INergy is the only music ensemble of its kind in the country.
Its innovative hybrid design sets it apart from all others. Most ensembles are created to perform and provide educational opportunities as a byproduct of their success. INergy has been created for the specific purpose of educating youth within the community and performing to support its initiatives.
Music for All, also known as Bands of America (a program of Music for All), has created positively life-changing experiences for students, parents and communities for over thirty years. The expertise and resources acquired over the years has placed MFA in a unique position to create initiatives such as INergy. MFA has the tools necessary to reenergize instrumental music programs, light the passion of music making in young and old alike, and highlight Indy's arts and cultural attractions. MFA has the capacity to achieve these goals through its ongoing positive relationship with various city organizations, arts and cultural establishments, and central Indiana school systems including Indianapolis Public Schools.
INergy is in a unique position to reverse the downward trend of music education in Indianapolis. This is NOT a program geared at changing the IPS education system or to reform the system. It IS a program that we believe comes alongside the IPS schools and their teachers to assist with affecting the young people who participate in music programs and to attracting additional students to the programs. Through its initiatives, the ensemble will aid these existing band programs and help create future musicians through inspiring Indianapolis youth to pick up an instrument. INergy offers a variety of services to the community to achieve those goals. Continued support for INergy initiatives will ensure the future of music education in Indianapolis and provide a pilot program to eventually be rolled out to other cities around the country.
INergy's 2006 debut season featured over 200 performances in May, June, July and August for over a half-million people. Highlights included performances at the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade, Symphony on the Prairie, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Zoo, U.S. Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, Music for All Summer Symposium, DCI Championships and many festivals, arts and cultural events throughout Indiana. Their season culminated with performances in California at Yamaha's Corporate Headquarters and Disneyland.
This second iteration of INergy will act on valuable learning that came from its inaugural season. Less emphasis will be put on the sheer numbers of performances, focusing on higher profile and audience-driven venues, while positioning itself in the school year to be in the classrooms on an almost daily basis. Approximately twice a week, members will start the day with morning clinics and classroom instruction led by a series of top industry guest artists who will offer their expertise and share with you pertinent information to better acquaint you with the landscape of the music profession.
"INergy was just here and let me tell you, they were awesome," said Christopher Abbe, Director of Bands at T.C. Howe Academy, Indianapolis, IN, after an INergy visit to his school. "I looked at my students' faces when INergy played with them and they had ear-to-ear smiles on."
"I am so excited to watch INergy develop and advance to a new level of greatness. I made life-long relationships, both personal and professional, that have changed me and helped me develop as an individual," Emily Jones, Baritone, INergy 2006 cast.
"Being involved with such a high-caliber group really challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me realize my full potential as both a performing musician and a music educator," says Aaron Carpenter, Trombone in the INergy 2006 cast and now INergy Coordinator for Music for All.
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