Causes: Arts & Culture, Symphony Orchestras

Mission: The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra promotes a lifelong appreciation of and enthusiasm for music through its performances of classical orchestral literature, as well as outreach and educational work throughout the community.

Results: Named the city’s Official Community Orchestra by Mayor Mark Kruzan in 2009 and awarded the “Be More Collaborative” Award by the City in 2011, the 75-member orchestra is the city’s only year-round, full-time volunteer symphony orchestra. For over forty years the BSO has been part of this community, and we take our responsibility to engage, enlighten, and entertain both our members and our audiences very seriously.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 6000

Geographic areas served: South Central Indiana

Programs: Each year, the BSO performs seven public concerts, including a classical series, side-by-side concerts with local high school orchestras, a children’s concert, and a free summer concert in the park. The BSO also engages in a wide range of community outreach activities, including innovative programs like Meet the Instruments (where children can experiment with musical instruments under the guidance of orchestra members), the Children’s Instrument Recovery Program (CHIRP) which provides reconditioned used instruments to children who would otherwise not be able to participate in their school’s music programs, and a Youth Concerto Competition.