School-Year Orchestras

Beloved conductor and string pedagogy expert Mary Sorlie strikes a winning balance of fun and rigor in GTCYS’ entry-level string orchestra, Philharmonia East. Beginning string players have an average of 2 to 4 years’ experience, and develop vital ensemble skills that foster individual growth while learning how to listen, watch, and understand orchestral vocabulary. Repertoire is primarily first position, and students must know detaché and staccato bow strokes.

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Mary Sorlie, GTCYS alum, professional violinist, and award-winning teacher 
• Perform at 4 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 2 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like Student Leadership Team 

Philharmonia East Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Thursday, September 10, 7:30-8:30pm 

Rehearsals

• Tuesdays, 6:30–8:00pm at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul beginning on September 15.

Retreats

• Fall: Saturday, September 26 at Maplewood YMCA, 9:00am–1:00pm
• Winter: January 23 or 24, time and location TBD  

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Saturday, November 14 at Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Saturday, December 12, 2:00pm at Johanna Shores, Arden Hills
• Midwinter Concert: Tentatively Saturday, February 27
• Spring Festival: Sunday, May 9 at Orchestra Hall 

Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.

Tuition & Assistance 

Philharmonia East Tuition: $980 for the full season  

• Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($108.89 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount

GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled

Prorated Tuition

Prorated tuition for students joining in January is $590

Watch a Philharmonia East Performance

Enjoy their live performance of Dueling French Dances by Claude Gervaise at Orchestra Hall.

Beloved conductor and string pedagogy expert Mary Sorlie strikes a winning balance of fun and rigor in GTCYS’ entry-level string orchestra, Philharmonia West. Beginning string players have an average of 2 to 4 years’ experience, and develop vital ensemble skills that foster individual growth while learning how to listen, watch, and understand orchestral vocabulary. Repertoire is primarily first position, and students must know detaché and staccato bow strokes.

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Mary Sorlie, GTCYS alum, professional violinist, and award-winning teacher 
• Perform at 4 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 2 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like Student Leadership Team 

Philharmonia West Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Thursday, September 10, 6:30pm–7:30pm  

Rehearsals

• Mondays, 6:30–8:00pm at Edina Senior Center  

Retreats

• Fall: Saturday, September 19 at St. Louis Park Rec Center, 9:30am–1:30pm 
• Winter: January 23 or 24, time and location TBD  

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Sunday, November 15 at Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Monday, December 14, 7:00pm at Minnesota Veterans Home
• Midwinter Concert: Monday, March 1, 7:00pm at Minnesota Veterans Home
• Spring Festival: Saturday, May 8 at Orchestra Hall 

Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.

Tuition & Assistance

Philharmonia West Tuition: $980 for the full season  

Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($108.89 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $590.

Watch a Philharmonia West Performance

Enjoy their live performance of Adrian Gordon’s The Enchanted Forest at Orchestra Hall.

Emma Fischer leads Sinfonia East, GTCYS’ first full orchestra with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students are actively engaged in an enjoyable and welcoming environment as they’re introduced to rehearsal, listening, and ensemble skills, while developing musical elements of style and phrasing. String players in Sinfonia East have an average of 3 to 5 years’ experience, and wind/brass/percussion students have an average of 1 to 4 years’ experience. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, social activities, and extra opportunities provide a well-rounded experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills. 

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Emma Fischer, trumpet player and music teacher at Hidden River Middle School 
• Perform at 5 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 2 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like Student Leadership Team 

Sinfonia East Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Tuesday, September 1, 7:30pm–8:30pm   

Rehearsals

• Tuesdays, 6:30–8:00pm at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul  

Retreats

• Fall: Sunday, September 27 at YMCA Camp St. Croix, 10:00am–3:00pm (transportation available)
• Winter: Sunday, January 24, Two Rivers High School, Mendota Heights  

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Sunday, November 15 at Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Tuesday, December 8 at Boutwell’s Landing in Oak Park Heights
• Midwinter Concert: Sunday, February 28 at St. Andrew’s Mahtomedi
• Spring Festival: Saturday, May 8 at Orchestra Hall

Tuition & Assistance

Sinfonia East Tuition: $1,090 for the full season  

Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($121.11 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $655.

Watch a Sinfonia East Performance

Laura Hebert leads Sinfonia West, GTCYS’ first full orchestra with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students are actively engaged in an enjoyable and welcoming environment as they’re introduced to rehearsal, listening, and ensemble skills, while developing musical elements of style and phrasing. String players in Sinfonia West have an average of 3 to 5 years’ experience, and wind/brass/percussion students have an average of 1 to 4 years’ experience. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, social activities, and extra opportunities provide a well-rounded experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Laura Hebert, GTCYS alum, private string instructor, and former teacher in the Roseville and Stillwater school districts 
• Perform at 4 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 2 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like Student Leadership Team 

Sinfonia West Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Thursday, September 10, 6:30pm–7:30pm   

Rehearsals

• Mondays, 6:30–8:00pm at Wooddale Church in Edina  

Retreats

• Fall: Sunday, September 20 at YMCA Camp St. Croix, 11:00am–4:00pm (transportation available)
• Winter: January 23 or 24, time and location TBD   

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Saturday, November 14 at Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Monday, December 7, 7:00pm at Friendship Village, Bloomington
• Midwinter Concert: Saturday, February 27, at Hopkins High School
• Spring Festival: Saturday, May 8 at Orchestra Hall 

Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.

Tuition & Assistance

Philharmonia West Tuition: $1,090 for the full season  

• Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($121.11 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $655.

Watch a Sinfonia West Performance

Led by conductor Tamara Gonzalez, Concertino East students to take their musicianship to the next level by focusing on technical skills, excellence, and teamwork. String players have an average of 4 to 7 years of experience and wind/brass/percussion students have have an average of 1 to 4 years of experience. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, and social activities provide a well-rounded experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Tamara Gonzalez, a professional violinist with a rich background of performance and teaching experience, and current instructor at the Blake School 
• Perform at 5 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 3 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like chamber music and Student Leadership Team 

Concertino East Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Thursday, September 3. 6:30-7:30pm 

Rehearsals

• Thursdays, 6:45–8:30pm at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul beginning on September 10.

Retreats

• Fall: Sunday, September 20 at YMCA Camp St. Croix, 11:00am–4:00pm (transportation available)
• Winter: Sunday, January 24 at Two Rivers High School, Mendota Heights  

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Saturday, November 14 at Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Sunday, December 13, 3:00pm at Roseville Luthern Church
• Midwinter Concert: Monday, March 1, Location TBD
• Connection Concert: Friday, April 23 School Tour (all day)
• Spring Festival: Saturday, May 8 at Orchestra Hall 

Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.

Tuition & Assistance

Concertino East Tuition: $1,235 for the full season

• Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($137.22 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $745.

Watch a Concertino East Performance

Conductor Dan Mollick applies his passion as an educator and classical musician to create a challenging experience for students. Concertino West students their musicianship to the next level by focusing on technical skills, excellence, and teamwork. String players have an average of 4 to 7 years of experience and wind/brass/percussion students have have an average of 1 to 4 years of experience. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, and social activities provide a well-rounded experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Dan Mollick, cellist and award-winning orchestra director 
• Perform at 5 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 3 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like chamber music and Student Leadership Team 

Concertino West Schedule

Concertino West rehearses weekly on Mondays from 6:45–8:30pm in Edina beginning on September 14.

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Thursday, September 10, 6:30–7:30pm   

Rehearsals

• Mondays, 6:45–8:30pm at Good Samaritan UMC in Edina  

Retreats

• Fall: Sunday, September 27 at YMCA Camp St. Croix, 10:00am–3:00pm (transportation available)
• Winter: January 23 or 24, time and location TBD  

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Sunday, November 15 at Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Saturday, December 12, Location TBD
• Midwinter Concert: Saturday, February 27 at Hopkins HS
• Connection Concert: Friday, April 16 School Tour (all day)
• Spring Festival: Sunday, May 9 at Orchestra Hall 

Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.

Tuition & Assistance

Concertino West Tuition: $1,235 for the full season

• Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($137.22 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $745.

Watch a Concertino West Performance

A close-knit group led by conductor Diane Hallberg, Camerata Con Brio embodies teamwork, encouragement, and commitment that build students’ musical success and confidence. String players in Camerata Con Brio have an average of 5 to 7 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have been playing their instruments for 3 to 7 years. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, and social activities provide a well-rounded and transformative experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.

2026–27 Highlights

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead:

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Diane Hallberg, professional flutist and band and orchestra teacher at Minnehaha Academy
• Perform at 5 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 3 community performances around the Twin Cities
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like chamber music and Student Leadership Team

Camerata Con Brio Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Tuesday, September 1, 6:30–7:30pm

Rehearsals

• Tuesdays, 7:00–8:45pm at Wooddale Church in Edina beginning on September 8.

Retreats

• Fall: Sunday, September 27 at YMCA Camp St. Croix, 10:00am–3:00pm (transportation available)
• Winter: January 23 or 24, time and location TBD

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Sunday, November 15 at Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Saturday, December 12, time and location TBD
• Midwinter Concert: Saturday, February 27 at Hopkins High School
• Showcase Concert: April 24 or 25, time and location TBD
• Spring Festival: Saturday, May 8 at Orchestra Hall

Tuition & Assistance

Camerata Con Brio Tuition: $1,325 for the full season

• Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July-March (147.22 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $795.

Watch a Camerata Con Brio Performance

Led by conductor Zane Kaiser, Camerata Vivace embodies teamwork, encouragement, and commitment that build students’ musical success and confidence. String players in Camerata Vivace have an average of 5 to 7 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have been playing their instruments for 3 to 7 years. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, and social activities provide a well-rounded and transformative experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Zane Kaiser, bassoonist and music director at Justice Page Middle School in Minneapolis 
• Perform at 5 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 3 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like chamber music and Student Leadership Team 

Camerata Vivace Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting
Tuesday, September 1, 6:30–7:30pm   

Rehearsals
Thursdays, 7:00–8:45pm at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul starting on September 10.

Retreats

• Fall: Sunday, September 20 at YMCA Camp St. Croix, 11:00am–4:00pm (transportation available)
• Winter: Sunday, January 24 at Two Rivers High School, Mendota Heights 

Concerts:

• Fall Festival: Saturday, November 14, Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Sunday, December 13, 3:00pm Roseville Lutheran Church
• Midwinter Concert: Sunday, February 28 at St. Andrew’s Mahtomedi
• Showcase Concert: April 24 or 25, location TBD
• Spring Festival: Saturday, May 8 at Orchestra Hall 

Tuition and Assistance:

Camerata Vivace Tuition: $1,325 for the full season  

Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July-March (147.22 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $795.

Watch a 2023-24 Camerata Performance

Enjoy 2023-24 Camerata’s live performance of Les Preludes: Love, Story, and Victory by Franz Liszt, arr. Vernon Leidig at Orchestra Hall.

Jack Reynertson leads Concert Orchestra students to employ curiosity, build community, and share a commitment to excellence which nurtures students’ individual technique and ensemble artistry. With challenging repertoire including original orchestral works, Concert Orchestra has five annual performances, including two at Orchestra Hall. String players in Concert Orchestra have an average of 6 to 8 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have been playing their instruments for 4 to 8 years. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, and social activities provide a well-rounded and transformative experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Jack Reynertson, percussionist and orchestra teacher at Edina High School 
• Perform at 5 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 3 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like chamber music and Student Leadership Team 

Concert Orchestra Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Monday, August 24, 6:30–7:30pm   

Rehearsals

• Mondays, 6:45–8:45pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis 

Retreats

• Fall: Saturday, September 19 at Ted Mann Concert Hall 
• Winter: Saturday, January 16 at Ted Mann Concert Hall 

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Saturday, November 14 at Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Sunday, December 13, 7:00pm at Union Gospel Mission St. Paul
• Midwinter Concert: Saturday, February 28 at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church
• Showcase Concert: April 24 or 25, location TBD
• Spring Festival: Saturday, May 8 at Orchestra Hall 

Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.

Tuition & Assistance

Concert Orchestra Tuition: $1,410 for the full season  

Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($156. 67 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $850.

Watch a Concert Orchestra Performance

Conductor Paxson Amy leads students through a deep exploration of major symphonic repertoire and the music’s historical context. With a focus on developing individual musicianship that drives the orchestra’s collective success, Philharmonic builds students’ lifelong appreciation of music and desire to strive for excellence. With five annual concerts, including two at Orchestra Hall, Philharmonic attracts the area’s leading high school musicians. String players in Philharmonic have an average of 7 to 10 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have typically been playing their instruments for 5 to 8 years. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, and social activities provide a well-rounded and transformative experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills. 

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Paxson Amy, horn player and passionate conductor studying under Artistic Director Mark Russell Smith at the University of Minnesota 
• Perform at 5 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall, and 3 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Master spectacular repertoire that challenges and inspires, including Aaron Copland’s Billy the Kid: Ballet-Suite, Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 4, and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Overture to the Song of Hiawatha. 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like chamber music and Student Leadership Team 

Philharmonic Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Tuesday, September 1, 7:30pm–8:30pm   

Rehearsals

• Tuesdays, 6:45–9:15pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis beginning on September 8.

Retreats

• Fall: Saturday, September 19 at Ted Mann Concert Hall 
• Winter: Saturday, January 16 at Ted Mann Concert Hall  

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Saturday, November 14 at Orchestra Hall
• Symphony Series Concert with Philharmonic: Wednesday, December 16, 7:00pm at East Ridge High School, Woodbury
• Midwinter Concert: Sunday, February 28 at St. Andrew’s Mahtomedi
• Showcase Concert: April 24 or 25, time and location TBD
• Spring Festival: Sunday, May 9 at Orchestra Hall 

Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.

Tuition & Assistance

Philharmonic Tuition: $1,525 for the full season  

Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($169.44 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $915.

Watch a Philharmonic Performance 

Enjoy their live performance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Op. 35, IV. Festival at Baghdad. Allegro molto at Orchestra Hall

Led by professional conductor and educator Mark Russell Smith, Symphony is GTCYS’ flagship orchestra which masters major repertoire, including full symphonic works, in a supportive and conservatory-like setting. With its own concert series and professional style performance opportunities, Symphony attracts the best young musicians in the region. String players in Symphony have an average of 7 to 12 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have typically been playing their instruments for 5 to 8 years. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, social activities, and extra opportunities provide a well-rounded and transformative experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly at Orchestra Hall from September through mid-May with Mark Russell Smith, our esteemed artistic director as well as the artistic director of orchestral studies at the University of Minnesota, music director and conductor of the Quad City Symphony, and professional conductor across the country 
• Perform at 9 exciting concerts—6 at Orchestra Hall, 1 at Ted Mann Concert Hall, and 2 concerts around the Twin Cities 
• Master spectacular repertoire that challenges and inspires, including Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, Charles Ives’ Variations on American, and Stacy Garrop’s Penelope Waits from the Mythology Symphony 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like mentoring and Student Leadership Team 

Symphony Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting
Tuesday, September 1, 6:30-7:30pm 

Rehearsals
Mondays, 6:45–9:15pm at Orchestra Hall  

Retreats

• Fall: Sunday, September 20 at Ted Mann Concert Hall 
• Winter: Saturday, January 16 at Ted Mann Concert Hall 

Concerts

• Fall Festival: November 14–15 at Orchestra Hall
• Symphony Series Concert: Wednesday December 16, 7:00pm at East Ridge High School, Woodbury
• Symphony Series Concert: Sunday, February 28 at St. Andrew’s Mahtomedi
• Symphony Series Concert: Friday, April 30, 7:00pm at Ted Mann Concert Hall
• Spring Festival: May 8–9 at Orchestra Hall 

Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.

Tuition & Assistance

Symphony Tuition: $1,710 for the full season  

Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($190.00 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $1030.

Watch a Symphony Performance