Elliott Lentz

Artistic Director & Conductor

conductor@circlecityorchestra.org

As a versatile conductor in both the orchestral and wind band worlds, Indianapolis resident Elliott Lentz is a dynamic musician and strong advocate for arts education. Currently serving as Artistic Director & Conductor for the Circle City Orchestra (Indianapolis, IN) and Director of Orchestras at North Central High School (Indianapolis, IN), he is also the Head Clinician for the Smith Walbridge Student Conducting Clinic (Charleston, IL).


Ensembles under his leadership have earned numerous accolades and “With Distinction” Honors while appearing at multiple Indiana State School Music Association Concert Orchestra State Finals. Additional experiences include serving as guest conductor for the Indiana Bandmasters Association All-District & All-Region Honor Bands, clinician & performer at the Indiana Music Educators Association State Conference, and Artistic Staff for the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. In February of 2024 Lentz guest conducted the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (Columbus, IN) as a Music Director finalist. Additional collaborations have included performances with Ballet INitiative, Circle City Chamber Choir, and the Sound Ecologies Chamber Orchestra.


Elliott completed his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Ball State University where he studied Trumpet with the late Professor Paul Everett and Conducting with Dr. Thomas Caneva. Additional educational experiences have included the Conductors Retreat at Medomak and conducting symposiums at UMKC, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Illinois, and University of Indianapolis.


Outside of the rehearsal hall, he loves spending time with his wife, Amy, and their rescue Bernese Mountain Dog, Augie.

Kiki Porter

Assistant Conductor

Kiki Porter is a graduate of Butler University with a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting and Oberlin Conservatory with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. While at Butler, Kiki was a recipient of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Fellowship. Kiki was introduced to musicianship early in life as a member of the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus, where she sang in more than 250 performances in 16 different operas over seven years. At Butler University, Kiki had the opportunity to conduct and work with their Wind Ensemble and Composer’s Orchestra on numerous occasions. When working with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Kiki had the privilege of conducting the choir in performance several times as well as conducting the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra for a Christmas concert. Kiki is currently the Director of Worship Arts at Zionsville United Methodist Church and is very excited to continue her work with the Circle City Orchestra.