Concert Orchestra
With a focus on developing artistry, musicianship, and excellence, Concert Orchestra explores challenging repertoire in a community-focused setting.
Overview
Jack Reynertson leads Concert Orchestra students to employ curiosity, build community, and share a commitment to excellence which nurtures students’ individual technique and the ensemble’s artistry. With challenging repertoire that includes original orchestral works, Concert Orchestra has five annual performances, including two at Orchestra Hall, a Sing-Along concert for kids, and a concert at Union Gospel Mission. String players in Concert Orchestra have an average of 6 to 8 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have been playing their instruments for 4 to 8 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 Jack Reynertson, percussionist and orchestra teacher at Edina High School.
- 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 in 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
Mondays, 6:45-8:45pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church (Fellowship Hall): 1200 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free parking is available in Westminster’s underground garage.
Carpool lists are provided so interested families can coordinate ridesharing.
Online Calendar
Watch a Concert Orchestra Performance
Enjoy their live performance of Adagio from Spartacus by Aram Khachaturian, arr. David Stone at Orchestra Hall.
Tuition, Fees & Tuition Assistance
Concert Orchestra Tuition: $1,160 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
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.