The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is opening the doors to orchestral music with a new season of educational and community programming designed for students, teachers, aspiring young performers and adult musicians.
Throughout the 2026–27 season, participants can attend field trips at Hilbert Circle Theatre, experience music in their schools and even rehearse and perform alongside professional ISO musicians. Together, the programs offer an entry point for nearly every stage of a person’s musical journey.
Introducing students to live orchestral music
Designed for students in grades three through six, Discovery Concerts bring young audiences to Hilbert Circle Theatre for live performances by the ISO.
Each concert is accompanied by a thematic curriculum guide aligned with Indiana Academic Standards. Cross-curricular activities incorporate subjects such as language arts, mathematics and visual arts, helping educators connect the concert experience with classroom learning.
Discovery Concerts will take place January 13 at 10:15 a.m.; February 2 at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m.; February 3 at 10:15 a.m.; February 23 at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m.; and March 30 at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m.
Community musicians take the stage
Classical Jam gives community musicians age 21 and older the chance to rehearse, socialize and perform alongside ISO musicians.
Participants will explore major orchestral works during rehearsals, share dinner with members of the ISO and conclude the experience with a short concert that is free and open to the public.
The first Classical Jam event will be held October 27, with registration due by October 6. A second event is scheduled for May 4, with an April 2 registration deadline.
Young musicians perform side by side with the ISO
The ISO’s Side-by-Side program allows talented student musicians to experience the demands and rewards of a professional orchestral environment.
Selected participants will complete four weeks of intensive coaching, sectional work with ISO musicians and rehearsals led by ISO Assistant Conductor Hannah Schendel. The program culminates in an evening concert featuring the students performing alongside members of the Orchestra.
Auditions must be completed by November 6. Rehearsals begin February 23, followed by the final concert on March 17.
Competition encourages artistic excellence
Accomplished young performers can also participate in the Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Competition.
The competition encourages musicians to pursue technical and artistic excellence while gaining experience performing in a competitive setting. Every finalist receives a scholarship, and the winner earns the opportunity to perform the selected concerto with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Registration closes January 8, with the finals scheduled for January 31. The winner’s concert will take place March 17.
Connecting music with history
History in Harmony combines chamber music with historical narratives to examine notable themes, eras and cultural moments.
Created for students and educators, the program explores how music both reflects and influences the world around it. By connecting musical works with historical events and ideas, History in Harmony offers teachers another way to bring classroom curriculum to life.
Additional opportunities to participate
Beyond its featured programs, the ISO offers educational and community experiences throughout the year, ranging from school visits and field trips to performance opportunities with professional musicians.
Program information, eligibility requirements and registration details are available at indianapolissymphony.org/learn. Participants may register online or contact the ISO Education Department at education@indianapolissymphony.org.
Through these programs, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra hopes to make live orchestral music approachable and meaningful while welcoming more Hoosiers into the creative life of the Orchestra.
