Indianapolis Youth Orchestra’s mission is to develop and nurture the musical talent of young people in Indianapolis and central Indiana through quality music education and the rehearsal and performance of orchestral masterworks, both traditional and contemporary.

IYO was founded in 1982 by Susan Kitterman to provide a unique, high-quality musical experience for young musicians in central Indiana. Under the direction of Ms. Kitterman, the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra grew in size, increased its performance and educational opportunities, and became an institution of artistic excellence in the state of Indiana. In its first year, IYO was comprised of a single orchestra with an enrollment of 18. Currently the organization is comprised of three, separate orchestras with an enrollment of 220, serving young musicians from the ages of 8 to 18.