Sinfonia West
Sinfonia West is a fun, full orchestra experience that introduces young West Metro musicians to the symphonic experience and challenges them to reach beyond their expectations.
Overview
Laura Hebert leads Sinfonia West, 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 students share stimulating performances with the community. String players in Sinfonia West 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.
2024-25 Highlights
- Learn from Laura Hebert, GTCYS alum, private string teacher, and former teacher in the Roseville and Stillwater school districts.
- 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 percussionistsbenefit from extra enrichment opportunities (details forthcoming).
- Connect with youth from across the region through social activities like treat nights and optional leadership activities.
Schedule Rehearsals (September – May)
Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm
Wooddale Church – Edina Campus: 5532 Wooddale Ave, Edina, MN 55424
Free parking is available in the parking lot.
Carpool lists are provided so interested families can coordinate ridesharing.
Online Calendar
Watch a Sinfonia West Performance
Enjoy their live performance of Ralph Ford’s Bellingrath Gardens at Orchestra Hall (arr. Richard Meyer).
Tuition, Fees & Tuition Assistance
Sinfonia West Tuition: $915 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
- News Notes: Our monthly e-newsletter sent to participating families
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.