Philharmonic
The area’s leading high school musicians achieve an outstanding level of artistry, performing professional repertoire and collaborating with guest artists in premier performance opportunities.
Overview
We are excited to welcome Hisham Bravo Groover as the new Philharmonic conductor starting in the 2022-23 season. Hisham will lead Philharmonic through a deep exploration of major symphonic repertoire and the music’s historical context. With a focus on developing individual musicianship that drives the orchestra’s collective success, Philharmonic builds students’ lifelong appreciation of music and desire to strive for excellence. With five annual concerts, including two at Orchestra Hall, Philharmonic attracts the area’s leading high school musicians. String players in Philharmonic have an average of 7 to 10 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have typically been playing their instruments for 5 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.
Schedule
Philharmonic rehearses on Tuesdays (September through May) from 6:45-9:15pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church: 1200 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Watch Now
Watch Philharmonic’s live performance of the fourth movement of William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 1 at Orchestra Hall.
Repertoire
Philharmonic performs works from the standard professional repertoire.
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: $650 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 Philharmonic Students
Student Mentorship Program: Symphony and Philharmonic musicians have the opportunity to inspire GTCYS’ younger students and gain valuable mentor experience by playing side by side with them in rehearsals. Training provided! Stay tuned for mentorship opportunities for the 2020-21 season.
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.