The Women of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
When you think of an orchestra, you likely think of a group of musicians contributing as one to a beautiful performance of sound. It’s easy to lose sight of the individuals within this collective, but we went behind the scenes to meet some of the women of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
We found not only musicians but advocates, educators, caretakers, and creators, each one dedicated to sharing her love of music in her own way. Join us in getting to know more about these phenomenal women.
Krystle Ford conducts the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.
Krystle Ford
Director, MYO (Metropolitan Youth Orchestra)
What do you love most about teaching music to children and youth?
They're funny, very insightful and they can do hard things when you set high expectations. I love being able to teach them hard concepts in ways that they can understand, either through language, song, or games. For example, instead of telling them to pull the bow across the string to produce a sound, I tell them to pretend like they're petting a puppy or kitten. That visualization helps them learn a lot faster than giving them some sort of technical instruction.
Why should every community be advocating for youth-serving music and arts programs?
So many reasons! When certain groups don't have access to the arts, you're leaving behind brilliant minds and perspectives that may never be discovered. We all know that artists are the voice of the times that we live in and can express things in creative ways that words cannot. Why wouldn't you want to advocate for those kids?
We couldn’t agree more Krystle! Find out how to support your local art community here.
What do you wish more people knew about MYO and its relationship to the ISO?
I want people to know that we exist and are part of the education programs at the ISO. We've been around for over 25 years and there are still people in Indy who have never heard of MYO!
Jennifer Christen, oboist, holds the Frank C. Springer Jr. Chair.
Jennifer Christen
Oboe, The Frank C. Springer Jr. Chair
What are some of your pro-tips for introducing children to instruments?
Children seem to be fascinated by music at a young age. Books are a great resource for parents or teachers to introduce children to different musical styles and instruments. We have a few books that play the different sounds of instruments and my kids love it! Finding outdoor concerts in nice weather is also a great casual option we like to explore, as we don't have to worry about keeping our kids so still and quiet.
The ISO offers a kid-friendly outdoor concert series and tickets go on sale soon - check out Symphony on the Prairie!
What is your most memorable ISO moment?
There have been many great memories, but one that stands out is performing my very first full concerto with the ISO - the Mozart Oboe Concerto back in 2014. My colleagues were so supportive, and of course, played beautifully. The conductor also happened to be a good friend of my husband's, a fellow Australian and former flute studio mate! It was a very positive experience that reminded me how lucky I am to have a wonderful job in a wonderful orchestra!
Victoria Kintner Griswold is not only an accomplished violinist, but also an author.
Victoria Kintner Griswold
Second Violin
What upcoming performance or collaboration are you most looking forward to?
I’m most looking forward to The Runaway Strings performance at the Central Library on May 14! The Runaway Strings is the fifth program I have written for the ISO Teddy Bear Series, which is a free program for children ages 3-6 that is performed in libraries around Central Indiana by musicians from the ISO. The Runaway Strings was scheduled to premiere at the Central Library in March of 2020 but was canceled. It’s been a two-year wait and I’m so excited to finally be able to perform it in May!
We are so excited for the return of the Teddy Bear Concert series! Learn more.
What do you wish more people knew about being a professional musician?
I wish people knew how similar being a professional musician is to being a professional athlete. We both train hard and often push our bodies to the limit. We also both strive to be in a state of flow. Both demand a high level of concentration and optimal performance abilities under pressure.
Ju-Fang Liu holding her contrabass.
Ju-Fang Liu
Contrabass
What are some of your “go-to” rituals to prepare for a performance?
For me, I don’t usually have go-to rituals prior to the performance. I do make sure I have some food in the belly since bass playing requires quite a bit of energy. Occasionally an espresso is needed. Post-concert though, a drink or two is a MUST.
Not sure if the orchestra is for you? Check out their Pops series!
Describe the moment you fell in love with playing your instrument.
I think it started “a long time” ago during my teenage years. Somehow, I got an opportunity to play a movement of a bass concerto with my youth orchestra in Taiwan in my early teens. It was new to me [and] somewhat nerve-racking, but I had a great time playing the music with the group. All sorts of newly composed music came into the picture at the Jacob’s School of Music at IU; then came the job with the ISO. [To] play with my esteemed colleagues, and guest artists we work with, [they] only deepen and nourish the obsessions to no end!
The Teddy Bear Concert series is returning in 2022 and will be so much fun!
