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The ESYO Experience

The ESYO Experience

ESYO is changing the lives of its musicians and the communities in which they live and perform through music. ESYO challenges and inspires more than 600 of the most talented youth from the Capital Region of New York, Western New England, and all walks of life to achieve musical excellence through intensive instruction and high level performance. Through twelve performing ensembles and ESYO CHIME, ESYO is igniting a lifelong love of music in the youngest members of our communities, and breaking boundaries between communities and backgrounds to grow the future of music.

 ESYO’s progressive program supports students in elementary through high school, growing with them as they expand their musical and personal capabilities. But, the ESYO Experience is about more than exceptional music. Through the ESYO Experience, children and teenagers build confidence, practice teamwork, and cultivate personal drive, giving them skills to achieve success in music, college, and beyond.

ESYO alums go on as leaders in fields as diverse as engineering and art. They can also be found in all areas of the music industry—from national orchestras to music classrooms.

Beyond Membership

ESYO also seeks to expand its impact beyond its membership, believing music can be a catalyst for social change in the communities in which ESYO musicians live, learn and play. This belief is why ESYO has helped raise more than $8 million for Albany Medical Center’s pediatric oncology program through the Melodies of Christmas concerts. To further expand its impact, ESYO launched ESYO CHIME in 2015. CHIME provides free, daily music instruction to some of the region’s most disadvantaged elementary school children—children who might not otherwise have the ability or income to seriously pursue music. Through CHIME, ESYO hopes to ensure the musicians of tomorrow are as diverse as the communities they seek to inspire.

Founded by parents and music teachers Barry Richman, Eleanor Barnes and Lois Lyman in 1979, the ESYO Experience now includes everything from Carnegie Hall concerts to benefit performances, master classes with exceptional musicians like the Shanghai Quartet to international tours from Europe to Asia. All of this would not be accomplished without the support and the generosity of many individuals, corporations, and foundations whose gifts are an investment in the future of music.