By Tim Cox, Fine Arts Program Manager for Indianapolis Public Schools (June 2023 – March 2025), Music for All Director of Educational Outreach
For many years, Music for All has cultivated a strong partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) to support and expand opportunities for fine arts students. opportunities for fine arts students.
In 2023, IPS reinforced its commitment to this collaboration by appointing a Fine Arts Program Manager to advance the goals of the Rebuild Stronger initiative.
As part of this partnership, I have provided strategic recommendations and overseen the execution of several impactful projects. A comprehensive summative report was prepared and shared with Enrichment Program leaders, detailing key recommendations for future implementation. This report was designed to inform leadership within IPS and highlighted areas of concern, opportunities for growth, and a proposed 3-5 year plan.
The plan focuses on budgets, stipends, scheduling, curriculum, professional development, the development of district-wide combined ensembles, and teacher support.
IPS has made remarkable progress in expanding access to fine arts education. In 2023, only 35% of K-12 students had access to fine arts classes. By the start of the 2024 school year, that number increased to 100%. Previously, IPS followed a K-8 and 9-12 educational structure. However, as of 2024, the district introduced seven standalone middle schools serving grades 6-8, each offering a robust fine arts curriculum. This restructuring not only enhances the quality of education but also allows students to begin formal music instruction in the sixth grade.
Additionally, IPS addressed a longstanding issue of insufficient equipment for band, orchestra, choir, visual arts, and piano programs. Many instruments and classroom furnishings were either outdated or non-existent. In 2024, over $6 million was invested in high-quality instruments and equipment for students and teachers. Significant efforts were also made to redesign and implement a district-wide fine arts curriculum aligned with the National Coalition for Arts Standards. Nearly one million dollars was spent to adopt a new curriculum for the next six years.
Elementary music programs received fine arts support as well. Each Elementary school received class sets of ukuleles and instruments to introduce students to the Modern Band Method. This approach focuses on teaching popular music genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop using instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard. Students quickly learn to play contemporary songs in a band setting, guided by method books, audio tracks, and video lessons.
Another milestone was the establishment of an outdoor marching band practice facility. Before 2024, no such facility existed. As of August 2024, Arsenal Technical High School now features a painted field with additional markings to enhance student learning.
To accommodate the influx of new instruments, I developed an instrument recycling program. For years, IPS schools stored broken and obsolete instruments in unused piles. This program now facilitates recycling, generates additional funds for fine arts programs, and creates more space for teachers and students.
Music for All also played a pivotal role in improving professional development (PD) opportunities, which were previously minimal and poorly attended. Today, PD sessions are targeted, feature world-class clinicians, and are highly relevant, with attendance reaching 98%.
Two particularly successful PD initiatives deserve recognition:
- Booster Program Training: IPS previously overlooked the potential of music booster programs to support classroom teachers. Music for All brought in Dr. David Vandewalker, a national expert from Georgia, to host a full-day conference. Dr. Vandewalker shared insights from his book Strategic Plans for a Successful Booster Club, which provides project-planning guides for booster clubs of various sizes, organizational tools, and branding strategies. This session proved invaluable for IPS teachers.
- Choral Program Support: Recognizing the need to uplift IPS choral programs, I helped to facilitate a three-day workshop with a national clinician known as “The Girl Conductor.” Maria Ellis worked directly with students and teachers in IPS schools, encouraging participation and fostering a love for singing.
In collaboration with IPS, Music for All continues to drive meaningful change, ensuring that fine arts education is accessible, equitable, and impactful for all students.
