MYO Families are a gift!!

MYO Families are a gift! Thank you for the fond memories and great times together. I see a BRIGHT future ahead for MYO and wish you all the best and MORE!!

Thank you to everyone for the well wishes and love. I will miss my MYO family, but know that I am not far away. You are in my heart!

Love, Carol Baker

Cathy Morris and MYO Together Again!

On November 5 several of our MYO students performed with Cathy Morris at the Indiana Roof Ballroom for the Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser. It was a lovely evening and we were honored to perform with our big supporter. Cathy Morris told me that MYO started playing the Pachebel Canon with her MANY years ago and now it's become an MYO tradition!

Thank you Cathy for inviting us to perform!!

You can find pictures from this event HERE.

The Playathon Results Are In!!

We are still waiting on some matching funds, but the Playathon final numbers are IN!!!! After much anticipation, we are proud to announce that YOUR hard work has brought in $3,059.85!! WOW!

This record is one YOU helped to make.

We have special recognition that we would like to make to Loraine and Markeisha Laswell who really took this task and ran with it - bringing in OVER $1,000!! When I asked Ms. Laswell her secret, she told me she "had no problem asking people to help kids!!" WAY TO GO!!

Also, "Way to Go" to all of you for sharing your talents, time and treasure in support of MYO!

The Cat in the Hat with the GREAT, Great, Great... Ms. Perry

It's a blurry picture, but you can still tell. It's our very own Ms. Perry with The Cat in the Hat! Ms. Perry and I were visiting Flanner House Elementary and ran across our feline friend who was promoting November Read and Rhyme Aloud month at the Flanner House Library Branch. In fact, all of our Indianapolis Public Libraries are celebrating and you can get in on the fun.

This yearly program seeks to strengthen reading habits of families and those in daycares by challenging participants to read aloud at least four together hours during the month. Visit any of the Indianapolis Public libraries this month and sign up! Free program materials are provided.

Click HERE for more information.

MYO Families, Get Out and Read Aloud!

ISO Announces New ISO Music Director!!

Conductor Krzysztof Urbanski becomes the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s seventh Music Director effective Sept. 1, 2011, and at age 28, is the youngest music director among major orchestras in the United States. Urbanski will return to Indianapolis to conduct in concerts on May 20 and 21 and will lead the ISO in its Opening Night Gala in September 2011.

Undoubtedly one of the most interesting conducting talents to emerge in recent years, Urbanski has been attracting a considerable amount of attention throughout Europe where he is respected by orchestras, critics and audiences alike. He took the position of Chief Conductor of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra for the 2010-2011 season and was appointed to that role the week after his highly successful debut. In April of 2010, Urbanski made his U.S. debut with the Indianapolis Symphony and returned for a second visit during Marsh Symphony on the Prairie in June. In September, the ISO’s search committee unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Urbanski to the post, and the ISO musicians overwhelmingly supported the recommendation.

To get a free download of Krzysztof Urbanski conducting Dvorak's New World Symphony with the ISO, go to InstantEncore.com/IndianapolisSymphony and enter code: "Urbanski2010" in the redeem box in the upper right corner.

Read more about Urbanski.

Here is a video of yesterday's announcement.

Introducing More People to MYO - Thank you for your support!!

On Thursday, 10/7 the great, Great, GREAT... Ms. Perry took a group of MYO students, parents and teachers to an MYO fundraiser event hosted by Aga Morgan & Jennifer Lukemeyer and Brian and Mary Ann Sullivan at the Courtyard of The Watermark. Many people were introduced to the MYO program and were quite generous with their support that evening.

We would like to thank all of the students, parents and teachers who participated. Below is a video provided by Loraine Laswell of the group warming up before the big event. Click HERE to see photos from the event.

Playathon was a HIT!!

MYO's Annual Playathon at the Broad Ripple McDonald's this Saturday was a HIT! Thank you to all who supported this event either by performing, donating or cheering in the audience! We're sorting through our donations this week and we'll announce the total amount raised next week.

If you would like to review pictures from the event, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/myoindy/photos/sets to see pictures from the event. If you have pictures, videos, etc. to share, forward them to me at cbaker@IndianapolisSymphony.org and I'll post them on the MYO blog.

BTW, one of the parents sent me this video from the event. This is Alex McGrath and his father is accompanying him on the last piece. Thanks for sending this in!!

ICC is celebrating 25 years!

Nathan Kassab, Orchestra A cellist, was recently featured in an Indianapolis Children's Choir advertisement found in the Indy's Child magazine (pictured on left side) and someone tells me that Hannah is also featured in one of these ads.

Did you know that the Kassab family are very involved in ICC in addition to playing cello in MYO? Hannah and Nathan are in Orchestra A and Gabe, Veronica and Elizabeth are in Orchestra C.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ICC:

• Over 2,500 children from 19 counties participate in ICC.
• ICC groups have toured many countries, including: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Scotland, South Africa and Switzerland.

MYO wishes ICC an awesome silver anniverary!! Congratulations!

MYO Violist and The Annual Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Festival

Here are picures of me from my church's festival - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox festival.

There's delicious food (it is AMAZING), pastries, souveniers, and informational church tours. A little info about the ethnic Greek dancing is that I dance in the high school dance group. Almost every kid at my church is in the dance groups, from pre-k to early college, and we host our festival the weekend after Labor Day each year. I have been dancing for about ten years, now that I think about it!

My mom had this idea of me playing the violin part when she heard one of the songs which happens to be from an island in Greece where all of my dad's side is from, so it had more meaning this way also. It took tons of new skills of listening and copying exactly what is being played and how it is played, but it payed off in the end. It was a great success.

~ George Gemelas is a violist in MYO's Orchestra A

MYO Out in the Community

Mapleton-Fall Creek "State of the Neighborhood" Celebration was held on Saturday, 9/11 at the Raphael Medical Center and MYO was present and accounted for!!

Two of our MYO students, Markeisha Laswell and Justice Vaughn, performed beautiful solo selections before and after city officials touted the importance of neighborhood celebrations like this one! We heard from Mayor Ballard, Sentor Carson, Jackie Nytes and Federal Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. (Ms. Perry is pictured with Senator Carson and Council Rep Jackie Nytes.)

It was an exciting afternoon. Markeisha opened with an inspiring "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and Justice (pictured above) demonstrated her playing virtuosity with a Bach solo and the theme song to The Flintstones. Great fun! Thank you ladies for representing MYO so beautifully!

What did you do this summer?

What did you do this summer? Send us your news and pics and we'll post them on the MYO blog!

Here's an update from the Busch family....

"This summer was a very full one for the Busch family. A major accomplishment came for Evan in May as he ran the Indianapolis 500 Mini-Marathon. Before the day of the race he had only run about 8 miles at one time but he finished all 13.1 miles with a great time of 2 hours 29 minutes. He was not a runner before training for this race but is now training for the Indianapolis Marathon in October. After the race we focused on Lauren's graduation the 1st weekend of June followed by Strings and Jazzy Things camp the next week where Lauren was a counselor and Evan was a camper.

"The rest of June included work and a week of church VBS. Then we headed up to Battleground, IN for the annual Fiddlefest, taking classes and listening to great concerts. We ended the day having fun at the contra-dance. Butler strings scholars camp came at the end of the month. From there Evan headed down to Bloomington where he helped a new church with a summer ministry program for a week. After arriving back home to do laundry and clean up he left for a week in southern Indiana at a wilderness camp with our church youth group: swimming, shooting, football, Frisbee, fishing, paintball were some of the activities he enjoyed while he was there.

"August found us working for Hunter's Honey Farm at the county fair and attending the awesome BBQ dinner with Time for 3. During this time Lauren was busy getting ready to head off to Virginia for college, putting on a lovely bridal shower and preparing to be a bridesmaid for the wedding of her best friend, which was the Saturday before she left. We found our way to Patrick Henry College on August 16.

"We also went to two Indianapolis Indian games, played volleyball, basketball, went boating, attended the 1500 Gun and Knife Show and more Time for 3 events. It has been a great whirlwind of a summer."

A Letter from Lauren

Lauren Busch graduated from MYO last year and is experiencing her first year at Patrick Henry College. This letter details her first week at school. Lauren, we're very proud of you!!
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Hello All!

Well, it's Sunday...which means I made it through my first week of college!!! And what an awesome week it has been. I have intensely enjoyed every minute of every day here at PHC this week.

Last Saturday, to close the week of orientation and get geared up for the first week of school PHC held the annual freshman talent show. There were about a dozen acts, ranging from musical to theatrical. I played a Celtic fiddle piece with my new-found violin friend Hannah and a guy named Tait on guitar. The grand finale was a guy who plays the bagpipes....and wow was he amazing! I've never seen anybody play bagpipes that fast. (Would you believe on a campus as small as ours that we have two bagpipe players?) The talent show was alot of fun and was a great way to get to know people.

Monday brought the long-awaited day...convocation and the first day of classes. Convocation was an exciting event. Everyone dresses up and all the faculty wear the full academic regalia. (If you want to see click on PHC Visuals on the main page of http://www.phc.edu/ and watch the little video.) The hymns and scripture reading had obviously been carefully selected and were filled with meaning. Our provost delivered a very insightful and challenging address and our chancellor led in a special time of prayer to dedicate faculty, students, and all we have and are to the Lord this year. It was a very special time for me.

As I mentioned, Monday also brought the first day of classes....logic, US history, and our PHC portfolio class to be specific.The famous Dr. Spinney teaches the US history...he is an incredibly knowledgeable guy and both he and his class are universal favorites. I have really enjoyed it so far, and it will probably end up being my favorite too.

Tuesday brought on history of western civ, theology, and research & writing. Western civ is an exciting class - absolutely fascinating and rather fast paced. Our professor is very enthusiastic. Surprisingly though, theology is the most entertaining class. Dr. Cox is so hilarious...not something I was necessarily expecting from a doctor of theology. Despite his humorous side, he takes God's word very seriously, and I have gleaned several profound thoughts from his class already. Research & writing is my least favorite class, though I'm sure it will be very beneficial. :)

I was very excited for Friday, because it brought my first chamber orchestra rehearsal. We have 10 violins, 2 violas, and 1 cello at this point (though I found another cellist and am going to press gang her into joining! :) I like the repertoire we are going to do this year, and I really like Dr. McCormick, the string director. Of course it helps him out that he has some Hoosier roots...he went to school at IU (So he is one of 2 people on campus who know where Martinsville is!)

Saturday I had my first experience working in the dining hall. Saturday morning is just a continental breakfast and most everybody sleeps in, so we weren't real busy. I mostly helped prep stuff for lunch and dinner. I peeled a bag of carrots the size of a duffel bag. It seemed to take forever, but Adalid (one of the chefs) said, in his delicious Costa-rican accent, "Oh, you are faster". :) I worked again this afternoon. It is definitely easier than waitressing, and everybody you have to deal with is super nice and polite, so it's a good job. (And by the way, the dining hall food is AMAZING! I'm going to have to be real careful. ;)

So the first week has definitely been a good one. I am all settled into my room, and get along well with my roommates, Emily and Mary Sue. (In case you didn't get the "orientation newsletter": I am in Mount Vernon, aka D1, the most conveniently located dorm, with a lovely view from my desk overlooking Lake Bob.) Every class has been so enjoyable that I haven't been ready for them to end when the professor dismisses us. All the students here are so intelligent and insightful...it is really exciting to be in a place where you can learn so much not only from your professors but your peers as well. (Funny story: A TV show host once asked Dr. Farris on air if it was easier to get into heaven than PHC...Dr. Farris said yes.) I am so glad to be here, even though I am starting to miss my family. I know God is going to grow me tremendously. This year is going to be alot of work, but if the weeks to come are anything like this one it will be well worth it.

I don't plan on writing "epistle" length newsletters every week, but since this was the first one there was alot to say to get started. Thank you all who are praying for me as I continue to adjust to the college life and workload.

With Love,
Lauren

Krystle Ford In New York

We are proud of our MYO alums and MYO alumna Krystle Ford has been up to lots of cool things while living in NYC...

Krystle Ford, prodigy of MYO, (under the direction of Ms. Betty Perry), is a 2006 graduate of Butler University Jordan College of Fine Arts. Krystle has had many opportunities to showcase her talents, since graduating from Butler University and moving to New York, to pursue her passion for music as a jazz violinist. She also worked at the Lincoln Center for the past 2 years.

Playing with Indianapolis Jazz legend, Dr. Larry Ridley, who settled in New York years earlier and serving as her mentor, Krystle has had the opportunity to display her talent with Ridley and the Jazz Legacy Ensemble at Jazz Mobile in Harlem, International Association of Jazz Educators conference, Nubian Heritage concert series produced by the jazz Museum of Harlem, and at several jazz tribute concerts at the Schomburg Center. She also performed at the NAJRI (NCCU AAJC Jazz Research Institute) Jazz Conference at North Carolina Central University implemented by Ridley, which is dedicated to the preservation of Jazz, especially in the African American communities and universities.

Krystle was featured in Power Magazine last year as un upcoming inspiring Artist to watch out for.

She has played with the women’s jazz group SAGE, well known in the NY area, for various weddings, school programs, churches and fundraisers. Last year the group played a concert for the residents in Martha’s Vineyard. In addition to playing for various schools in Manhattan and Mt. Vernon NY, Krystle has also volunteered her time as a 3rd grade math and reading tutor for the Achiever’s First Academy, a Brooklyn charter school.
Krystle has played for the Southampton Film Fest, and recently opened for gospel artist, Kim Burrell in Southampton NY; She will be returning to the Hamptons this September to play for the Arts Harvest.

Last week she had the opportunity to play for small private congressional fundraiser for Kevin Powell, 10th congressional district candidate for the United State House of Representatives, in the home of Dorothy Siegel. The program also featured legendary poet Sonia Sanchez.

Constantly keeping busy, Krystle is currently working on writing and arranging, and studying jazz/bluegrass violin with Alan Grubner in Brooklyn. She is also planning to enroll in Columbia next fall to obtain a masters in music education.

Way to go Krystle! We're very proud of your ah-mazing accomplishments!

Sewanee Summer Music Festival - Awesome Experience!

To Our Family and Friends,

We would like to send a great big THANK YOU to everyone for their tremendous support allowing us (Joilyn, Julian and Jameel Martin) the opportunity to attend the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. Any and all of the contributions provided, whether prayer, financial, personal items, or food were very much appreciated, as everything supported our efforts to have an awesome experience while at Sewanee, The University of the South Summer Music Festival.


We must say that this summer was a learning experience for us. While adjusting to a rigorous schedule of rehearsals, practices, private lessons, and performances, we were also expected to maintain and clean our rooms and keep up with our laundry and other belongings. This is no easy task at home; however, things went well while adjusting to campus life. There were a few missing or lost items – for example, we lost a key, music, and an ID and didn’t have them all summer, but they were discovered when we packed to go home or unpacked when we got home!


As expected, our passion for music has been taken to another level, along with the desire to continue on with our goals in the music/orchestra arena. Composers, compositions, and college-required audition pieces have now become a common topic for discussion in our home. We are now back to our daily lives with music being heard from sunrise to sunset, ongoing individual practicing, researching, and listening to performance on the computer and our trio music.

We’ve attached a few pictures of our time; hope you enjoy them.

Sincerely, Joilyn, Julian, and Jameel Martin

Mayor Ballard Presents $4 Million in Crime Prevention Grant Awards

MYO, as you know, was awarded a Crime Prevention Grant from the City of Indianapolis this past semester. On June 8, the city held a press conference awarding the money to recipients...


Mayor Ballard Presents $4 Million in Crime Prevention Grant Awards

On June 8, Mayor Greg Ballard and city officials distributed funds to the 2010 Community Crime Prevention Grant Program recipients. Over the course of the year, $4 million dollars will be awarded to community organizations which have implemented programs aimed at deterring crime. The goal of the City's program is to reduce criminal activity through funding initiatives that fulfill documented gaps in existing services and promote partnerships among existing institutions and programs that reach and engage neighborhoods residents. The award recipients were chosen through the combined efforts of the City County Council's Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee, the Crime Prevention Advisory Committee, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, and the City of Indianapolis.

Transforming Children's Lives Through Music - Gustavo Dudamel

Take a look at what's happening in Los Angeles at the LA Philharmonic. The Venezuelan social program credited for transforming the lives of children - El Sistema - has landed!! Check out what incredible things young people are doing with music!

Take Five at a recent school concert... what are you up to?? Please share!!

If you have a video or picture that you would like to share with MYO, please let us know. Send it to Carol Baker at cbaker@IndianapolisSymphony.org and I'll post it on the blog!!

Here is a new video that came across my desk. Check it out! Joilyn, Julian, Jameel Martin Take Five at a recent school concert...

Angela Brown Meets MYO Members

Internationally acclaimed soprano and former Indianapolis resident ANGELA BROWN meets MYO students at the Annual Meeting for the Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation event in April! This was an exciting event for us because MYO was invited to perform before businesses serving residents in the heart of Indianapolis, PLUS the awesome opportunity to meet this Indianapolis superstar.

Angela Brown has performed all over the world and that day agreed to keep an eye on the Martin family (Julian, Joilin and Jameel - MYO students who performed before and after the event) as a mentor! Wow! Way to go!

Candyce Says Hello from Virginia Beach

One of our MYO family members has been studying to become a member of the US Marine Corps Band and recently sent us a note... Candyce McClung who graduated in May 2009, gives MYO a shout out!

Hi. It's Candyce. I want to let you all know that I am doing great here at the School of Music. As you all know, I am currently in Virginia Beach studying to become a basic musician in the United States Marine Corps Band. So far, I have passed all of my midterms and I got 2.7 on my F1 which is like a playing test to see how far I've come along on my playing. In order to graduate, I need to have a 2.7, so I already met that point, and now I plan to have my name put on the 3.0 plaque. I performed Erland von Koch's Monolog 3 on clarinet, and now I am preparing Rossini's Introduction, Theme and Variations for Bb Clarinet and Piano. I found out my duty station, and I will be in going to Camp Pendleton, CA. Yesterday, I went to my very first tattoo. A tattoo is like a marching band performance, except it's not a competition. There were bands from all over the nation. Korea, Japan, France, Scotland, and the Netherlands. It was so amazing to see all of them marching side by side in unison with all of the band masters.

Congratulations Charlie and LaDonna

Charlie Teague and LaDonna Reck, parents of Orchestra C student Mackayla, tied the knot on Saturday, March 27, 2010. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Nick Kendall Visits MYO

Nick Kendall of Time for Three visited the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra during rehearsals this month making stops at Orchestra C and D rehearsals. What did he talk about?? Why, his improvisation, cross-over music and practicing!!!

Luckily, he didn't get out the door without jamming with our young musicians! Check out this unique video of Nick Kendall and the Orchestra D (our youngest students) performing a student favorite - the "Up and Down" song!!

We're Proud of our Orchestras C & D

Solo recitals were scheduled for our Orchestras C and D students for Sunday, December 13 at Butler University. All of our students performed beautifully - pieces they've learned in their private lessons and pieces they've practiced together in rehearsals. Even students who have only been playing for a couple of months performed a solo! Wow!!! Below is a video of one of our Orchestra D song favorites! It was such a favorite that everyone joined in on the chorus!! Check it out!! Feel free to sing along!



When you're done with that one, check out why the audience broke out in cheers on this one!