That One Ensemble (TOE) will be the first orchestra of its kind that trains, hires, and platforms New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.
The Vision
- Generational Transformation: We believe generations of New Yorkers will have transitioned out of homelessness and built successful careers from TOE in the decades to come.
- High Standards, No Compromises: We will become a professional, performance-ready orchestra, trained by the best musicians in the world, led by the best conductors in the world, with music commissioned uniquely for us by the best composers in the world.
- Next-Generation Philanthropy: We will foster a strong community of forward-thinking, next-generation philanthropists that encompass top patrons of both the arts and impact in NYC.
The Process
- Collaborate + Scout: We work with NYC-based organizations already directly serving the needs of unhoused New Yorkers to identify prospects who would be set up for success in The Orchestra.
- Train + Prepare: 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.
Next Steps
- Phase I (2024-2025): Build our advisory board, secure seed funding, and partner with organizations to identify and train our first members.
- Phase II (2025-2026): Launch our proof-of-concept with three Members and three Mentors, capture their stories in a short film, and produce our first performance.
- Phase III (2026 & Beyond): Scale the program, expand membership, and host a full-season concert series.
Impact of Giving
- First Three Orchestra Members: Bring the Proof of Concept program to life, training our first cohort of Orchestra Members, pairing them with professional Mentors, and taking our first steps to lift them out of .
- Powerful Fundraising/Awareness Material: Produce a compelling short film, documenting this journey and acting as crucial material for gathering the support of donors, partners, and audiences.
- Staff for Sustained Growth: Establish a staffed team, ensuring long-term sustainability and strategic growth.
- Full Orchestra by 2027: Your support now will enable TOE to scale into a fully realized, professional string orchestra by 2027.
Learn More: https://www.thatoneensemble.org