Artistry. Education. Advocacy. Entrepreneurship.

While on campus, the fellows offer master classes, lessons, and class demonstrations, as well as play side by side with students of the Skidmore College Orchestra and read student compositions. Ensemble Connect performs in the Arthur Zankel Music Center’s Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall, presenting concert programs that include world premieres commissioned by Carnegie Hall. The commissioned composers are present during the residency to collaborate with the fellows before the world-premiere performances. In addition, the fellows and composers offer interactive demonstrations and informal performances beyond the music department in classes, dormitories, and libraries, as well as in schools and other community venues in Saratoga Springs.

Fellows serve as musical resources to schools in all five boroughs of New York City and bring mastery of their instruments as well as a professional performer’s perspective to music classrooms. Each fellow is partnered with a public school for a residency that totals 25 days over the course of the year. Fellows serve as musical resources to schools in all five boroughs of New York City and bring mastery of their instruments as well as a professional performer’s perspective to music classrooms. They partner with each school’s instrumental music teacher to strengthen students’ musical skills through a tailored and creativity-rich approach. In addition, fellows of Ensemble Connect bring their artistry into schools through two assembly-style interactive performances each year.

View current partner schools, and learn more about how to participate.

This program is designed to bring live music to people living in challenging situations, such as correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and healthcare settings. Fellows also perform several times per year as part of Carngie Hall’s free Neighborhood Concerts series.

Areas of emphasis include artistic excellence, engagement strategies both on and off the stage, advocacy, professional skills, and preparation for their work in the schools. Sessions are led by experts in the performing arts field, professional teaching artists, and Ensemble Connect alumni. Coaching sessions are also provided to fellows, as well as access to world-renowned composers such as Thomas Adès, John Adams, David Lang, and Steve Reich.