Sinfonia East
Sinfonia East is a fun, full orchestra experience that introduces young East Metro musicians to the symphonic experience and challenges them to reach beyond their expectations.
Overview
Brian Larson leads Sinfonia East, GTCYS’ first full orchestra with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students are actively engaged in an enjoyable and welcoming environment as they’re introduced to rehearsal, listening, and ensemble skills, while developing musical elements of style and phrasing. With four annual concerts, including two at Orchestra Hall, Sinfonia East students share stimulating performances with the community. String players in Sinfonia East have an average of 3 to 5 years’ 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 Brian Larson, director of orchestras at Chippewa Middle School (Mounds View).
- 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.
- 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
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
NEW LOCATION: House of Hope Presbyterian Church
797 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
Free parking in House of Hope’s parking lot across Portland Ave. Enter through the North Doors in the circle drive.
Carpool lists are provided so interested families can coordinate ridesharing.
Online Calendar
Watch a Sinfonia East Performance
Enjoy their live performance of Arirang, Korean Traditional, arr. Robert Bauernschmidt at Orchestra Hall.
Tuition & Assistance
Sinfonia East Tuition: $1050 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.