Dear ISO Family,
 
I am happy to announce that Brian Worsdale-- ISO alumnus, Founder and Director of the ISO Symphonic Band --has been appointed Music Director of the InterSchool Orchestras of New York for the 2017-18 season.  Maestro Worsdale will be replacing Music Director Jeff Grogan and will, in addition to his responsibilities as ISO's Music Director, conduct the ISO Band at Third Street and the ISO Symphony. 


 
Maestro Grogan is leaving ISO to become Director of Orchestras at Oklahoma City University as well as serving as the head of the university's graduate orchestral conducting program.  He was also named the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras.

I join the board and staff in thanking Maestro Grogan for his tenure at ISO.  It has been an honor and a privilege to work with him during my first year as ISO's Executive Director.  

I look forward to working with Maestro Worsdale on what will be an exciting year for ISO!  We have a lot of exciting plans for the orchestras this year including a concert for the Uruguay Consulate with the ISO Symphony at Trinity Church that will receive international attention.  We will produce holiday concerts at Symphony Space and our end-of season May concerts at the Brooklyn and Metropolitan Museums.  We will be presenting community concerts across the city and each orchestra will be performing at least two times in addition to our ISO mainstage concerts.  ISO fall retreats will take place at French Woods Music Camp for the ISO Symphony, Concert Orchestra and Symphonic Band, and at Third Street Music Settlement for the other orchestras.  The ISO Board of Directors will work with me during the 2017-18 season to conduct a national search for a new Music Director.

Have a wonderful summer and see you in the fall!

Karen Geer
Executive Director
InterSchool Orchestras of New York
_____________________________

Dear ISO Family:
 
I will be leaving ISO after seven memorable and wonderful years of making music with our exceptional students.  This announcement is bittersweet for me; it has been my absolute pleasure and honor to be a part of ISO, and it is painful to say goodbye to all the dedicated students, family members, staff, board members, coaches, and conductors that make this organization great.
 
Just a few weeks ago, I was approached by Oklahoma City University to serve as their Director of Orchestras and to lead their graduate orchestral conducting program.  I will also join the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras as Artistic Director and Conductor. Knowing that my mother, brothers, nieces and nephews all live in Oklahoma City and the rest of our immediate family is within driving distance really sealed the deal.  In my new position, I will help guide future music educators, performers and leaders.  
 
As difficult as this decision was, it was made easier knowing that our Executive Director Karen Geer, Assistant Artistic Director Lawrence Markiewicz, and the ISO Board of Trustees have such a wonderful vision and direction at the heart of everything they do. We've laid out exciting plans for the upcoming season, including a performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art! ISO is such an asset to the young musicians of New York City and will continue this way with their leadership.

Being a part of ISO has been one of the highlights of my career and has meant so much to me personally. I can't wait to hear about all the amazing things I know our students have in their futures.
 
You have inspired me in a profound way.  Thank you so much for a wonderful seven years!

All my best,

Jeffrey Grogan