Camerata
Camerata students love orchestral music and want more of it in their lives! They challenge each other to achieve greater collective success, share their musical talents with the community, and develop close friendships.
In fall 2024, GTCYS will launch a second Camerata orchestra that will rehearse on a different night and provide opportunities for more intermediate musicians to learn and grow. Stay tuned for more details this spring!
Overview
A close-knit group led by conductor Diane Hallberg. Camerata embodies teamwork, encouragement, and commitment that build students’ musical success and confidence. With five annual concerts, including two at Orchestra Hall, Camerata students share stimulating performances in the community. String players in Camerata 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, social activities, and extra opportunities provide a well-rounded and transformative experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.
2023-24 Highlights
- Learn from Diane Hallberg, professional flutist and current band and orchestra teacher at Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
- Perform 2 concerts at Orchestra Hall in November and May, livestreamed for free
- Share 2 free community concerts
- Explore the musical traditions of India through an exciting multicultural collaboration
- Enjoy 2 half-day retreats in September and January
- Work with professional musicians during sectionals throughout the year (percussionists enjoy a monthly seminar; woodwinds and brass will also learn from an annual masterclass)
- Make friends with youth from across the region through social activities like treat nights, year-end parties, and optional pre-rehearsal dinners each
Rehearsals: September – May
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:45pm
Wooddale Church – Edina Campus: 5532 Wooddale Ave, Edina, MN 55424
Free parking is available in the parking lot.
Carpool lists are provided so interested families can coordinate ridesharing.
Online Calendar
Watch a Camerata Performance
Enjoy their live performance of Antonin Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 8: Mvt IV” at Orchestra Hall (arr. Vernon Leidig).
Tuition, Fees & Tuition Assistance
Camerata Tuition: $1,025 for the full season. Students joining 2nd semester pay 60%.
We offer a sibling discount of $95 per additional child. See below to learn about our generous tuition assistance. While the actual cost to participate is nearly $2,100, charitable contributions subsidize every student’s participation so we can keep tuition as affordable as possible.
Retreat Fee: $100 total for the fall and winter retreats. Reduced fees are available for tuition assistance recipients.
Payment options: Families can pay in full, or in 8 monthly installments, or set up a special plan to meet your family’s needs.
Tuition Assistance: Generous need-based assistance is offered for all of GTCYS’ programs including school-year orchestras, summer programs, tours, and special activities. No work study or volunteering is required for scholarship recipients. Support for private lessons is also provided. We encourage all families experiencing financial hardship to apply, especially if cost is a determining factor for participation. Learn more about tuition assistance and click here to apply.
Commitment
Each GTCYS orchestra is a community of musicians, each of whom is equally important to the group’s progress and success. Students are accountable to their orchestra peers and should honor their commitment by consistently attending GTCYS activities, practicing GTCYS music 10 minutes a day, follow all policies outlined in the Musician’s Handbook.
Important Links
- Musician’s Handbook: includes info like participation policies, concert attire, and what to bring to rehearsals
- Attendance Policy: GTCYS’ policy balances flexibility with rigor; be sure to review it!
- Absence Form: Complete online in advance if a student will miss a GTCYS activity
- News Notes: Our monthly e-newsletter sent to participating families
Auditions
In order to determine which GTCYS orchestra students are best suited for, every student must audition each year to participate. Auditions are conducted by a recorded video, and include scales, a short solo, and prepared excerpts. Previous participation in GTCYS does not guarantee placement. Learn more about auditions.