Involvement with an Indiana symphony orchestra can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to an Indiana symphony orchestra to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors as well.

An Indiana orchestra generally falls into the following categories:

1. Indiana symphony orchestras that have professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find professional Indiana symphony orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in Indiana. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.

I recommend: MeettheMusic.org lists members of the League of American Orchestras in Indiana alphabetically by city. Join the Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers to support symphonies not only in Indiana, but those around the country.

Support an Indiana youth symphony orchestra

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in an Indiana youth orchestra. Indiana youth symphonies are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: Your business can support a youth symphony orchestra such as the Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra in Munster. New World Youth Orchestras in Indianapolis offers young musicians several opportunities to play and you several opportunities for support. Youths from around the state also perform in another Indiana youth symphony, the Indiana All-State Orchestra.

Buy tickets to an Indiana orchestra in your city

Most large cities in Indiana have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. They play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.

I recommend: The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra performs in a variety of venues in Bloomington and offers several different concert series. The Philharmonic is a Columbus, Indiana, orchestra and plays in the Erne Auditorium.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Listen to performances over the radio. Many major Indiana symphony orchestras broadcast live and recorded performances that allow you to enjoy world-class music from your home. The websites for the orchestra and radio stations will list the scheduled air times and performances.