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.
Schedule
Sinfonia West rehearses on Mondays (September through May) from 6:30-8:00pm at Wooddale Church – Edina Campus: 5532 Wooddale Ave, Edina, MN 55424
Listen Now
Sinfonia performed at GTCYS’ Fall Festival at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, on Sunday, November 19, 2017. Listen to a sample of their live performance at that concert of The Great Gate of Kiev and Hopak by Modest Mussorgsky (arr. Edmund J. Siennicki) here. Interested in purchasing the full performance? Click here to purchase CDs and MP3s!
Repertoire
Sinfonia West repertoire includes playing experience through several sharps and flats.
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: $810 annual 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 Sinfonia West Students
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.