Sinfonia East
Sinfonia East is a fun, full orchestra experience that introduces young East Metro musicians to the symphonic experience and challenges them to reach beyond their expectations.
Overview
Conductor Ernesto Estigarribia leads Sinfonia East, 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 East students share stimulating performances with the community. String players in Sinfonia East 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 East rehearses on Tuesdays (September through May) in two cohorts. Cohort A rehearses 5:30-6:30pm, and Cohort B rehearses 7:15-8:15pm, at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran, 1669 Arcade Street, Saint Paul.
Listen Now
Click here to purchase CDs and MP3s!
Repertoire
Sinfonia East 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: $785 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 $100,000 in tuition assistance annually. 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 East 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! Click here for more information about the GTCYS Ambassadors program and to apply.
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.