ISO Mission

Founded in 1972, the InterSchool Orchestras of New York has become New York’s premier orchestral training program for young musicians ranging in age from 6-20 years old. Our mission is to provide high level music education to every young musician who seeks it. Our diverse program features:

• Five orchestras, a Symphonic Band, and Chamber Music program with approximately 300 students participating annually
• More than 30 performances annually in New York’s premier concert halls as well as community concerts throughout the metropolitan area
• Sectional Coaching as well as side-by-side play-ins with established professionals for all groups
• Annual “Run Away and Play” day retreats.
• No student is turned away due to inability to pay.  Extensive scholarship opportunities available.

Central to the ISO vision is the concept that music not only transforms lives, it can also transform communities. Orchestral music by its very nature is communal and intended to be shared. We feel strongly that our young musicians have much to learn by performing not only for friends and family, but by reaching a much wider community by playing for schools, churches, nursing homes, retirement centers and other community venues. Our free and subsidized concerts throughout New York City not only impart important community values to our young players, they also bring exciting orchestral music to audiences that would not otherwise have the opportunity to hear this music.