Camerata Vivace
Camerata Vivace 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
The new Camerata orchestra, led by Zane Kaiser. Camerata Vivace embodies teamwork, encouragement, and commitment that build students’ musical success and confidence. With five annual concerts, including two at Orchestra Hall, Camerata Vivace students share stimulating performances in the community. 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, social activities, and extra opportunities provide a well-rounded and transformative experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.
2024-25 Highlights
- Learn from Zane Kaiser, music director at Justice Page Middle School in Minneapolis.
- Perform 2 concerts at Orchestra Hall in November and May, livestreamed for free.
- Share 3 community concerts.
- Explore a challenging array of music from different styles and artists.
- Enjoy 2 half-day retreats in September and January.
- Work with professional musicians during sectionals throughout the year; woodwinds, brass, and percussionists benefit from extra enrichment opportunities (details forthcoming).
- Connect with youth from across the region through social activities like treat nights and optional leadership activities.
Rehearsals: September – May
Thursdays, 7:00-8:45pm
House of Hope Presbyterian Church: 797 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
Free parking is available in the parking lot.
Carpool lists are provided so interested families can coordinate ridesharing.
Online Calendar
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.
Tuition, Fees & Tuition Assistance
Camerata Vivace Tuition: $1,085 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 double that amount, 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 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.