InterSchool Orchestras of New York
Encyclopedia
The InterSchool Orchestras of New York (ISO) were founded in 1972 by Annabelle F. Prager as a response to the limited opportunities for school children in both public and private schools to play in an orchestra. It has since grown to include three beginning orchestras, two intermediate orchestras, a symphonic band, and an advanced orchestra. An essential part of its mission is that no child ever be turned away because of lack of financial resources; 50% of its students receive some financial aid, including all members of the top orchestra.
Currently, it is led by Artistic Director Jeffrey Grogan, Executive Director Waddy Thompson, and Board President Barbara Tracy. It's music director for much of its history was Jonathan Strasser.
ISO was recognized by the League of American Orchestras with the 2004 Bank of America Award for excellence in orchestra education.
The Carnegie Hill Orchestra provides further training for intermediate-level musicians, who perform original orchestral music and arrangements under the direction of Steven Rochen.
The Concert Orchestra, conducted by Eric Dudley, is made up of more advanced players.
The Symphonic Band, founded and still conducted by Brian Worsdale, provides performing opportunities for intermediate and advanced wind, brass, and percussion players.
Musicians in the ISO Symphony all receive full scholarships in recognition of their placement in this elite ensemble of the most advanced players. Artistic Director Jeffrey Grogan conducts the Symphony in the great works of the orchestral repertoire.
All ensembles regularly perform at prominent venues such as Symphony Space
, Carnegie Hall
, and Alice Tully Hall
. They also perform free community concerts in schools, senior centers, parks, and other locations.
Currently, it is led by Artistic Director Jeffrey Grogan, Executive Director Waddy Thompson, and Board President Barbara Tracy. It's music director for much of its history was Jonathan Strasser.
ISO was recognized by the League of American Orchestras with the 2004 Bank of America Award for excellence in orchestra education.
Ensembles
The Morningside, Turtle Bay, and Trinity-Florentine Orchestras welcome beginners with basic skills on their instruments. Morningside and Turtle Bay Orchestras are conducted by Robert Johnston; Trinity-Florentine Orchestra is conducted by Amelia Hollander Ames.The Carnegie Hill Orchestra provides further training for intermediate-level musicians, who perform original orchestral music and arrangements under the direction of Steven Rochen.
The Concert Orchestra, conducted by Eric Dudley, is made up of more advanced players.
The Symphonic Band, founded and still conducted by Brian Worsdale, provides performing opportunities for intermediate and advanced wind, brass, and percussion players.
Musicians in the ISO Symphony all receive full scholarships in recognition of their placement in this elite ensemble of the most advanced players. Artistic Director Jeffrey Grogan conducts the Symphony in the great works of the orchestral repertoire.
All ensembles regularly perform at prominent venues such as Symphony Space
Symphony Space
Symphony Space is a multi-disciplinary performing arts organization at 2537 Broadway on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Performances take place in the 760-seat Peter Jay Sharp Theatre or the 160-seat Leonard Nimoy Thalia theater. Programs include music, dance, theater, film, and literary readings...
, Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
, and Alice Tully Hall
Alice Tully Hall
Alice Tully Hall is a concert hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. It is named for Alice Tully, a New York performer and philanthropist whose donations assisted in the construction of the hall...
. They also perform free community concerts in schools, senior centers, parks, and other locations.