Symphony

The finest student musicians in the region come together for professional repertoire, thrilling performance opportunities, international tours, and lifelong friendships.

Overview

Led by professional conductor and educator Mark Russell Smith, Symphony is GTCYS’ flagship orchestra which masters major repertoire, including full symphonic works, in a supportive and conservatory-like setting. With its own concert series and professional style performance opportunities, Symphony attracts the best young musicians in the region. String players in Symphony have an average of 7 to 12 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.

2025-26 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.
• Rehearse on stage at Orchestra Hall each week.
• Perform at each Festival concert at Orchestra Hall in November & May, livestreamed for free.
• Present 3 Symphony concerts at Ted Mann Hall and St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church.
• Perform exciting repertoire including music from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet, the overture to Richard Wagner’s opera Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, and John Williams’ Music from Lincoln: “With Malice Toward None.”
• Enjoy 2 half-day retreats in September & 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, 6:45-9:15pm
Orchestra Hall: 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
This incredible opportunity is made possible through a special partnership with Minnesota Orchestra and with the generous support of GTCYS’ community of donors.

Online Calendar

• View and subscribe to the Symphony Calendar »

Watch a Symphony Performance

Enjoy their live performance of The Firebird: Suite (1919 version) by Igor Stravinsky at Ted Mann Concert Hall.

Tuition & Assistance

Symphony Tuition: $1,595 for the full season. Students joining 2^nd 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.