January 8 – Side by Side Details

Dear GTCYS Symphony Families,

Your special side by side event with the Minnesota Orchestra, led by Thomas Søndergård, is coming up on Thursday January 8.

Your special side by side event with the Minnesota Orchestra is coming up on Thursday January 8. Thomas Søndergård, Music Director of the Minnesota Orchestra, will lead two combined ensembles:

SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 5:30–8:30pm

Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

• 5:30pm: All students’ call time at the Stage Door. Check in, pick up a nametag, follow signs to unpack your instrument in the ring corridor, and wait for instructions to move on stage.

• • 1. Violas, Cellos, Oboes, Bassoons, Brass, and Basses will enter stage left
    2. Clarinets, Flutes, Second Violins, First Violins, Harp, and Percussion will enter stage right.
• 5:45pm (approx.): GTCYS students move on stage and warm up.
• 6:00–6:50pm: GTCYS Symphony rehearses Wagner’s Die Meistersinger: Prelude with the Minnesota Orchestra.
• 6:50–7:10pm: Stage reset and transition. GTCYS students exit the stage, pack instruments, and move to the audience.
• 7:10–8:00pm: Listen to MYS rehearse Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture with the Minnesota Orchestra.
• 8:00–8:30pm: Reception in the Orchestra Hall Lobby for students, Minnesota Orchestra musicians, parents, and all other guests.

ABSENCES

• This special event is required for GTCYS Symphony musicians, but if you must be absent, please complete a Symphony Absence Form immediately if you haven’t already reported your absence.
• Be aware that any absences from GTCYS’ rehearsal block on stage from 6:00–6:50pm will affect seating for the evening, so you MUST notify GTCYS in advance if you will not be able to attend this part of the event.

STUDENT SEATING INSTRUCTIONS

• Click here to view the roster and your place on stage.

• • Seating charts will also be posted at the stage left and stage right entrances.
  • GTCYS students outnumber the Minnesota Orchestra musicians, so your rehearsal will be in two shifts. If your name is listed on the roster twice, the #1 indicates your seat for the first shift, and #2 indicates your seat for the second shift.
  • Refer to this example from the roster:

• • This means that the shifts will function as follows:

• • Shift 1:
    • Gudmundsdottir/Craig
    • Kamath/Morey
    • Janse/Vanorny
  • Shift 2:
    • Gudmundsdottir/Kamath
    • Craig/Vanorny
    • Janse/Morey
• Homework: Go to Minnesota Orchestra’s webpage and look up the musician(s) who will be playing next to you. When your Minnesota Orchestra stand partner arrives, introduce yourself. Ask at least one question about their experience as a professional musician. Some good things to ask are: What kind (brand) of instrument do you play, and would you recommend it? Do you have any suggestions about following Maestro Søndergård?

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARENTS AND GUESTS

• This email is your “proof of entry” for the event. Please show it to the usher upon arrival. If others are joining you, please forward it to them.
• Parents and guests should enter through the lobby and proceed to any seat on the main floor. Maestro Søndergård will be using a microphone so you will be able to hear him during the rehearsal.
• You are welcome to attend the reception following the event. This will be a great opportunity to get some photos of your students with the Minnesota Orchestra musician who shared the stage with them.

WHAT TO BRING & ATTIRE

• Music folders and your Meistersinger music. (Minnesota Orchestra musicians will be reading YOUR parts, so you must remember your music!)
• Bring instruments and accessories (rock stops, extra strings, reeds, etc.).
• Wear your family concert attire as outlined in the handbook

Please contact miranda@gtcys.org with any questions about this event. I hope that you enjoy this spectacular opportunity to learn alongside the musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra!