Programs
Challenging. Transformative. High quality. Accessible. Welcoming. Community-driven. Student-focused.
The Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS, pronounced git-seez) embodies a holistic approach to music instruction founded on excellence and personal growth in a supportive environment. By focusing on the educational process while upholding rigorous and inspiring standards of excellence, students develop lifelong musical, social, and leadership skills which help position them for success and find meaning in school and beyond. GTCYS serves musicians of all ages and abilities, from beginning to pre-professional, ages 8 to 18. Year-round opportunities provide challenging and accessible entry points, and we provide need-based scholarships to support interested students regardless of financial constraints.
Online Summer Sessions
GTCYS is excited to announce a new series of FREE interactive online sessions with GTCYS conductors, staff, and special guests for this summer! These sessions cover a wide range of musical topics and are geared towards a variety of ages and instruments. Learn about your instrument, practice tips, music history, conducting, and more!
Academic-Year Orchestras
GTCYS’ ten academic-year orchestras provide a rigorous and inspiring orchestral learning community for more than 700 beginning to pre-professional string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students each year. Students must audition annually and are placed by ability in our orchestras which range from beginning to pre-professional. Every orchestra has weekly evening rehearsals, four to seven annual performances, including two at Orchestra Hall, two day retreats, sectionals with professional musicians, social activities, and leadership opportunities like mentoring and service projects. The orchestras, listed in progressive order, are:
- Philharmonia East and Philharmonia West (strings only)
- Sinfonia East and Sinfonia West
- Concertino East (NEW in fall 2020) and Concertino West
- Camerata
- Concert Orchestra
- Philharmonic
- Symphony
Each audition includes: short solo, 2-3 scales, sight reading (and orchestral excerpt for students auditioning for Camerata through Symphony). Click here to learn more about auditions.
Harmony
In fall 2016, GTCYS launched Harmony, a program providing after-school group violin instruction twice a week for 18 3rd graders at Riverview Elementary, a dual immersion Spanish-English. This year, the program serves 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders three days a week with the addition of semi-private lessons to boost students’ progress. Designed to be highly accessible, Harmony provides instruments, performance opportunities, mentoring by older GTCYS students, concert attire, and transportation home.
Given Harmony’s success and increased demand, we are excited to expand the 2019-20 program. We are grateful for this year’s funders who have made this program possible, including Xcel Foundation, Aroha Philanthropies, and Minnesota State Arts Board.
Summer Orchestras
Whether you’re a first-time orchestra student or an advanced player, there’s a place for you in one of GTCYS’ three Summer Orchestras which inspire string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students.
String Orchestra Camp
Budding young string players can participate in a fun string orchestra day camp where they’ll experience the excitement of playing in an orchestra, make new friends, grow musically, and have fun! Rehearsals, sectionals with professional coaches, fun social opportunities, field trips, and special music activities create a well-rounded musical experience.
Tours
Touring empowers students with musical, social, and cultural opportunities that will shape their lives for years to come. Symphony’s 2020 tour will visit Southern Italy and Sicily.