Michael Pettry, Executive Director
Michael Pettry has served as Executive Director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir since 2007, leading the Symphonic Choir to notable financial growth and sustainability despite difficult economic conditions. Under his leadership, revenue from individual donors and corporate sponsors has quadrupled, and support from granting organizations has increased in terms of both dollars raised and number of grant-making partnerships.
Gala Bel Canto, the Choir’s black-tie fundraiser, now celebrates its fourth season as one of the city’s premier events. With Pettry's guidance, revenue from this event has increased by 250%.
Pettry’s integrated fundraising-marketing strategy employs relationship-focused fundraising and capitalizes on the world-class artistic product of the Symphonic Choir. The Symphonic Choir is fortunate to have an enviable story to tell in its rich, 75-year legacy. Through creative use of social media such as the 2011 flash mob at the Indianapolis International Airport (find it on Youtube) and viral videos, as well as through wide coverage in more conventional print and electronic media, the Choir’s internal and external communications strategies are creative, engaging, and effective, increasing the Choir’s visibility in Greater Indianapolis and on the national stage. His coordination of national PR following the Choir's performance with Madonna at Super Bowl XLVI Half Time, further expanded the institution's reach and recognition.
Beyond fundraising and marketing, Pettry is pleased to have fostered new programs with the Symphonic Choir, including its relationship with the Indianapolis Public Schools. As the “official choral partner” of IPS, the Symphonic Choir offers unique opportunities for students and teachers including master classes, teacher training, and side-by-side concert experiences, and by providing supplies and printed music. Other initiatives of the Choir include the annual Christmas Carol Commission Competition, encouraging young composers to write high-quality choral music and providing world premier performances of the winning selections, and PREF, a program utilizing choral music as a means to build stronger relationship between incarcerated fathers and their children.
Pettry holds an undergraduate degree in pipe organ performance from Ball State University, and the master of music in conducting from Butler University. He annually arranges and conducts new choral-orchestral pops performances and commissions new musical works. Pettry has served as adjunct faculty at Butler University and has presented at national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and Chorus America. He is a member of Giving Sum, a grant-making institution focused on improving Indianapolis through philanthropy and volunteerism, and regularly enlivens broadcasts featuring the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir with his culinary skills.
