Fall Retreat

Hello GTCYS Philharmonic Families,

We are excited for your upcoming Fall Retreat on Sunday, September 28 from 1:00pm–7:00pm. Please read through the details below. All Philharmonic students are expected to attend the retreat, but if you’re not able to attend, complete an absence form.

RETREAT INFORMATION

Sunday, September 28, 2025, 1:00pm–7:00pm

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Marquette, Minneapolis, MN 55403

• 12:45pm: Student arrival time (enter through underground parking garage)
• 1:00pm: Orchestra Rehearsal in Westminster Hall
• 2:25pm: Social activity
• 3:15pm: Sectionals
  • Woodwinds – Meisel Room with Burt Hara
  • Brass – Garden Room with James Vaughen
  • Percussion – Bushnell Room, with Eric Rippel
  • Strings – Westminster Hall with Maestro Smith and Helen Chang Haertzen
• 4:20pm: Orchestra Rehearsal in Westminster Hall
• 5:15pm: Dinner
  • Students bring their own packed meals.
  • NO NUTS policy: Do not bring anything containing nuts to any GTCYS activity.
• 6:05pm: Orchestra Rehearsal in Westminster Hall
• 7:00pm: Pack up and depart

WHAT TO BRING

• Instrument and accessories
• Packed meal for dinner
• Water bottle
• Small nut-free snack if desired
• Music folder & pencil
• Cellos and basses: Rock stops are REQUIRED

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Marquette, Minneapolis, MN 55403

• Free parking is available in the church ramp accessible from Alice Rainville Place.
• Upon arrival in the underground garage, follow the green signs to Westminster Hall.

Best regards, and we look forward to seeing you at the retreat!