Free music from some of the city’s best musicians and a fun way to celebrate Black History Month will take place when
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) presents its annual Celebration of Black History free concert at the Hilbert Circle Theatre on Feb. 15 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The theater doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
“This is a great way to honor the significant impact African-American artists, composers and conductors have had on classical and symphonic music,” said Tim Northcutt, a spokesman for the ISO. “We are looking forward to an amazing evening of wonderful music, from traditional spirituals to Duke Ellington and a variety of colorful selections.”
This year’s guest conductor will be Kazem Abdullah, an Indianapolis native who has conducted numerous orchestras throughout the U.S. and Canada. Also appearing will be the Voices of Light Choir of Light of the World Christian Church.
Special guest vocalist will be South-African born award winning soprano Bronwen Forbay, who has appeared in many critically acclaimed operas.
The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper is a sponsor of the Black History Month concert, which represents several events the ISO has presented to embrace diversity, such as the Tribute to Motown and R&B concert also coming this month.
More than music
When some people think of an orchestra, they may envision the stereotypical image of stodgy individuals in black dress clothes performing centuries old music. However, when it comes to the ISO, music is only the beginning of what is provided to the community.
The ISO is one of only 17 full-time orchestras in the U.S. and performs over 200 concerts a year, yet its members and staff make time for outreach, especially among youth. The organization has a department called the Learning Community that offers various initiatives, each using music as a way to change people’s lives.
“The department’s goal is to connect people with inspiring musical experiences that meet the needs of the community,” said Beth Perdue Outland, the ISO’s vice president who oversees the Learning Community.
Among the learning community’s initiatives is Neighborhood Harmony, which is part of a coalition of organizations helping to revitalize the city’s Near Eastside. Neighborhood Harmony sends music instructors to existing groups of students, mostly at area community centers and middle and high schools after classes end.
In addition to learning how to play music, students are taught such values as discipline, teamwork, communication, taking creative risks and even resolving disagreements in a positive and productive way.
Another popular ISO program is the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (MYO), which includes learning and performance opportunities for students from kindergarten to high school. The MYO provides a comprehensive music program in an orchestra, as well as lessons from members of the ISO and other prestigious groups.
“It is very enjoyable to see both the students and parents excel as a result of their involvement,” said Ruth Wolff, manager of MYO. “We have some parents and grandparents who learn the instruments right alongside the children. Family is really at the core of what we do.”
In addition to an emphasis on developing youth and bringing families together, the MYO is also designed to engage inner-city youth in musical activities that discourage at-risk behavior and keep them in school.
Even youth from stable middle class households appreciate the MYO, allowing the orchestra’s diverse membership to come from different economic and cultural backgrounds.
“Music is the thread that binds us all together. It’s not about what you have or where you’re from, but what the team can achieve,” said Betty Perry, conductor of the MYO. “We recognize that arts have the power to make a difference.”
This week, the MYO gathered at the Christel DeHaan Academy for its last rehearsal before a highly anticipated concert Feb. 11 at Hilbert Circle Theatre.
“It is great to have such a wonderful program in this community for young people,” said Weslyn Coleman, whose daughters, 12 and 14, have been playing with the MYO for several years.
Daughter Blaire Coleman agreed, saying she has benefited from the MYO.
“It has helped me improve my cello playing and learn how to listen for intonation and sound,” she said.
Her sister Naomi added, “The orchestra has really showed me how to work well with other people. I’m excited about playing for the concert.”
Kelly Ewell has been bringing her son, ninth grader Gibran Williams, to MYO rehearsals since he was a small child.
“The orchestra really gives the kids a sense of direction and keeps them focused on something that is positive and productive,” Ewell said.
Williams looks forward to performing.
“All of us are becoming better musicians,” he said. “It’s nice to play for other people and make them happy with music.”
