indianapolis youth wind ensemble

Founded in 1995, and dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of music education, achieving musical excellence, and bringing the gift of music to the community, the Indianapolis Youth Wind Ensemble is open to all wind, brass, and percussion students in grades 8-12 for the 2010-2011 school year (including home-schooled students). Students are required to participate in their school music programs. Exceptions will be made only if a signed waiver is obtained from a school music director or if the student is home-schooled. All students must audition to be accepted in the IYWE. Members typically represent 25-30 public and private schools in central Indiana, including the communities of Carmel, Kokomo, and Lafayette.

Led by Music Director Dr. James Spinazzola, the Indianapolis Youth Wind Ensemble consists of an auditioned band of outstanding high school musicians. The Indianapolis Youth Wind Ensemble rehearses each Sunday from August through May at the International School of Indiana from 4:00 - 6:00 PM and performs four concerts throughout the year. The IYWE program is designed to provide students with an excellent learning opportunity allowing them to explore their musical abilities and expand their knowledge. This serves as an enhancement of participation in their school music program.

AUDITIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Students interestied in IYWE membership should contact the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra at (317) 940 - 9607 or info@icomusic.org to set up an audition.

Students should prepare two contrasting pieces that show their ability on their instrument, with a maximum of four minutes of material. (Music excerpts are acceptable.) There will also be a short sight-reading exercise.

Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held weekly on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 - 6:00 PM from August through May at the International School of Indiana, Taurel Building. (4330 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis 46208).

Concerts
November 7, 2010 at 4:00 PM (Location TBD)
December 18, 2010 at 12:00 PM at the Indianapolis Artsgarden
March 6, 2011 at 4:00 PM at North Central High School
May 15, 2011 at 4:00 PM (Location TBD)

Tuition
Tuition is $300 for the IYWE season and is non-refundable. Please make check or money order payable to the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Scholarship assistance is available. Advance payments may be mailed to the ICO at the address below.

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
4603 Clarendon Road, Suite 36
Indianapolis, IN 46208

IYWE Students
Members of the IYWE include All-State Band players as well as numerous ISSMA Solo/Ensemble Competition gold and silver medal winners. Graduating seniors in the past few years have received college scholarships and participated in prominent programs at Eastman, Harvard, Butler, Vanderbilt, Cincinnati Conservatory, and more.

Opportunities and Benefits
The IYWE is a program of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and benefits from the interaction with the ICO's professional musicians. ICO musicians lead sectional rehearsals throughout the year and perform as guest artists at IYWE concerts. In addition, IYWE students receive tickets to ICO concerts. Call the ICO for more details.

Throughout the year students are selected for solo and chamber performance opportunities as well as leadership positions such as the Student Assistant Conductor. The final concert of each season is dedicated to the graduating seniors with special solo opportunities and awards for years of involvement.

Additional activities include seminars on such topics as college decisions and preparing for auditions, and social events including refreshments at rehearsals and dinner before select concerts.

Parent Involvement
Parents are encouraged to be involved with the ensemble through a variety of opportunities including serving as chaperones at rehearsals and ushers at concerts. Parents provide refreshments for social events and help with the IYWE's marketing and fundraising efforts.

IYWE Member Quotes
"For me, the IYWE is a place where I can come and play incredible music with talented peers, with whom I am able to learn from and further my playing." - IYWE Alumna

"As a parent I was pleased with the wide variety of music to which IYWE members were exposed! I always looked forward to the concerts and liked the variety of venues." - IYWE Parent

To set up an audition or for additional information, please contact:
Julia Johnston, Operations & Education Manager
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
(317) 940 - 9607
jjohnston@icomusic.org