2025-26 Musician Handbook: School-Year Program & Activities

School-Year Program

This year, more than 900 beginning to advanced students ages 7–18 from across the region will participate in one of GTCYS’ 11 school-year orchestras. Rehearsals are the foundation of students’ experience, focusing on the educational process as well as technical and musical skills through full rehearsals and sectionals with professional musicians. GTCYS also provides a social setting where students can feel supported, strive for excellence, and achieve common goals through music. The orchestras, in order of increasing technical proficiency, are:

• Philharmonia East and West (strings only)
• Sinfonia East and West
• Concertino East and West
• Camerata Con Brio and Vivace
• Concert Orchestra
• Philharmonic
• Symphony

Retreats

Each orchestra holds a half-day retreat in both the fall and winter, featuring extended rehearsal time and fun social activities that help students connect and grow together musically. These retreats are an important part of the overall GTCYS experience, and all students are expected to participate. Detailed information will be shared with students and families via email.

Open Rehearsals

Open rehearsals give GTCYS students a fun opportunity to share the GTCYS experience with their friends in a relaxed, play-along setting. Most orchestras host an open rehearsal each spring. Students are welcome to bring friends who play orchestral instruments—friends can either join their host’s orchestra or attend a different one that better matches their skill level and comfort. Keep an eye out for additional ways to introduce friends to GTCYS, including virtual Q&As with conductors and staff!

Chamber Music 

We are excited to offer chamber music opportunities for students in select orchestras to play in small ensembles (4-6 members) under the guidance of a professional chamber music coach! Reference the Spring 2025 program details here and stay tuned for 2025-26 program details in August 2025! Contact dan@gtcys.org with questions about Chamber Music opportunities.

Concerto Competition

GTCYS’ Concerto Competition is an annual opportunity for any current GTCYS musician to showcase their individual talents. Contestants prepare a concerto or solo work, record a video with piano accompaniment for professional judges in the preliminary round, and receive educational feedback about their performance. Selected finalists perform in a free public recital with a collaborative pianist. From that round, one or two winners will be selected to perform in concert with GTCYS’ flagship orchestra, Symphony, and Artistic Director Mark Russell Smith. Click here to learn more and to register to compete.

• Applications are due Tuesday, September 30 at 11:59pm
• Preliminary Round: Sunday, October 12, 2025, 11:00am–5:00pm
• Finals Round: Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3:00pm, at Sundin Hall at Hamline University, St. Paul
• Winner’s performance with Symphony at Orchestrating Opportunities Benefit, Orchestra Hall: Sunday, February 22, 2026

Sponsored Lessons

This opportunity is for current GTCYS students who qualify for need-based tuition assistance. GTCYS matches these students with a high-quality private instructor and pays for weekly lessons. Sponsored Lessons Applications are available online. Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Ambassadors (All Orchestras)

Student Ambassadors are invited to share a presentation about GTCYS with their school orchestra or band. This program is an opportunity for any GTCYS student enrolled in school orchestra or band programs to develop communication skills, demonstrate pride as an orchestral musician, and help peers understand the value of GTCYS’ programs. Details and registration form forthcoming.

Student Mentors

Philharmonic and Symphony students can apply to serve as mentors with Philharmonia, Sinfonia, and Concertino. By rehearsing and demonstrating in a side-by-side capacity at rehearsals, mentors enhance younger students’ educational experience and deepen their own learning. Applications and program details are forthcoming. Contact Program Director Miranda Bryan at miranda@gtcys.org or 651.602.6807 with any questions.

Student Volunteer Opportunities (optional and encouraged)

GTCYS offers opportunities for GTCYS students to contribute to their own musical and personal progress and enrich the success of their orchestras and their communities. Students may sign up for volunteer opportunities online. If you have your own volunteer ideas, let us know!

• Chamber Musician: You are a member of a chamber music ensemble which is interested in performing at special events.
• Student Musicologist (all students): Research a piece your orchestra is working on and share it with audiences at concerts.
• Social Coordinator: welcome new students at rehearsals, help with new-student orientation, and plan your orchestra’s social activities.
• Donor/Volunteer Recognition Assistant: Write thank you letters and/or make thank you calls to donors and volunteers.
• Library Aide (grades 8–12): assist GTCYS’ Librarian with music preparation and filing in the office (copying, cleaning, and counting out parts). 

Thank-You Activities

Members of GTCYS’ orchestras will occasionally be asked to write thank-you notes to donors and/or GTCYS board members who contribute financially to support every students’ participation in GTCYS. This is an opportunity for students to learn more about giving back while also developing their writing and interpersonal skills. In addition to writing thank-you notes, Philharmonic and Symphony members may be asked to serve as GTCYS ambassadors and speak to guests about GTCYS at concert receptions, board meetings, and/or open rehearsals.

Mentors from the University of Minnesota

Through this collaboration between GTCYS’ Symphony and the University of Minnesota’s School of Music, graduate students provide vital leadership at Symphony rehearsals, serve as role models, enhance students’ learning experience, and gain valuable training in the process.