When you play in an orchestra, you learn so much more than music. For Jayda Francis, GTCYS has been a home for her to grow as a leader and performer. Jayda transformed from her first, nervous audition, into playing confidently for others in the community. She shares what GTCYS has meant to her and the […]

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, two GTCYS alumni share their love story. Andrea and Nick Lang met their senior year in GTCYS, and what started with encouragement on an English Horn solo has led to twenty years of marriage! Music continues to be a central part of the Langs’ life. They play their instruments in the […]

Kamau Rodriguez-Pegg is a talented musician. He’s been making music since he was in kindergarten, and first joined GTCYS two and a half years ago. A current violinist in Concertino East, Kamau is also the recipient of a Roderick Cox Music Initiative (RCMI) scholarship. He shares what GTCYS means to him, and the impact the […]

The talent, passion, and dedication of students and families define GTCYS. But outside rehearsal rooms and concert halls is another equally passionate group of leaders: GTCYS’ Board of Directors. Comprised of leaders across all fields in the community, GTCYS’ board helps advance the organization’s mission by providing governance, sharing expertise, and broadening community support. Hyun […]

Steve Kriesel doesn’t just make masks. His innovations make in-person music possible during COVID-19. A GTCYS alum and current parent of a GTCYS student, Steve is the owner of the instrument case company Torpedo Bags. In response to COVID-19, he’s shifted his work drastically to develop special masks and instrument bell covers for GTCYS and […]

On Saturday mornings something special happens. Students from Riverview West Side School of Excellence gather together to make music and learn valuable life skills. They reconnect after a long summer apart. They play musical games and explore their instruments. They are challenged and they grow in incredible ways. They are Harmony. Normally a before-school program […]

Music is built on community. You bond over a memorable performance. Laugh with friends during a rehearsal. Share peace and power in music and silence. Because of COVID-19, students and families have been away from their community – their home at GTCYS – for too long. But that changed when GTCYS launched in-person rehearsals at […]

Silence. The sound heard across rehearsal spaces and concert halls since March. It’s a sound that waits, wants to be filled with sweeping melodies. Lush harmonies. Scintillating flourishes. Behind those sounds, the joy of making music together. A pulsing, connective energy. And at the end of September, GTCYS launched its 49th season with in-person rehearsals, […]

Music and community are more important than ever, and we know that GTCYS fills an important musical niche for students. That’s why GTCYS’ planning over the last few months has been guided by our principles to: Protect the health and safety of our students, staff, and the GTCYS community Sustain our mission to provide high-quality music education through ensemble experiences that are accessible and […]

When in-person learning came to a sudden halt, GTCYS clarinetist Timmy Tu rose to the occasion. In May, Timmy co-founded ELLoquently, an organization that helps kids from around the world learn English. ELLoquently pairs English Language Learners (ELLs) with high school and college tutors, who in turn are supported by long-time educators. Through weekly meetings and continued conversations, students improve their English abilities and develop deep relationships with their […]