The InterSchool Orchestras of New York offers five orchestras, a symphonic band, a chamber music program, and a percussion workshop to players of all levels. The ISO Symphony and Symphonic Band are full-scholarship ensembles for advanced students. The Concert and Carnegie Hill orchestras are auditioned orchestras for strong-intermediate and intermediate musicians. Young instrumentalists play in the ISO at Turtle Bay and Morningside orchestras. Approximately 300 children, aged 6-20, come from about 120 public and independent schools to participate each year in the program of training and performance. More than half of all orchestra members receive full or partial scholarships.

The ISO Chamber Music Program is an eight-month program for musicians aged 8-19. After auditioning, students of all levels have the opportunity to play in ensembles carefully matched for compatibility. The program includes trios, quartets, quintets (some with piano), and larger ensembles, such as a flute choir and the ISO Percussion Workshop. Groups are assigned specific repertoire by their coaches. Chamber music coaches help students acquire ensemble skills in order to play repertoire ranging from Baroque to contemporary music. Ensembles have opportunities to perform in concerts and master classes. Applicants for the chamber music program are not required to be a member of one of the ISO orchestras, although very often they are.