ABOUT ME

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The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO) is a youth and family development program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The program is designed to use the life skills learned in music instruction to engage youth in activities that discourage at-risk behaviors and keep them committed to staying in school.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I recognize a few of these people! =)

This says it was videotaped in 2007. Does anyone know exactly when this was recorded and the names of the 4 soloists? I see Jesse and I think I see Jameel on the end (with his back turned to the camera.)

Friday, May 22, 2009

Summer of Curriculum Planning


We've just assembled a group of teachers and conductors to assist in articulating a set curriculum for the MYO program over the summer months. We're very excited as we piece together this piece of the puzzle to form a stronger, more consistent program for our MYO families!

Our curricula will address the following:

  1. Identifying benchmarks for each orchestra (what should a student be able to do)

  2. Understanding the characteristics of each developmental age group

  3. Creating universal expectations for behavior and culture

  4. Planning for implementation with the Conductor, Instructor, Parent, and Student in mind

  5. Articulating the methodology for each group
Wish us well!! =)

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Academy Orchestra Learns from the Pros



This is a posting made by our MYO feeder school - Christel House Academy. Their school orchestra attended an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra rehearsal on May 8.



Monday, May 11, 2009

Academy Orchestra Learns from the Pros

Academy students from the Cole-Porter Family Orchestra at Christel House Academy enjoyed a visit to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on Friday. Carol Baker, Director of Education for the Symphony gave a tour of the Hilbert Circle Theatre and the children attended a dress rehearsal of Beethoven Fifth and Brahm's First. The students sat in the balcony, closely observing the professionals that played the same instruments as they did. The musicians of the ISO acknowledged the students and gave a warm round of applause for being young musicians.



The day ended with a visit from Mario Venzago, Music Director of the Symphony. Mario shared his background and career story with the children and held a Question and Answer session. Also in attendance were Margaret Cole-Russel, responsible for making the Orchestra a reality, and her husband, Steve Russel.
Thanks to all who made this great experience happen!

The Cole-Porter Family Orchestra has been in existence since fall 2008 and has since performed at the Mayor of Indianapolis' State of the City address, the Charter Schools ROCK the State House event and other local events.

MYO Picnic at Garfield Park --- Brrrr!



Thank you for the great time on Saturday at the MYO picnic at Garfield Park. I wish the weather had been a little more cooperative, but with good friends and good spirits, we had a great time together. Thank you!!


Thank you to the parents who really pulled together our picnic logistics! Three cheers! Hip, hip hooray!


Keep in touch over the summer! Many of you are taking advantage of summer camps and other activities. Share your stories and what you've learned!


Also, check out the attached video from the picnic of your fearless leader - Ms. Perry - as she demonstrates one of her many talents!



Monday, May 11, 2009

Americans for the Arts - Brahms Breakfast

Why Ask For More? Just like kids need to have good nutrition on a daily basis, kids need to have their daily serving of the arts. Chances are, though, that your kids are not getting enough art—in or out of school. The arts are much more than just fun "extra" activities for kids. Studies have shown the far-reaching benefits of an arts education.

MYO Summer Planning - Next 4 Months


Last week we mailed some Central Indiana summer camp info to MYO families. We'd like to keep our students involved in positive music activities while out of school and while our program re-boots over this summer.


Today, we're looking at the months of MAY, JUNE, JULY and AUGUST figuring out what needs to be done at what time to ensure we are on task. We've got a lot of work ahead, but it's all worth it. MYO is an awesome program! Some of our objectives during this timeframe include:
  • Articulating a sequential curriculum plan for each orchestra instilling common vocabulary, goals and expectations for students and families as well as repertoire selection that supports the curriculum

  • Reviewing program policies and procedures for tracking student progress

  • Designing an instrument care educational component for MYO students that is appropriate to each age level

  • Developing and fining tune database and reporting tools

  • Identifying college prepartory community resources for collaboration support

  • Developing a parent volunteer support council

  • Creating and organizing a music library inventory

  • Building the 2009-2010 calendar of activities and securing rehearsal and performance locations

These are just a few of our summer goals. If you're interested in giving us a hand, please give us a shout out!




Friday, May 8, 2009

May 2, 2009 - Jazz and Jam Concert

The MYO Jazz and Jam Concert was held at the Madame Walker Theatre on Saturday, May 2. Students put their best foot forward with their performance and groove! Special Guest Artists included local jazz greats, George "Sparkey" Smith and Billie Wooten. The place was hopping.

We had a little Duke Ellington mixed with some traditional tunes from our Suzuki books. Highlights include jazz solos by many of our MYO students, a performance by our very own Orchestra P (for Parent) and guests from the Christel House Academy and Flanner House Elementary.

Wish you could have been there!