School Music Grant

School music programs are an integral part of the Twin Cities music community, but many programs have limited resources to serve their students. To strengthen and support school music programs, GTCYS awards a $1,000 grant to a Twin Cities public school orchestra or band program every year.

We were excited to present our 2026 School Music Grant to the Hidden River Middle School Band and Orchestra Program in St. Paul. Led by Emma Fischer, the program is expanding access through free instrument loans, and this grant will help repair instruments so more students can keep playing.

Nominations for the 2027 School Music Grant will open in January.

How the grant can be used

• Instruments or equipment
• Sheet music
• Supplies or other classroom needs 
• Any other expenses that directly benefits students in the program 

Who can nominate a school

• Students 
• Parents or guardians 
• Teachers or school staff 
• GTCYS alumni 
• Community members