Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) students have been benefiting from the district's partnership with Music For All, particularly through their participation in the annual Music For All Summer Symposium. Campbell Bell, a rising sophomore at Shortridge High School, described the experience as "life-changing."

Bell spent a week immersed in music, participating in daytime sessions and attending world-class concerts each evening. Performances included those by band leader Grace Kelly, Voctave, the US Army Jazz Ambassadors, and a Drum Corps International competition.

“It was one of the best summer experiences of my life. We learned about technique, improv, job opportunities, and much more,” Bell said. “The staff there were amazing and so supportive. They were world class and the best in their field. In the concert band track we learned all about our instruments and how to use them to the best of our ability in the masterclasses. We learned amazing new songs that helped us explore many different styles and cultures of music.”

The Music for All Summer Symposium is a weeklong music and leadership camp for students that has been running for about 45 years. Hosted in late June at Ball State University, it is recognized as the nation’s largest instrumental music camp for students and teachers.

The symposium offers various tracks of study starting with a weekend leadership camp followed by specialized areas such as marching band, concert band, percussion, drum majors, color guard, and music production.

This year saw an increase in IPS student participation from 30 to 43 students. Each student was invited by their band directors and received full scholarships covering housing, food, transportation, and instruction—valued at nearly $1,500.

“Overall my experience with the Music for All Summer Symposium helped my musical ability and leadership skills go from good to great in a matter of days,” Bell added. “I learned so much and met so many new friends that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Bell’s mother Carter also praised the camp: “I went to see my daughter perform and she played six pieces at her concert today to wrap up the symposium experience,” she said. “It was really impressive to see and hear the hard work of the campers. I loved it.”