Concert Orchestra
With a focus on developing artistry, musicianship, and excellence, Concert Orchestra explores challenging repertoire in a community-focused setting.
Overview
Jack Reynertson leads Concert Orchestra students to employ curiosity, build community, and share a commitment to excellence which nurtures students’ individual technique and the ensemble’s artistry. With challenging repertoire that includes original orchestral works, Concert Orchestra has five annual performances, including two at Orchestra Hall, a Sing-Along concert for kids, and a concert at Union Gospel Mission. String players in Concert Orchestra have an average of 6 to 8 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have been playing their instruments for 4 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.
2025-26 Highlights
- Learn from Jack Reynertson, percussionist and orchestra teacher at Edina High School.
- Perform 2 concerts at Orchestra Hall in November and May, livestreamed for free.
- Share 3 community concerts.
- Explore a challenging array of music from different styles and artists.
- Enjoy 2 half-day retreats in September and January.
- 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
Mondays, 6:45-8:45pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church (Fellowship Hall): 1200 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Free parking is available in Westminster’s underground garage.
Carpool lists are provided so interested families can coordinate ridesharing.
Online Calendar
Watch a Concert Orchestra Performance
Enjoy their live performance of Adagio from Spartacus by Aram Khachaturian, arr. David Stone at Orchestra Hall.
Tuition & Assistance
Concert Orchestra Tuition: $1,330 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.