Apply to be a Brass Seminar Mentor
Hello, GTCYS Philharmonic and Symphony brass musicians!
Because you have earned membership in GTCYS’ most advanced orchestras, we invite you to apply for our Brass Seminar Mentor Program.
GTCYS 2025-26 STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: APPLY NOW!
Students from Philharmonic and Symphony can serve as mentors to GTCYS’ Brass Seminar Students for the 2025-26 season. (September 2025 to May 2026)
What do GTCYS mentors do?
- Mentors actively participate in their mentored seminar’s rehearsals and assist the instructors and rehearsal assistants as instructed.
- Upon arrival at rehearsal, mentors will check in with the instructors or rehearsal assistant to receive instructions.
- Depending on the evening’s rehearsal plan, conductors may assign mentors to perform a combination of the following duties:
- Play side-by-side in rehearsals with less advanced students to demonstrate basics like posture, tone, intonation, pulse, rhythm, watching the conductor, style, orchestral etiquette, etc. Mentors may also need to write/mark in fingerings.
- Demonstrate a specific passage for the group by playing or clapping a part.
- Lead “mini-sectionals,” by working on a specific passage with small groups of students during rehearsal in the hallway or a break-out room.
When and where will you mentor, and what’s the time commitment?
- Mentors commit to attending at least four of the remaining six brass seminars this season. Mentors set their own schedules and sign up in advance through a Google spreadsheet.
- Review the rehearsal time and location for the brass seminar here.
Why apply for a GTCYS mentorship?
- Attain experience teaching others about your instrument
Gain confidence by teaching small groups and demonstrating in front of the brass seminar group.
- Gain leadership and volunteer experience.
- It’s fun, you give back to GTCYS, and you get more GTCYS in your week!
Mentors will receive:
- Music for the orchestra they’re mentoring
- A nametag
- A carnation at the Spring Festival to recognize their service.
- Recognition in the professionally printed GTCYS Spring Festival concert program.
- Upon request, verification of mentorship by the Program Director for college applications or other school volunteer service requirements.
How will GTCYS select the mentors?
- The instrumentation needs of the mentored orchestras will be the main factor in selecting mentors. Other factors may include the applicant’s musical and social maturity and willingness to fulfill the time commitment.
- Applying to be a mentor, or previous participation as a mentor, will not guarantee placement.
- Click here to complete a short application form.
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and GTCYS encourages all potential mentors to apply by Wednesday, October 22.
Questions?
- Please contact Jessica Mendez Robles at jessica@gtcys.org with any questions