Philharmonic
The area’s leading high school musicians achieve an outstanding level of artistry, performing professional repertoire and collaborating with guest artists in premier performance opportunities.
Overview
We’re pleased to share that GTCYS Artistic Director Mark Russell Smith will conduct Philharmonic for the first semester of our 2025–26 season, and possibly the spring. Maestro Smith will lead students through a deep exploration of major symphonic repertoire and the music’s historical context. With a focus on developing individual musicianship that drives the orchestra’s collective success, Philharmonic builds students’ lifelong appreciation of music and desire to strive for excellence. With five annual concerts, including two at Orchestra Hall, Philharmonic attracts the area’s leading high school musicians. String players in Philharmonic have an average of 7 to 10 years of experience and winds/brass/percussion students have typically been playing their instruments for 5 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.
2024-25 Highlights
- Learn from Mark Russell Smith, our esteemed artistic director as well as the artistic director of orchestral activities at the University of Minnesota, music director and conductor of the Quad City Symphony, and professional conductor across the country.
- 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 during sectionals throughout the year; woodwind, 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, 6:45-9:15pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church: 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 Philharmonic Performance
Enjoy their live performance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Op. 35, IV. Festival at Baghdad. Allegro molto at Orchestra Hall
Tuition & Assistance
Philharmonic Tuition: $1,430 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.