Experimentation leads to local change & national recognition

Group(s): Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

In celebration of the festival’s 2015 DREAM theme, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) created a festival event called “Second Chance Strings.” This creative program was a response to the oft-heard, wistful statement, “I always dreamed of playing the violin.” In just two-hours, adult participants had the opportunity to learn a part while being coached by a stand partner—a member of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra—and then perform a complete work with a professional soloist. The creativity and success of this event helped the ISO earn a coveted performance slot at “SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras” at the Kennedy Center in 2018, where they recreated “Second Chance Strings” in that community.

Today the ISO uses this program to build bridges in new communities. Beth Outland, then V.P. for Strategic Engagement, told us: “Spirit and Place provided the impetus to think differently about engaging people in a multigenerational music-making and the platform to experiment. The students thrived and learned by being put in the position of coach, and the adults exceeded their own expectations for trying something new. It was a beautiful example of the arts ability to build community, relationships and inspire personal growth. Because Spirt and Place created the space, the ISO and MYO found new ways to serve and live their mission.”