The InterSchool Orchestras of New York (ISO) was 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, an intermediate band, 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. Its music director for much of its history was the late
Jonathan Strasser
Jonathan Strasser (June 3, 1946 – March 8, 2017) was an American professional musician, educator, teacher, and conductor.
Biography
Strasser was born and raised in New York City. He attended the High School of Music & Art
The High School of ...
.
In October 2020, ISO announced its orchestras will join the programs of the
Third Street Music School.
ISO was recognized by the League of American Orchestras with th
2004 Bank of America Awardfor excellence in orchestra education.
Ensembles
The Carnegie Hill Orchestra, under the direction of Steven Rochen, provides training for beginning/intermediate-level musicians, who perform original orchestral music and arrangements.
The Concert Orchestra, is made up of more advanced players, conducted by Page Silverman.
The Symphonic Band, was founded by ISO alumnus and former Music Director Brian Worsdale in 1993. It is the only private youth wind symphony in New York City. It performs advanced level and intermediate-advanced level music. The ensemble is led by Paul Corn.
Musicians in the ISO Symphony is the ensemble of the most advanced players. Barry Stern conducts the Symphony in the great works of the orchestral repertoire.
Performance
ISO produces up to 20 concerts a year. All ensembles regularly perform Mainstage Concerts at prominent venues such as
Symphony Space,
Carnegie Hall, and
Alice Tully Hall
Alice Tully Hall is a concert hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. The hall is named for Alice Tully, a New York performer and philanthropist whose donations assist ...
. They also perform a free Community Concert Series; venues include parks, festivals, places of worship, local arts centers, and care facilities. The ISO Symphony has toured internationally, most recently to Scotland in 2014 to take part in the Aberdeen International Youth Festival.
Other programs
Older ISO students serve as mentors to younger musicians as part of the Student Mentor Program. Students playing less common instruments (viola, contrabass, French horn, oboe, and bassoon) can receive reduced-cost lessons through the Endangered Instrument Program.
See also
*
New York Youth Symphony
The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS), founded in 1963, is a tuition-free music organization for the youth in New York City, widely reputed to be one of the best of its kind in the nation and world. Its programs include its flagship Orchestra, Cha ...
References
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External links
InterSchool Orchestras of New York*
ttps://soundcloud.com/isorchestra, InterSchool Orchestras on Soundcloud.com American youth orchestras
Orchestras based in New York City