indianapolissymphony.org/learningcommunity/elementary/discovery

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.

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.

Where are the Musicians?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 by Jessica Di Santo

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra turns over its stage to other musical ensembles in August and early September during Marsh Symphony on the Prairie. During this period, our Symphony musicians take a much-needed, well-deserved break away from their year-round schedule.

So, we’re sometimes asked… where are the ISO musicians during this time and what are they up to? Here's a sample!

“[Our vacation plans are] certainly not exotic -- we plan to stay in Indy, work on cleaning up/organizing our home 3/4's of the time, exploring Indy and environs the other 1/4. Plans include State Fair (seriously...), Baden Springs, and some new restaurants in Indy and Bloomington. This may not be exciting to you, but it's very exciting to us!”

-Bev and Sylvia Scott

Beverly Scott, Assistant Principal Viola

Sylvia Scott, frequent ISO pianist

“Our family went to St. Joseph, Michigan, for a week. We also are going to Chicago for the weekend. But we have mostly stayed at home this summer.”

-Ruth Boerner, viola

“I will be composing during the break.” www.jimbeckelmusic.com

-Jim Beckel

Principal Trombone & Composer*

*Don’t miss Jim’s world premiere piece In the Mind’s Eye: Images for Horns and Orchestra in concerts on May 14 and 15, 2009.

“My husband, John, and I will be taking our children to college at the end of August. First to return to school will be Katherine, just back from an archaeological dig in Athens where she found an ancient cooking pot. She will be a senior at Washington University in St. Louis. Then Amy and David head east. Amy is just completing a summer at a biological research center in Maine, and will return to Swarthmore College to continue working on her bachelor's degree in biochemistry. David, proud of his Indiana roots, is making a Yale corn-hole set to take to school. He has high hopes of learning to play the carillon at Yale, which happily has a silent practice keyboard as well as the one which activates the giant bells in Harkness Tower. I am occupied practicing viola and piano, teaching viola lessons, and sewing on buttons!”

-Terry Langdon, viola

“I'll be traveling to New York City to attend the National Flute Association’s annual convention with my husband, George Evans. (My teacher, William Bennett, will be performing at the convention-- he's also traveling from London to Indianapolis in November for a masterclass and recital Nov 4 & 5.) While we’re in NYC, we’re attending a concert at the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center. Other than that long weekend, I'll be at home working on my book, “Flute for Dummies,” which will be coming out in December of this year.”

-Karen Evans Moratz

Principal Flute

“My husband’s brother used to play professional basketball in the NBA....for the Portland Trailblazers. He runs a youth basketball camp in Portland, and my husband and I will be going out to work at it. Norm will coach, and I'll run the concession stand. (Whoopee!!!) It will give us a nice chance to visit with family. We'll earn a small salary....enough to cover our airfare.....so we plan to go out a week early and drive over to the Pacific coast. I'm a photographer, and I plan to come home with some great pictures of the Oregon coast.”

-Christal Steele

Assistant Concertmaster

“I will be heading out to the Northwest to visit family in Spokane, Washington, and in north Idaho (Hayden and Post Falls). My sister and I plan to bike the section of the Hiawatha Trail that crosses the Idaho panhandle. We also are going to spend a few days at Hayden Lake, ID.”

-Nancy Agres, viola

“I’ve spent time racing on such races as the Port Huron to Mackinac Race onboard a 50-foot raceboat called Goblin. We finished 3rd in our section and 13th in our division. I also raced a regatta in Harbor Springs Michigan on Goblin. I will be on a boat 47-foot sailboat called Big Country for the Tri-State Regatta which is a three-day, three-state regatta over Labor Day weekend. We race from Chicago to St. Joseph, Michigan, then from St. Joseph to Michigan City, Indiana, then race back to Chicago. Happy Sailing!”

-Rick Graef

Assistant Principal Horn

Big Brothers Big Sisters Summerfest

Monday, August 3, 2009 by Carol Baker

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Learning Community was out and about on Sunday at Military Park for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Summerfest. There were those big blow up outdoor bouncy houses, slide and games for "bigs", "littles" and their guests. Very cool. We felt pretty special to have been invited to set up a vendor table to share info about the ISO and its many concerts and programs. Thank you! BBBS!

Here's a picture of my colleague Beth as she talked to a middle school student about playing in her school band. Whoa! We learned that this girl also plays the violin, so we made sure she knows about our Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.

Good discussions with great people and a beautiful day. What more can someone ask for?!?

We'll look for you next time we're out and about!~

Thanks for the (Strings Scholars Camp) Memories!

Monday, July 20, 2009 by Carol Baker

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending a concert celebrating Butler Community Arts School's Strings Scholars camp on the campus of Butler University. This camp is open to students in grades 7-12 and several of our Metropolitan Youth Orchestra students participated. Favorite songs include Fiddlin' Around, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and a crazy medley guised as a arrangement of Beethoven's Ode to Joy.

This camp is wonderful, in that, in addition to offering daily orchestra rehearsals sectionals and technique classes with Butler faculty and music majors, participating students experience typical college music classes like music theory and electives include drumming, dance, and keyboard. Special sessions were also held on topics of college readiness and access, including how to prepare for an audition, choosing a major or a college, financial aid, career paths in music, and more...

It is duly noted that this stuff doesn't just happen by itself! The woman "behind the curtain" is Karen Thickstun who beautifully orchestrated an engaging, exciting program for these campers. (Hey, she even spent the week sleeping in a college dorm with several residential campers! That's dedication!!) My informal interviews with several MYO students following the concert spawned rave reviews!!

Thanks Karen for your tireless efforts! You really are amazing at what you do and programs like this would never be possible without someone like you working magic behind the curtain!!! The ISO values our relationship with you and the Butler Community Arts School!

THANK YOU!!

Side Note - This week BCAS is running its Strings Camp for ages 6-12. I'll be sure to stop by and say "hi" to some of our MYO students! See you there!

Don't miss this talented young lady (and she has a great nickname)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 by Jessica Di Santo

Thirteen-year-old Hannah Carroll began piano lessons at age eight and has been studying under Irina Gorin for the past four years. Hannah has been a finalist and winner of many piano competitions including The World Piano Competition in Cincinnati, Ohio, which earned her the invitation to play at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall for two consecutive years. In 2009, Hannah won first place in the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and the New World Youth Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition (junior divisions) and came in second in the 2009 Michael Ben and Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest, which earned her the chance to play with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra this weekend at Conner Prairie.

I watched Hannah rehearse the Grieg Piano Concerto today and had the chance to speak to her afterward. There’s never enough room in our program books to include everything about a guest artist. So I took a little time to get to know Hannah, the remarkably talented pianist and delightful young woman from Westfield, Indiana.

Your first orchestra appearance was with the New World Youth Orchestra. What was that like? It was neat! I enjoyed myself up there. All the musicians were young and the sound was so different as opposed to playing with an accompanist.

Tell me a little bit about your family.

I have an older sister named Abigail, who enjoys playing piano and clarinet. Abigail also sings and has a beautiful voice. My younger brother Jacob plays trumpet and was in a band once. We are home-schooled. My favorite subjects are English and Literature and my least favorite subject is Math.

What’s your favorite piece to play?

The Grieg Concerto I am playing with the ISO this weekend.

What’s your least favorite piece to play?

A Bach Fugue is very difficult. I like listening to Bach but playing it is hard.

What’s your favorite piece you have yet to play?

Franz Liszt’s “La Campanella.”

What’s your favorite piece to listen to?

Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.

What’s your dream job?

Concert pianist

If you didn’t work in music, what would you like to do?

I’d be drawing or ballet.

Outside of classical music, what other music to you listen to?

Hymns or the music from Charlie Brown.

What is your most prized possession?

My hands.

What is your most prized possession that you don’t have but would like to have?

A Steinway.

What piano do you have at home?

K Kawai.

What books do you enjoy? I don’t like old books very much. I do like Jane Austen.

Name your favorite book and movie.

Pride and Prejudice.

Where do you want to go to college? IU, Julliard or Curtis.

What other instrument would you like to play other than piano? Cello (or I would sing).

What else do you enjoy doing while at home?

I like cake decorating. My mom makes the cake and icing; I then decorate it. I decorated my own cake for my birthday. It was decorated in flowers.

Do you have a nickname?

Hannah Banana from Indiana

ISO Volunteering... a family tradition

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 by Carol Baker

This weekend at the Marsh Symphony On The Prairie for the July 4th holiday concerts, the Learning Community folks were out "in the field" once again with our holiday weekend pre-concert "entertainment" - the Proliance Energy Instrument Petting Zoo. While the Zoo was scheduled all weekend, I was only scheduled for Thursday evening.

Thursday was an all around A+ day. The weather was PURRRRRR-fect, the crowds manageable and the zoo volunteers impeccable!! PLUS!! Linda and I left the ISO offices PLENTY early to eat lunch at Sahms (Y-U-M). What more can you ask for on an A+ day? Well, we actually needed the fortitude of a hearty lunch because the biggest part of setting up on the first day is the wrangling of GIANT picnic tables into a usable formation under Conner Prairie's Bayt Pavilion. I know that may not sound like much, but... Ee-gads, those things are awkward and heavy!

With that aside, the most important part of an A+ Zoo day, even above weather, crowds, advanced planning and a good lunch are the volunteers. I don't mean to brag BUT our Zoo volunteers really are the best. We have a group of dedicated, hearty, loving, eager and reliable people volunteering for the ISO Learning Community and we know we are SSOOOOO lucky! Many thanks to all of our volunteers this weekend!

The first volunteers to show up on the scene Thursday afternoon were Beth Ann, Alan and Sara (seen above). I think Alan started volunteering with his mom when he 5 or so... now he's heading into 5th grade. Sara is one of our newest and youngest volunteers. Beth Ann, aka Mom, is actually the daughter of one of our ushers, Bev, who you all may know since she's always here ushering either at the Hilbert Circle Theatre or out at Conner Prairie. What can I say, the ISO is a family tradition!!

Speaking of family traditions, (now here comes the plug) "SOTP (as we call Symphony on the Prairie) is an awesome family tradition for so many hoosiers." Well!! It REALLY is!! Volunteering has also become a family tradition for Beth Ann, Alan and Sara as I believe Bev started out as a volunteer for us before she started ushering several years ago.

On Thursday as well we had several other awesome repeat volunteers and a few newbies - one from Indianapolis Ambassadors and a mom and two kids from the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.

Maybe you'd be interested in making volunteering for the ISO a tradition for you??

Thanks again to everyone who volunteered this weekend! We couldn't have done it w/o you!

Thank yous feel good... even late ones! =)

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by Carol Baker

Last week Brian Hoover - IPS teacher from Center for Inquiry - stopped by to drop off some letters from students who attended The Sallie Mae Fund Young People's Discovery Concerts in April. Unfortunately, Linda Noble who primarily works on this program wasn't here to accept the letters, so I stepped in.

Brian said he was in the area and apologized for the delivery lateness. P-shaw!! No need to apologize - we love to hear from our patrons no matter how young or old or... late!!! In the summer, our program events slow WAY down and we jump into high gear planning. If anything, these letters remind us of where we've been and where we're going.

Also, selected letters from this bunch will be posted for musicians to enjoy while others will be placed in specific musician mailboxes when a note references a particular instrument or solo. We all get a kick out of some of the things kids write... I'll try and get some of these posted on future blog postings....

I do have to say that my all-time favorite closer used by many students is "Your friend, signed..." or "Your pal,..." Yes, these kids are our friends and I hope they will visit us many, many more times!

It's never too late for letters! Thanks Brian for dropping them off!!

WAY TO GO MYO!!!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by Carol Baker

The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra’s reputation as a vibrant, valued and recognized community resource is growing and we should all feel proud!!! Reflecting on the events and happenings of this month, I am humbled by the incredible work of our MYO students and families! So much has occurred over the last 4 weeks and I believe it warrants some attention and applause! Congratulations!!

Just to recap…

Did you see the write up and picture in the Indy Star THIS Sunday? MYO was well presented by several students, MYO alums and teachers at a major ISO fundraiser called On Stage! designed to raise funds for the ISO’s education and outreach programs.

This month we saw the launching of the Indianapolis Arts Council’s postcard campaign for the arts promoting a safer city, a stronger economy and a vibrant community. I think we are all aware of the transformative power of the arts on our young people and the MYO program has been featured as a model program. To learn more about how you can help promote funding for the arts, visit - www.whattheartsmean.org.

Also, as proud as we are - our very own Betty Perry was honored by the Coalition for 100 Black Women as a “2009 Breakthrough Award” winner on June 6 at a special ceremony held at the Madame Walker Theatre! Way to go Ms. Perry!

If that wasn’t enough, you’ve likely heard about the concert at the Hilbert Circle Theatre with Grammy Award Winner and Playhouse Disney regular Dan Zanes and Friends. Dan Zanes was so taken with MYO that he’s making a donation in honor of MYO!! (Next time you see Ms. Perry, just call her the “Dancing Conductor” as Zanes likes to call her!!)

MYO is being recognized by many for its work with youth in our community and this program would not be successful today without the excellent, cooperative work of our parents, teachers and leader Ms. Perry!

WAY TO GO!!!