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.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Betty as a Teacher

Part 4: Get to Know the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra

Betty, Artistic Director of MYO, is a native of New York City and a product of the renowned Third Street Settlement Music School. She has held a career as a successful violist, master teacher and conductor. 

During her time with the Third Street Music School Settlement, Perry was inspired to devote her life to teaching and providing music opportunities for youth regardless of economic need.   Her focus was to use music as a vehicle to help strengthen families and to bring diverse communities together. To that end, Ms. Perry developed music programs for youth in cities throughout Indiana, including the Tri-County Youth Orchestra, the Ebony and Essence Chamber Orchestra, and currently the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra which was established in 1995.


Perry attended the New York College of Music, Mannes College of Music, and Butler University.  She was a co-founder and former principal violist of the Harlem Symphony Orchestra in NYC.  Perry has been a member of the Symphony of the New World, NYC, the Richmond Symphony, IN and has held principal positions in the Kokomo Symphony and the Wabash College Chamber Orchestra.