String Dreams: Indiana's largest joint orchestral MS & HS concert

String Dreams (formerly known as the Exploration of Music through Orchestra) is Indiana's largest joint orchestral music program. The original idea in 2010 was to create a platform to raise awareness about (and funding for) the only 2 remaining full orchestra programs in Fort Wayne Community Schools at Northrop and Snider high schools, as well as give string players the opportunity to perform in a major community event — not just the typical school concert.

After the success of the first concert, String Dreams grew to become an annual event for almost all young string players throughout our community.

• Program launchED: February 2010

• First concert: May 13, 2011

• Young musicians impacted ANNUALLY: 530+

• Schools Engaged: 15+

• Immersive performance experiences created: 2,675

Over the past decade, SD has allowed more than 1,200 students — many of whom reenrolled in the program for up to 6 years — the opportunity to perform in front of a growing audience of over 1,500 attendees. The program is held annually in May, near at the end of the school year.

Fun Fact

As of 2020, Believe In A Dream has donated over $75,000 raised from the annual EMTO concerts to support 15 orchestra programs in Fort Wayne Community Schools.