Growing Originality
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.
Schools & The Classroom
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.
Concert Hall
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.
Meeting Academic Standards
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra educational programs meet requirements of Indiana Department of Education Academic Standards and support skills needed for a 21st century workforce.
Indiana Academic Standards
Language Arts
Reading: Vocabulary development, comprehension
Writing: Response to performance
Music
Listening to, analyzing and describing music
Understanding relationships between music, the arts, and other disciplines outside of the arts
Understanding music in relation to history and culture
Evaluating and critiquing music and musical performance
Social Studies
Geography
Individual, Society and Culture
History
21st Century Learning Skills
Creativity, Communication, Collaboration and Critical Thinking
New Virtual Education Programs
In 2021, the ICO was able to develop 3 new Virtual Education Programs complete with curriculum guides for education professionals.
If you are a teacher, you may request free access to download and share this content for educational purposes only.
Tall Tales & Long Tails
Program is designed for ages K-3 and features Peter and the Wolf and Flight of the Bumblebee. The program teaches the connection between the language arts and music.
What Makes Music American
Designed for Grades 4-8, this program dives into the rich and somewhat uncelebrated roots of American compositions. Students will experience pieces by living composers and composers of color, with incredible guest artists, and dance.
This program was developed with the support from Central Indiana Community Foundation.
Domination & Defiance
For Grades 9-12, Domination & Defiance explores the lives and messages of important historical figures, composers, and world leaders. Focusing on oppression, prejudice, racism and social injustice, the program shares an inspiring message of hope in the ongoing quest for peace and justice.
