Forward Motion is an ensemble of emerging artists based in Indianapolis. Formed in September 2016, the group is rapidly gaining support from the Indy music community. As the only ensemble of its kind in Indianapolis, Forward Motion pioneers the city’s Indie-Classical culture by bringing innovative performances to audiences old and new. 

In the spring of 2016, Corey Denham and Eric Salazar started working together with the intention of putting on New Music performances in non-traditional venues. After living in the area for some time, both musicians found Indianapolis had a lack of New Music activity. With an entrepreneurial mindset, the two musicians took it upon themselves to plan their own performances in order to bring more New Music to Indy. The idea snowballed into something much bigger. 

Before long, Salazar and Denham found like-minded musicians who felt the same way about filling the need for New Music in Indianapolis. After some test gigs and informal meetings, the ensemble was officially formed with Jenna Page (flute), Eric Salazar (clarinet), Tricia Frasure (violin), Maya Nojiri-Sutherland (cello), Caitlin Foster (piano), and Corey Denham (percussion). Forward Motion's mission is to bring exceptionally engaging New Music performance and collaboration to Indianapolis, and beyond. The group’s approach focuses on connecting with audiences through innovative programming that marries a commitment to expression with dedication to innovation.

The inaugural season of Forward Motion is partially funded by the Arts Council of Indianapolis. The ACI awarded ensemble leader and clarinetist, Eric Salazar, a Robert D. Beckmann, Jr. Emerging Artist Fellowship. This fellowship has allowed Eric to plan and execute a statewide Forward Motion concert tour for the 2016-2017 season. After the ensemble’s debut concert in November 2016, support from the community of Indianapolis poured in. The initial small-scale concert tour has since transformed into a season of busy activity consisting of performances in formal spaces, informal salon-style concerts, educational performances on music in the 21st century, and exciting collaborations with New Music advocates.