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!

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!

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.

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!!

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!

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!!!

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.

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???

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!