2025-26 Musician Handbook: Other Programs & Collaborations
Summer Camps
GTCYS offers three summer orchestra camps and a brass camp for beginning to highly advanced students. The weeklong day camps provide an opportunity to keep playing in the summer, make new friends, and perform a free public concert. Summer camp registration is open until June 25.
Launch Lessons
Launch Lessons support Hispanic/Latinx and Black/African American students from Ramsey, Washington, and Dakota Counties who demonstrate financial need and a strong interest in orchestral music. Through this program, we pair students who are not yet part of GTCYS with a high-quality private instructor and covers the cost of weekly lessons. To enhance their musical experience, students are encouraged to join one of GTCYS’ 11 school-year orchestras, with continued financial support. Launch Lessons applications are available online. Additional private lesson scholarships are available through GTCYS’ Sponsored Lessons program.
Pathway Musicians Program
GTCYS’ Pathway Musicians Program addresses racial disparities and nurtures the talents of Hispanic/Latinx and Black/African American musicians to help them reach their full potential. Students benefit from mentoring with a professional musician and up to $6,000 of annual financial assistance for comprehensive enrichment opportunities, such as lessons, instrument acquisition, and summer activities outside of GTCYS. Pathway scholarships are renewable each year through high school graduation. Click here to learn more.
Harmony
Harmony creates an accessible entry-point to instrumental music for 100 underrepresented 2nd – 5th graders at Riverview Dual Spanish/English Immersion and L’Etoile du Nord French Immersion (St. Paul) who benefit from group violin and cello instruction, performances, and summer activities. Harmony alumni advance into GTCYS’ school-year orchestras with continued financial support for lessons, tuition, and instruments.