GTCYS Student Mentor Application
Students enrolled in Philharmonic and Symphony have the opportunity to serve as mentors to GTCYS’ less-advanced orchestras. Mentors are responsible for setting their own mentoring schedule, and they must commit to mentoring at least five rehearsals each semester (September through December and January – May).
- Mentors actively participate in their mentored orchestra’s rehearsals and assist the conductor and rehearsal assistant as instructed.
- Upon arrival at rehearsal, mentors will check in with the conductor or rehearsal assistant to receive instructions.
- Depending on the evening’s rehearsal plan, conductors may assign mentors to perform a combination of the following duties:
- Play side-by-side in rehearsals with Philharmonia, Sinfonia, and Concerto-level orchestra students to demonstrate basics like posture, bow hold, tone, intonation, pulse, rhythm, watching the conductor, style, orchestral etiquette, etc. Mentors may also need to write/mark in bowings or fingerings.
- Demonstrate a specific passage for the orchestra by playing or clapping a part.
- Lead “mini-sectionals,” by working on a specific passage with small groups of students during rehearsal in the hallway or a break-out room.
- Learn how to explain how to improve on your orchestral instrument.
- Gain confidence by teaching small groups and demonstrating in front of the orchestra.
- Gain leadership and volunteer experience.
- It’s fun, you give back to GTCYS, and you get more GTCYS in your week!
- Mentors commit to attending at least five rehearsals in the spring semester at their mentored orchestras. Mentors set their own schedules and sign up in advance through a google spreadsheet.
- Review the rehearsal times and locations for the mentored orchestras in the individual orchestra calendars, listed below.
- Monday evening opportunities (Philharmonic students are eligible to mentor these orchestras)
- Philharmonia West – Mondays, 6:30pm – 8pm, Edina
- Sinfonia West – Mondays, 6:30pm – 8pm, Edina
- Concertino West – Mondays, 6:45pm – 8:30pm, Edina
- Monday evening opportunities (Philharmonic students are eligible to mentor these orchestras)
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- Tuesday evening opportunities (Symphony students can mentor these orchestras)
- Philharmonia East – Tuesdays, 6:30pm – 8pm, St. Paul
- Sinfonia East – Thursdays, 6:30pm – 8pm, St. Paul
- Tuesday evening opportunities (Symphony students can mentor these orchestras)
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- Thursday evening opportunity (Both Symphony and Philharmonic students can mentor this orchestra)
- Concertino East – Thursdays, 6:45pm – 8:30pm, St. Paul
- Thursday evening opportunity (Both Symphony and Philharmonic students can mentor this orchestra)
- Applicants age 15 and older will be considered for mentorship.
- The instrumentation needs of the mentored orchestras will be the main factor in selecting mentors. Other factors may include the applicant’s musical and social maturity and willingness to fulfill the time commitment.
- Applying to be a mentor, or previous participation as a mentor, will not guarantee placement.
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and GTCYS encourages all potential mentors to apply by Friday, September 11.
Mentors will receive:
- Music for the orchestra they’re mentoring and a nametag.
- Weekly emails for their mentored orchestras so they can follow along with the conductors’ instructions.
- A carnation at the Spring Festival to recognize their service.
- Recognition in the professionally printed GTCYS Spring Festival concert program.
- Upon request, verification of mentorship by GTCYS staff for college applications or other school volunteer service requirements.
Complete this form to be considered for a GTCYS Student Mentorship, and please contact Jessica Mendez Robles at jessica@gtcys.org with any questions.
GTCYS Student Mentor Application
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