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.
Overview
A close-knit group led by conductor Kent Musser, 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.
Schedule
Camerata rehearses on Tuesdays (September through May) from 7:00-8:45pm at Wooddale Church – Edina Campus: 5532 Wooddale Ave, Edina, MN 55424
Watch Now
Watch Camerata’s live performance of the first movement of Saint-Georges’ Sinfonia in D at Orchestra Hall.
Repertoire
Camerata’s repertoire includes a wide array of styles, from baroque to contemporary, which keeps students challenged and motivated.
Commitment
GTCYS commits to providing an inspiring and comprehensive musical experience to transform students musically, personally, and socially. This means engaging the best conductors and sectional coaches, carefully curating musical selections for the best educational experience, performing in high quality venues, sharing music with diverse audiences, providing clear and consistent communications, promoting a welcoming and supportive environment, and putting students first.
In return, we ask students and parents for their commitment:
- Pay annual tuition and retreat fees: $575 second semester tuition. Tuition assistance is available, see below.
- Note: tuition represents half the actual cost to participate and the remainder is subsidized by tax-deductible contributions. GTCYS does NOT ask families to participate in door-to-door fundraising activities.
- Practice GTCYS music 10 minutes daily and come prepared to rehearsals; see the Attendance Policy for details.
- Honor the attendance policy and abide by the student code of conduct; see Musician’s Handbook for details.
Tuition Assistance
GTCYS serves all interested, dedicated students, regardless of financial constraints by providing $140,000 in tuition assistance and support for private lessons each year. Click here to learn more about tuition assistance »
Auditions
Every student must audition annually for membership in GTCYS. Auditions include scales, a short solo, and prepared excerpts. Previous participation does not guarantee placement.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDITION INFORMATION
Extra Opportunities for Camerata Students
GTCYS Ambassadors: Students gain valuable communication and advocacy skills by sharing a 5-minute presentation about their GTCYS experience with their school band or orchestra. Training provided!
Leadership Opportunities: Develop leadership skills and build service hours for your college resume as an audition volunteer, student speaker, donor liaison, and other volunteer positions. Learn more and apply for volunteer leadership opportunities here.
For information about getting involved, contact miranda@gtcys.org or call 651.602.6807.
