Sinfonia West

Laura Hebert conducts Sinfonia West on the Orchestra Hall stage.

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.

2025-26 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: $1050 for the full season. Students joining 2nd semester pay 60%.

We offer a sibling discount of $100 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.

The $100 retreat fee, which was charged separately in previous years, is now included in the overall school-year tuition amount.  We hope this makes things simpler and more convenient for families.  

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: 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. 

  • Need-based tuition assistance is available to make GTCYS affordable for everyone – no student is turned away due to financial need. 
  • Families who qualified for 2025-26 season can pay their remaining balance or begin a monthly payment plan when enrolling. 
  • We are still accepting late applications from families who missed the June 4 application deadline to apply for tuition assistance  
  • Learn more about assistance and contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions about assistance.

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.

Serving Community.
Supported by Community.

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