INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Children’s Choir is preparing to kick off its 40th anniversary season, and Executive Artistic Director Joshua Pedde says it’s a milestone not many organizations like theirs reach.

“A lot of children’s choirs don’t make it to the 40th,” Pedde said. “So this is a big moment for our city to help celebrate having a choir like the Indianapolis Children’s Choir here in our community, which makes such an impact on kids’ lives and in our community life here.”

This season will honor the past while looking toward the future, with performances highlighting favorites from the choir’s history and a season-ending trip to one of the most iconic stages in the world.

“Our season is going to culminate with all of our singers taking a trip, those that would like to go, to stand on the stage of Carnegie Hall,” Pedde said.

Making music accessible

The choir is also continuing its commitment to keeping the arts within reach for every family through its Pay What You Can initiative.

“We don’t want there to be any financial barrier between singers who want to be involved in the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and this community,” Pedde said. “If you think you can afford $5 for your kid to come and partake in the Day of Song, then that’s what they pay. If you can’t afford it that day, but you want your kid to be a part of the ICC, then just come and be a part of us.”

Pedde says the program will kick off Aug. 16 with a special event for preschoolers through eighth graders. He also noted that scholarships and financial aid are always available.

“We have over $40,000 that we will offer in scholarships to singers throughout central Indiana,” he said. “Without wonderful funders, we would not be able to do that and make the impact that we do in our community.”

A season of favorites

Along with the holiday concerts and past tour highlights, the season will include a special performance called “The Corner of Bach and Broadway.”

“[It’s] a mixture of a lot of different things, a lot of those favorite things that you talked about that we have sung over our 40 years. So you’re not gonna wanna miss any of that,” Pedde said. “And then again, culminating at Carnegie Hall in June.”

Pedde also shared how the choir introduces young singers to music in a way that connects them to its history.

“We have to remember that classical music in its time was not considered classical,” he said. “Mozart in his day was sort of the Justin Bieber of the day.”

For Pedde, the 40th season is about more than just performances: it’s about helping the next generation of singers find the same inspiration the choir has been offering for decades.

“To start them on that journey for them to really understand what music is all about and the impact that it has had on so many people’s lives is incredible,” he said. “And then to see the impact on their lives.”

If you would like more information on how you can enroll your child in the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, click here. For a list of concerts and events, click here.

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