Education Connections

Education lies at the core of the ICO’s mission. Both educational and entertaining, ICO concerts provide exposure to and enjoyment of diverse musical compositions, some rarely performed, with curated themes, informative program notes, and pre-concert chats with the Maestro and/or guest artists.

Specific to youth, ICO delivers programs designed to connect students with live music experiences in schools, the concert hall, or through professionally coached student ensemble performances for the purpose of fostering creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and problem solving.

ICO FUNtastic Classics, targeted to children in grades K-6, combines music and curriculum-related material, (e.g. folk literature, history, or cultural studies) to introduce children to the instrument groups of the orchestra and demonstrate the concept of communicating ideas and emotions through music.

ICO Residencies assist schools in strengthening their orchestra programs with classroom coaching by professional musicians and “side-by-side” school concerts. ICO maintains regular residencies at Christel House Academy and Manual High School in Indianapolis.

ICO Concert Connections brings nearly 200 students annually to the concert venue for live concert experiences. Made possible with underwriting support from Indianapolis Rotary Foundation and Regions Bank.

Composers with a Conscience, a cross-curricular program for high school students, provides a musical platform for social discourse within a historical context. Showcasing works by Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Copland, the program also features James Aikman’s Peacemakers inspired by the legacies of individuals who fought for peace around the world in the 20th century. Partnership with Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler Arts Center.

Master Classes by ICO musicians and guests artists are concentrated public coachings for local and regional musicians at various levels. These are free and open to the public. Artists also engage in Convocations with Butler University music students. These may include informal lectures related to artistry, career path or ancillary interests.