Cara Pittenger became the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra’s Executive Director in the summer of 2023.  Previously, she held the position of Executive Director of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra.

Cara holds an Undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Percussion Performance from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.  She studied percussion with Dr. Erwin Mueller, Professor Emeritus, from the age of 13.  While at Ball State, Cara was a member of the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Marimba Ensemble.  She has also played percussion professionally with area orchestras for the past 21 years.

Cara was a band, orchestra, and choir teacher in grades 5-12 for 6 years before joining the United States Army Band. While serving, she met her husband, Rod (also a trumpeter in the band).  

Cara and Rod have two children, Rylee (10) and Caden (9) and live in Noblesville with their two dogs, Colt and Charlie.