Intensive Community Program – Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras

Intensive Community Program / Everyone deserves the opportunity to play.

Removing the barriers that prevent underrepresented students from accessing high-quality musical opportunities.

A Resounding Impact

K-12

Transforming Youth of All Ages

16%

Students in BYSO ensembles are ICP students

100%

High School Graduation & College Enrollment

Program Overview

The Intensive Community Program (ICP) is a nationally recognized instrumental training program in response to financial and cultural accessibility barriers preventing students from Boston and underrepresented communities from participating in classical music opportunities. ICP aims to serve students of color including African American, Latin, Caribbean, and other populations historically underrepresented in classical music.

Students enter with little or no music training and are taught the discipline, creativity, and technical proficiency to audition into one of BYSO’s prestigious ensembles.

Through an abundance of resources, including financial aid for orchestra tuition, weekly lessons, instrument access, students are given the positive support and mentorship to accomplish personal goals, develop high aspirations and achieve musical excellence.
Through ICP’s transformative impact over its 20+ history, the Massachusetts Cultural Council has recognized the BYSO artistic merit with the Commonwealth Award, the state’s highest honor in the arts.

Program Highlights

Free Concerts

ICP performs free concerts throughout Boston providing unique concert experiences for children and families

BPS Partnerships

In partnership with Boston Public Schools, string instrument workshops are provided for K-2 at the Dennis C. Haley Pilot School in Roslindale

Opening Doors

ICP continues to forge successful and lasting partnerships with many organizations throughout Boston and the surrounding communities

ICP Faculty & Staff

Directors

Nicole Cariglia, ICP Artistic Director • Marta Zurad, ICP Conductor • Janet Underhill, Assistant Director for Winds

Instructors

Robb Aistrup, bass • Anna Bradford, oboe • Nicole Cariglia, cello • Ben Caron, violin • Min Choi, viola • Dan Doña, viola • Joan Ellersick, viola • Neil Godwin, French horn • Philip Hyman, trombone • Agnes Kim • Aleksandra Labinska, violin • Steve Laven • Francesca McNeeley, cello • Zoe Murphy, brass assistant • Mona Rashad, violin/viola • Sébastien Ridore, viola • Justus Ross, violin • Kira Shemeleva, trumpet • Ryan Snyder, percussion • Klaudia Szlachta, violin • Janet Underhill, bassoon • Grace Wodarcyk • Jacques Lee Wood, cello • Randall Zigler, bass

Gallery

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What I like most about ICP is the family aspect of it. I love how we are so close as a community and enjoy each other’s company. Most importantly, we push each other to be the best musicians that we can be.