By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com
Begun in the mid-1980s as the New World Chamber Orchestra with around 20 musicians, the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra has grown to include more than 200 students from all over the area playing in three leveled ensembles.
Selected by audition, musicians ages 9 to 18 commit to between one-and-a-half to three hours of rehearsal per week at Butler University or the Indianapolis Opera. This rehearsal comes in addition to personal lessons, practice, and participation in school music programs.
Bassists Alrik Mansberger and Preston Retif rehearse at Indianapolis Opera. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Hamilton County students playing in the 2023-24 Indianapolis Youth Orchestra include:
In Symphony Orchestra
- Liam Batchelor, Double Bass, Noblesville Schools
- Chaz Chapman, Tuba, Carmel Clay Schools
- Ian Dugger, Viola, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Charlie Epstein, Trumpet, Westfield Washington Schools
- Audrey Ko, Violin, University High School
- Calvin Kocal, Cello, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Tayla Koenig, Cello, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Kaitlyn Probst, Double Bass, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Diego Rowley, Trumpet, Carmel Clay Schools
- Andrew Strawhacker, Violin, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Noah Strawhacker, Cello, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Nathan Vaught, Violin, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Vincent Won, Cello, Carmel Clay Schools
- Alex Woolston, Percussion, Carmel Clay Schools
In Philharmonic Orchestra
- Carson Adams, Cello, Westfield Washington Schools
- Evan Feliciano, Cello, Noblesville Schools
- Jackson Fuller, Violin, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Arabella Kimball, Violin, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Alrik Mansberger, Double Bass, Carmel Clay Schools
- Cooper McGriff, Violin, Mission Christian Academy
- Preston Retif, Double Bass, Carmel Clay Schools
(Front row, from left) Addison Davis, Joanna Hong, Joy Chen, and Ananya Jain. (Back row, from left) Sam Strawhacker, Owen Ludwig, and Elijah Fishback. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
In Concert Orchestra
- Joy Chen, Violin, Carmel Clay Schools
- Addison Davis, Cello, Heritage Christian School
- Elijah Fishback, Violin, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- Joanna Hong, Violin, Carmel Clay Schools
- Ananya Jain, Cello, Carmel Clay Schools
- Owen Ludwig, Viola, Park Tudor
- Sam Strawhacker, Cello, Hamilton Southeastern Schools
These students aren’t the only Hamilton County connection in IYO.
Westfield resident Adam Bodony serves as the artistic director as well as conducting the IYO Symphony Orchestra. Johanna Kitchell, orchestra director at Riverside Intermediate and Junior High Schools in Fishers, conducts the IYO Concert Orchestra.
Cellists Carson Adams and Evan Feliciano follow Philharmonic Conductor Eric Baker’s lead during rehearsal. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
This summer, Cara Pettinger of Noblesville was named IYO’s new executive director. Having served as executive director of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Pettinger is no stranger to the role.
“I am truly excited to help continue and lead further growth of this amazing organization as we continue to develop high artistic excellency in our young musicians,” Pettinger said.
The 42nd Season Premier Concert of the IYO Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras will be at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29 at Hilbert Circle Theater, 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis.
The IYO Concert Orchestra will perform at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis.
Tickets for both events are available through the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Box Office at indianapolissymphony.org/event/iyo-2-19-23.
The IYO is accepting late auditions until Oct. 15. Visit indianapolisyouthorchestra.org/about/auditions for more information.