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.
2025-26 Highlights
- Learn from Dan Mollick, award-winning musician and orchestra director.
- Perform 2 concerts at Orchestra Hall in November and May, livestreamed for free.
- Share 2 community concerts.
- Enjoy 2 half-day retreats in September and January.
- A school tour in the spring where you get to perform for students at local schools
- Explore a challenging array of music from different styles and artists.
- 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, 6:45-8:30pm
Good Samaritan United Methodist Church 5730 Grove Street, Edina MN 55436.
Free parking is available in the parking lot.
Carpool lists are provided so interested families can coordinate ridesharing.
Online Calendar
Watch a Concertino West Performance
Enjoy their live performance of Emma Lou Diemer’s Youth Overture at Orchestra Hall.
Tuition & Assistance
Concertino West Tuition: $1,175 for the full season. Students joining 2nd semester pay 60%.
Thanks to the generous support of our community, tuition amounts are significantly lower than the true cost of our programs, offering families a high-quality experience for the investment.
*The $100 retreat fee, which was charged separately in previous years, is now included in the overall school-year tuition amount and there is no additional deposit. We hope this makes things simpler and more convenient for families.
Payment Options: Families can pay in full or in monthly installments.
Sibling Discount: We offer a sibling discount of $100 per additional child.
Tuition Assistance:
- Need-based tuition assistance is available to make GTCYS affordable for everyone – no student is turned away due to financial need.
- Families who receive 2025-26 season assistance can pay their remaining balance or begin a monthly payment plan when enrolling.
- We are still accepting late tuition assistance applications from families who missed the June 4 deadline.
- Learn more about assistance and contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.
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.