Collaborating with local cultural institutions is part of the IMS experience. It broadens our classroom reach to include the exceptional creative and intellectual resources in our area.

IMS is thrilled to collaborate with vibrant musicians from The Orchestra Now (TŌN), a graduate-level training orchestra based at Bard College. In a series of workshops throughout the year, musicians from TŌN visit with our students in the Intermediate and Advanced Ensembles to talk about their paths to professional musicianship and to discuss their instruments of choice. 

Earlier this term, French horn player Kwong Ho Hin and trumpet player Maggie Tsan-Jung Wei came to the ensemble classes and played.  IMS students listened intently to their vibrant performance, and then proceeded to ask questions. The visiting musicians talked about their role in the orchestra, about auditioning, how they practice, create routines, and manage their time. Judith Dansker, IMS Director of Classical Music Studies said, “It was very inspiring for our students to see the dedication of the TŌN musicians to their craft and also their love of music. I think this was a profound experience for our students.”

While this collaboration provides a great exposure to musicianship for our students, it’s also an excellent experience for the visiting musicians themselves. “As much as they are teaching, they are also learning,” explains Leonardo Pineda, TŌN’s Director of Youth Music Education. “Performance is an important part of our masters program, but so is community engagement and teaching. These are valuable skills to being a really well-rounded musician.” 

Throughout the year, TŌN musicians will also treat the entire IMS community to special chamber music performances, and our students will have opportunities to attend TŌN concerts at the Fisher Center at Bard.