INTEMPO is a Stamford, CT-based youth-development organization that provides high-quality classical and intercultural music education to children predominantly from immigrant backgrounds and from communities underrepresented in the arts.
Intempo: Providing High-Quality Music Education to Children from Immigrant Backgrounds
Intempo is a youth-development organization based in Stamford, CT that aims to provide high-quality classical and intercultural music education to children predominantly from immigrant backgrounds and communities underrepresented in the arts. The organization was founded in 2011 by Angelica Durrell, who recognized the need for music education programs that catered specifically to underserved communities.
Intempo's mission is to empower young people through music, providing them with opportunities for personal growth and cultural exchange. The organization believes that music can be a powerful tool for social change, helping children develop confidence, discipline, and creativity while fostering cross-cultural understanding.
At Intempo, students receive comprehensive music instruction from highly trained professionals. The curriculum includes individual lessons on instruments such as violin, cello, guitar, piano and voice; group classes on theory and musicianship; ensemble rehearsals; performances; workshops with guest artists; and community outreach events.
One of the unique aspects of Intempo's program is its emphasis on intercultural exchange. Students are exposed not only to Western classical music but also to traditional folk songs from their own cultures as well as those of their peers. This approach helps students develop an appreciation for diverse musical traditions while also building bridges between different communities.
Intempo serves over 200 students each year through its various programs. Many of these students come from low-income families or have limited access to arts education in their schools or neighborhoods. Thanks to generous donations from individuals and organizations alike - including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts - Intempo is able to offer its services at little or no cost to families who might otherwise be unable to afford them.
In addition to its regular programming during the school year (which runs September through June), Intempo offers summer camps where students can continue their musical studies during vacation months. These camps provide an opportunity for intensive study and performance, as well as fun activities like field trips and outdoor games.
Intempo has received widespread recognition for its work in the community. In 2018, the organization was awarded the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award - the highest honor given to youth arts programs in the United States. This award recognized Intempo's commitment to excellence in arts education and its impact on young people from diverse backgrounds.
Overall, Intempo is a vital resource for children from immigrant backgrounds and underrepresented communities who might not otherwise have access to high-quality music education. Through its innovative programming, dedicated staff, and commitment to social justice, Intempo is helping to create a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape for all.