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.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Scary Story, 11/14/09

Our Orchestra D class has been cookin' up a "Scary Story" to tell all their friends. Listen closely as Ms. Seiler narrates. Don't be scared!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Beginnings Again...

The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra held family orientation/retreats the week of 9/1 led by our friends Rebecca and Dante with Theater of Inclusion (http://theaterofinclusion.com). If you've never heard of TOI, they are made up of this fantasticly artistic duo who design and facilitate workshops for youth, teaching teams, and corporate groups. Their workshops often focus on developing character, strengthening cooperation, and intensifying team building. Our family retreat covered creating a positive and inviting learning environment for MYO, developing common vocabulary and developing a culture of inclusiveness --- All concepts integral to MYO's program success!



One of the activities involved building, drawing and studying this tower of blocks...

Question: What do you see? Some parent/student responses included:

> Building of knowledge
> Different pieces/shapes (blocks) representing the MYO community
> Teamwork - we all have important roles
> Setting of goals

Another Question: How is this tower like me? Responses included:

> Like the blocks, I am connected to my family and my orchestra
> I focus my attention on my goals and stand straight
> I am prepared and ready
> Parts of me are strong and other parts weak
> I am strong

What does a "tower of blocks" mean to you? How is a "tower of blocks" like you? As I come to work everyday, I think of my work not as a whole, but as a part of something bigger. I look around at piles and piles of "to-do"s on my desk or in my computer and I think - what kind of building block do I need to be today or what building block am I going to use today... Each pending or completed task, each interaction with a colleague, MYO family and donor are also building blocks. We'd like for you to be a building block too. What can you bring to our tower to build it taller and stronger?

In general, I love "beginnings and endings" of things. The cyclical nature of my work keeps me going each and every year at the ISO. As towers are built they occassionally crumble and have to be reinforced or taken down and started all over again. Working in educational and community settings has taught me that that's OK. This is how we learn and grow. This is how we make things better or stronger. We just have to be brave enough and have the courage to keep going.

To all of our MYO friends and family, we are looking forward to an awesome year together. Our tower is going to be beautifully constructed and amply supported. I can't wait to see what the year brings and how our tower of blocks will look. With everyone's help it'll be an MYO masterpiece!!

We can make it stronger by working together.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

What Did YOU Do Last Summer??


MYO families! Let us know what you were up to this summer... camps, games, trips, movies, picnics, etc. Did you visit family from far away? Did you get caught up on your TV shows? Did you write that novel? How about practicing your quadratic equation solving?

Just share your experiences by commenting to this post.

Happy sharing!!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Thanks for the (Strings Scholars Camp) memories!

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending a concert celebrating Butler Community Arts School's Strings Scholars camp on the campus of Butler University. This camp is open to students in grades 7-12 and several of our MYO students participated. Favorite songs include Fiddlin' Around, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and a crazy medley guised as a arrangement of Beethoven's Ode to Joy.

This camp is wonderful, in that, in addition to offering daily orchestra rehearsals sectionals and technique classes with Butler faculty and music majors, participating students experience typical college music classes like music theory and electives include drumming, dance, and keyboard. Special sessions were also held on topics of college readiness and access, including how to prepare for an audition, choosing a major or a college, financial aid, career paths in music, and more...

It is duly noted that this stuff doesn't just happen by itself! The woman "behind the curtain" is Karen Thickstun who beautifully orchestrated an engaging, exciting program for these campers. (Hey, she even spent the week sleeping in a college dorm with several residential campers! That's dedication!!) My informal interviews with several MYO students folowing the concert spawned rave reviews!!

Thanks Karen for your tireless efforts! You really are amazing at what you do and programs like this would never be possible without someone like you working magic behind the curtain!!!

THANK YOU!!

This week BCAS is running its Strings Cammp for ages 6-12. I'll be sure to stop by and say "hi" to some of our students! See you there!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

WAY TO GO MYO!!!

The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra’s reputation as a vibrant, valued and recognized community resource is growing and we should all feel proud!!! Reflecting on the events and happenings of this month, I am humbled by the incredible work of our MYO students and families! So much has occurred over the last 4 weeks and I believe it warrants some attention and applause! Congratulations!!

Just to recap…

Did you see the write up and picture in the Indy Star THIS Sunday? MYO was well presented by several students, MYO alums and teachers at a major ISO fundraiser called On Stage! designed to raise funds for the ISO’s education and outreach programs.



This month we saw the launching of the Indianapolis Arts Council’s campaign for the arts promoting a safer city, a stronger economy and a vibrant community. I think we are all aware of the transformative power of the arts on our young people and the MYO program has been featured as a model program. To learn more about how you can help promote funding for the arts, visit - www.whattheartsmean.org.

Also, as proud as we are - our very own Betty Perry was honored by the Coalition for 100 Black Women as a “2009 Breakthrough Award” winner on June 6 at a special ceremony held at the Madame Walker Theatre! Way to go Ms. Perry!



If that wasn’t enough, you’ve likely heard about the concert at the Hilbert Circle Theatre with Grammy Award Winner and Playhouse Disney regular Dan Zanes and Friends. Dan Zanes was so taken with MYO that he’s making a donation in honor of MYO!! (Next time you see Ms. Perry, just call her the “Dancing Conductor” as Zanes called her!!)

MYO is being recognized by many for its work with youth in our community and this program would not be successful today without the excellent, cooperative work of our parents, teachers and leader Ms. Perry!

WAY TO GO!!!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Jazzin' It Up!!!





Yesterday I dropped by Broad Ripple HS. Some of the MYO students are a part of the Philharmonic of Indianapolis' education program called Strings and Jazzy Things camp and I wanted to check in on our kids!

I came at a good time... about 45 minutes before lunch! No, but seriously, I sat in a strings workshop with Monika Herzig and her band as she taught the kids the basics of improv. She began with blues scale, blues patterns and basslines and followed up with two pieces - Harry "Sweets" Edison's Centerpiece and a little Duke Ellington C-Jam Blues. Keiryn and Aren from MYO both had that Edison melody stuck in their heads for the rest of the day! Here's a pic (below) as they're plucking out the melody.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

What The Arts Mean To Me...

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO @ MYO!

http://whattheartsmean.org/share-videos/126-the-arts-mean-a-safer-city.html

What do the arts mean to you???

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Zanes and MYO Friends... May 31 in Concert


Members of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra filed back into the ISO’s Large Rehearsal Hall just after 12:30 PM on Sunday following a morning rehearsal with the Disney Playhouse famed band Dan Zanes and Friends. The youth orchestra was invited to perform with the popular children’s music band on their Indianapolis concert at the Hilbert Circle Theatre.




“What is wrong with your hair?” Markeisha Laswell asked of the Grammy Award winning child music star Dan Zanes when he stopped by the rehearsal hall for a quick hello after the morning rehearsal. Justice Vaughn then grabbed the opportunity to ask how he gets his hair to look like that. Zanes’ eyes widened as he quipped with “I use a little bees wax and my man claws.” Surprised, the two 10 year olds ran to the other side of the room giggling.





Shortly thereafter, Elena Moon Park from the band invited the orchestra to play on the concert’s finale, Bye, Bye, Roseanna – a piece they had not rehearsed. She had no sheet music in hand for the orchestra’s director, Ms. Perry - only her ukulele as she plucked out a short series of notes. The kids picked the little diddly up and added it to their set. Very cool! Hey, like the professionals!

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!