Concertino West
Young musicians thrive in Concertino West as they excel to the next level of musicianship and build confidence in a supportive setting with their peers.
Overview
Conductor Dan Mollick applies his passion as an educator and classical musician to create a challenging experience for students. A lively, welcoming atmosphere provides a stimulating environment for students to take their musicianship to the next level by focusing on technical skills, excellence, and teamwork. Concertino West performs five annual concerts throughout the community, including two at Orchestra Hall. String players have an average of 4 to 7 years of experience and wind/brass/percussion students have been playing their instruments for 1 to 4 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
Concertino West rehearses on Mondays (September through May) from 6:45-8:30pm. Rehearsal location for the 2021-22 season is Good Samaritan United Methodist Church in Edina.
Watch Now
Watch Concertino West’s world premiere of Carlos Lalonde’s “A Seafarer’s Fanfare” at Orchestra Hall.
Repertoire
Concertino West musicians grow by learning arrangements of classical and popular pieces with key signatures using several sharps and four flats.
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: $935 annual 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 Concertino West 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.