Enter an orchestra of New Yorkers rising from homelessness, forging their futures one bold note at a time.
In defiance of adversity, these musicians play on—
all of us bearing witness to an escape facilitated by the very emblem of wealth itself.
We are that orchestra. Come and bear witness.
The Vision
Generational Transformation
We believe music is the key to rehabilitating the city’s view of people that are homeless. Generations of New Yorkers will have transitioned out of homelessness and built successful careers from That One Ensemble in the decades to come.
High Standards
Our orchestra members will be mentored by the best musicians, led by the batons of top conductors, and premier music written by the most sought-after composers in the world.
No Compromises
Our members are lent quality instruments, provided weekly lessons, given generous biweekly stipends, and are treated like professionals from start to finish. We make every effort to set them up for success and we take zero shortcuts to do so.
Belonging
Mentorship
Skillset
Wage
Community
Responsibility
Belonging Mentorship Skillset Wage Community Responsibility
— for people who are too often mistaken for a problem to solve.
-
Nick Marsella
Founder & Executive Director
M.M. Composition, The Juilliard School
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Kristel Kempin
Board of Directors
Director of Development, Tate Americas Foundation
-
Gary Padmore
Board of Directors
VP of Education, New York Philharmonic -
Nigel Masenda
Board of Directors, Secretary
Corporate Attorney, TE Connectivity
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Robert Ong
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Director of Research, PEAK6 Capital Management LLC -
Josiah Haken
Board Advisor
CEO, City Relief -
Eru Matsumoto
Board of Directors
GRAMMY Award®-winning cellist, Forbes 30 Under 30
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José GarcÃa León
Board of Directors
Dean, Yale School of Music
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Ritz Mpindi
Board of Directors
Founder & Creative Strategist, Burning Hearts
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Drew D'Agostino
Board of Directors
Founder & CEO, Crystal
The Process
Collaborate + Scout
We partner with NYC-based nonprofit organizations already directly serving people experiencing homelessness to identify candidates who would be set up for success in our program.
Train + Equip
We leverage our extensive roster of the best orchestral musicians in NYC to pair each new member with a mentor who trains them and performs alongside them when they are ready.
Hire + Perform
After training, we hire each individual to perform in the orchestra during our concert seasons. They are free to join other ensembles or pursue other work with their new skillset, but they will always have a place with us.