Training Improves Internal Operations at Symphony Orchestra

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra wanted to transition its staff to Microsoft Office 2007, but was worried about the significant navigational differences between the old and new versions, which could potentially be difficult for some users to master on their own.  In addition, ISO also saw an opportunity to improve the technical skills of its staff members in other key programs to help them do their jobs more efficiently and fully utilize program capabilities.

As a benefit of its NPower membership, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra was able to send many of its staff members to receive professional computer training at approximately half the regular price for these services.  ISO staff in both administrative and technical roles attended trainings in a variety of different functional areas, including office productivity, data analysis and project management.  Those who completed the training courses through ExecuTrain and New Horizons not only improved their own technical skills, but were also able to serve as valuable sources of knowledge to help other staff members who were not able to attend.

Professional computer training courses have helped Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra staff to utilize programs more efficiently, and unlock greater functionality and program benefits.  In regards to the Office 2007 transition, the opportunity to attend training has enabled staff members to adjust to the new interface with much greater ease and reduced the potential for lost productivity during the adjustment period. 

On a larger scale, ISO Director of Technology, Tim Ringlespaugh, indicates that, "we have been able to afford to send a far greater amount of staff members to training as a result of the NPower discount.  The courses have been instrumental in helping us to improve donor trend analysis, as well as internal communication and organization."  In the area of trend analysis specifically, taking courses in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access has improved ISO analysts' ability to identify trends in attendance data.  These trends have been used to target new patrons and create marketing messages to improve performance attendance and increase donations to the organization.