ISO’s Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Celebrates 20 Years with Free Jazz Concert April 10
More than two dozen alumni from across the United States to perform with the orchestra, along with MYO alumni parents and instructors
Premiere of MYOverture, by current MYO student Alex McGrath, will open performance
Founder, Artistic Director Betty Perry to be recognized for contributions to families, the community
INDIANAPOLIS (April 5, 2016)—The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO), a community program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with a free jazz concert at 3 p.m. this Sunday, April 10, at Hilbert Circle Theatre.
Dozens of MYO alumni will return from across the country to perform with the orchestra; including Kevin Randolph, who succeeded alum and current MYO associate director Krystle Ford at the Noel Pointer Foundation in New York. Also notable is the participation of 10 members of the Bottoms family, spanning three generations. Cleve Bottoms, the patriarch of the family, will play soprano saxophone as a guest artist along with Cathy Morris, MYO alumni parent and national recording artist.
North Central sophomore Alex McGrath composed MYOverture this past summer in anticipation of the 20th Anniversary concert. His original piece, which will open the concert, includes samples of many of the songs MYO students learn as they progress through the program.
MYO is a program of the ISO’s Learning Community. It aims to prevent at-risk behaviors and keep students in school by helping youth and families develop life skills through the rehearsal and performance of music. Since becoming a part of the ISO in 2008, 100 percent of MYO graduating seniors have gone on to post-secondary education.
What: Free jazz concert to celebrate MYO’s 20th Anniversary
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: April 10
Place: Hilbert Circle Theatre
Who: Interviews can be arranged with students, alumni, parents and speakers. Please contact [email protected] to attend.
- MYO founder and artistic director Betty Perry, recipient of Butler University’s Jordan College of Arts Legacy Award
- Martha Lamkin, chair, MYO 20th anniversary committee and immediate past chair, ISO Board of Directors
- Nearly 300 performers including students, parents and alumni of MYO
Read more about the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra here.
For more information about all Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presentations, call the Hilbert Circle Theatre Box Office at (317) 639-4300. Outside Indianapolis, call toll free (800) 366-8457.
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