“Now I understand, on a deeper level, why I am so committed to youth and families and why I am heavily invested in providing opportunities for underserved youth. However, I also have learned why I insist that my program is racially, economically, and socially diverse. It is to bring communities together through the power of music.”

 
Betty Perry passed away on February 11, 2022. Betty dedicated her life to helping children and their families grow together with the benefit of music education.  

Founder of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Indianapolis, Betty provided supplemental activities for children who were involved in school string classes. She was always supportive of young musicians’ school music teachers, and she encouraged long-term participation in both kinds of organizations. In addition, she insisted that MYO offer similar opportunities to children who did not have access to school orchestras. She worked to include parents and siblings in the learning process because she believed that it was important for the entire family’s well-being. 

Betty had many ties in the music community through her work as violist, teacher, conductor, and community leader. She sought to bring her musician/teacher friends together to mentor her MYO students. Throughout her decades of service, she participated in collaborations with American String Teachers Association, Ensemble Music Society, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis, the Arts Council of Indianapolis, Arts with a Purpose, Young Audiences, and countless individual artists and other arts organizations.

Betty Perry was a phenomenal educator who earned the love, respect, and admiration of her students, friends, and colleagues.

The Betty Perry Award is bestowed upon an individual external to our organization, acknowledging their dedication to supporting INASTA and our Indiana String Community. Formerly known as the "Friend of INASTA Award", it was renamed last year to commemorate Betty Perry, a genuine ally of our association.