Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Youth and Family Programs
45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204
About
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Youth and Family Programs include the Teddy Bear Series, which introduces preschool and kindergarten students to the orchestra through story, movement, and live music. Discovery Concerts are structured so children in grades 3–6 hear a live orchestra, and Words on Music takes place before each Classical concert to share behind-the-curtain perspectives from musicians, conductors, guest artists, and community hosts. The programs also include a Side-by-Side concert with a 100+ piece orchestra of students and professionals, the Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest with Rising Star and Young Musician categories, and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, where a parent or guardian learns a stringed instrument alongside their student for the first several years.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
The Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest encourages accomplished young Indiana musicians through grade 12, and the winner performs their prize-winning concerto with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra during the Side-by-Side concert. More than 1,000 students have shared the stage with professional musicians in Side-by-Side since it began in 1991. The Teddy Bear Series has produced three picture books, and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Betty Perry and now directed by Krystle Ford, serves more than 200 students and their families each year. The Education and Community Engagement Department delivers a spectrum of programs serving the community and reaches more than 20,000 people per year.
Founded in 1930, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in the nation and is preparing for its 2030 centennial celebration. As Indiana’s largest non-profit performing arts organization, it welcomes more than 200,000 people to its concerts and educational programs each year across some 150 concerts and mainstage educational programs over a 12‑month season. The orchestra states that its mission is to inspire and unite the community through its music and offers musical programs inside and outside its historic Hilbert Circle Theatre home.
Last updated May 12, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
The Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest encourages accomplished young Indiana musicians through grade 12, and the winner performs their prize-winning concerto with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra during the Side-by-Side concert. More than 1,000 students have shared the stage with professional musicians in Side-by-Side since it began in 1991. The Teddy Bear Series has produced three picture books, and the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Betty Perry and now directed by Krystle Ford, serves more than 200 students and their families each year. The Education and Community Engagement Department delivers a spectrum of programs serving the community and reaches more than 20,000 people per year.
Founded in 1930, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in the nation and is preparing for its 2030 centennial celebration. As Indiana’s largest non-profit performing arts organization, it welcomes more than 200,000 people to its concerts and educational programs each year across some 150 concerts and mainstage educational programs over a 12‑month season. The orchestra states that its mission is to inspire and unite the community through its music and offers musical programs inside and outside its historic Hilbert Circle Theatre home.
Last updated May 12, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.