Chamber Music Program

We are excited to offer a new, student-led approach to chamber music this season! Students will form their own chamber ensembles, rehearse independently outside of GTCYS, and receive support from professional chamber music coaches as they develop their musical and ensemble skills.

Keep reading for information on ensemble structures, how GTCYS will support your group, and program expectations.

Already have a group? Have a designated spokesperson from your ensemble fill out our registration form, and we’ll be in touch! To participate, all members of the ensemble must be enrolled in a GTCYS orchestra.

How It Works

• Form your ensemble. Students connect with other interested musicians and form their own chamber ensemble.
  • Want to connect with other interested musicians? Fill out the interest form at the bottom of this page. We’ll share contact information with other interested students so you can connect and form an ensemble.
• Rehearse independently. Ensembles are responsible for scheduling and rehearsing on their own outside of GTCYS.
• Build your ensemble skills. GTCYS provides professional coaching and repertoire guidance to help ensembles grow.
• Perform. Participating ensembles will have opportunities to perform at GTCYS and community events depending on interest and readiness.

Who Can Join?

Our chamber music program is open to GTCYS members who are:

• String players in Camerata, Concert Orchestra, and Philharmonic
• Brass and woodwind players in Concert Orchestra and Philharmonic

The cost to participate in the program is $175 and financial assistance is available.

Ensembles

We will support the following chamber ensembles:

Camerata Level

• Flexible String Ensemble: 4-6 string players of any type
• String Quartet: 2 violins, viola, cello

Concert Orchestra and Philharmonic

• String Quartet: 2 violins, viola, cello
• Woodwind Quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn
• Brass Quintet: 2 trumpets, horn, trombone, tuba

What GTCYS Provides

Chamber ensembles receive:

• Four coaching sessions with a professional musician
• Assistance with repertoire selection
• Opportunities to perform in the community when the ensemble is ready and interested

Expectations

All members of the ensemble must be enrolled in a GTCYS orchestra.

• Your ensemble will rehearse independently 4–6 times per semester outside of GTCYS
  • GTCYS will not provide rehearsal space for your group so you’ll need to arrange to rehearse at each other’s homes.
• Attend all coaching sessions, which take place one hour before your orchestra rehearsal on the following weeks:
  • Week of November 30
  • Week of January 11
  • Week of February 22
  • Week of April 19
• Optional: Submit a 2–3 minute video demonstrating the ensemble’s readiness for public performances

Getting Started

1. Connect with other musicians by Friday, October 2
   • If you’re interested in forming a group, complete the interest form at the bottom of this page. We’ll share contact information with other interested students so you can reach out and create your own chamber groups.
2. Form your ensemble by Friday, October 16
   • Students are responsible for forming their own ensembles. Once your ensemble has formed, one spokesperson for your group should fill out the Chamber Ensemble Registration Form.
3. Start rehearsing. Schedule and rehearse independently outside of GTCYS. We encourage ensembles to begin rehearsing as soon as they form.
4. Interested in performing publicly? We’ll be in touch with additional details once your group has formed!

If you have questions about the Chamber Music Program, reach out to Dan Mollick, Student and Community Engagement Director.