Community Engagement Programmes Rebrand
Experiencing classical music, lifelong journeys with music, inspiring audiences of all ages, learning new forms of expression, and strengthening communities – are some of the many opportunities offered by Irish Chamber Orchestra’s (ICO’s) Community Engagement programmes. ICO believes in the transformative power of music and its profound impact on communities. Since 2008, this Limerick-based, national treasure has educated over 3,000 children and young people through musical engagement.
ICO’s immersive Sing Out With Strings programme operates in 2 Primary and 5 Secondary schools* in Limerick City. ICO Youth Orchestra (ICOYO) evolved naturally from Sing Out With Strings providing teenagers who wish to continue their orchestral studies with the platform to do so. In 2018, ICO also transitioned to online teaching, introducing a new innovative tutorial website SOWS Online which has enabled tutors and children access to free music, all over the world.
An exciting, familial orchestra, ICO moves with the times experimenting with new programmatic approaches, re-imagining the chamber orchestral experience for the 21st century. It inspires audiences of all ages harnessing the power of music to develop key skills. Aligning with its latest strategy (2024-2027), ICO embarked on rebranding the titles of three of its community engagement programmes with the goal of gaining greater brand cohesion while continuing to deliver inclusive, creative community projects and expanding its audience base.
In consultation with relevant schools and funders, the new iterations are a clear statement of a branding revision campaign. They are considered, simple yet confident, the language less formal yet descriptive. Sing Out With Strings becomes ICO Schools, ICOYO becomes ICO Youth while SOWS Online becomes ICO Teach.
“This clear and simple approach builds on the ethos of ICO, and these new brand changes validate our mission to make music accessible to all. We inspire and uplift audiences of all ages and backgrounds by providing meaningful opportunities to experience and participate in classical music. ICO’s community engagement initiatives facilitate classroom music of high quality from an early age, building a musical culture, identifying potential and talent and enriching children’s experience with music. We provide our students with knowledge and understanding of the music they will encounter throughout their lives. We are proud of what we have achieved as we ensure our music brand is relevant and accessible to all”
ICO continues to evolve with new approaches to storytelling, a simplified brand architecture and a new system of visual expression. ICO Schools, ICO Youth and ICO Teach mark the beginning of this journey. Find out further information on ICO’s community engagement programmes by clicking here.
