The Power of Playing Your Part
By CJ Younger, Communications Manager
“What’s the first rule of sight-reading? Never give up!”
When GTCYS orchestra Camerata Con Brio learns a new piece of music, conductor Diane Hallberg motivates her students to lean into the challenge.
“Music is this incredibly complex puzzle—we’re figuring out note values, pitches, intonation, and blending with other musicians,” says Diane. “The process of learning and performing music encourages whole brain thinking, healthy communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.”
Students feel their progress under their fingers when they skillfully perform a piece they used to struggle through. That feeling of achievement and satisfaction supports students the next time they face a new challenge, whether learning another piece of music or studying for a big test.
“I have a deep hope that my students feel that music is something creative and beautiful they can give to the world. I think that’s part of living a healthy life.”
GTCYS’ artistic leaders shape the rehearsal curriculum to set students up for success. For example, conductors ask students for their “GTCYS 10”—spending 10 minutes a day practicing their GTCYS music to bring their best musical selves to their rehearsal.
When students know their parts well, they can focus on what’s happening around them in the orchestra and how their part fits into the whole.
“Both your section and the orchestra as a whole are so much bigger than you as an individual,” says graduating senior clarinetist Makena. “It’s always incredible to see so many moving parts come together through cooperation.”
Collaboration in Music—and Life
Encouraging collaboration is a key aspect of GTCYS’ mission—the ability to work together through challenges nourishes a student’s mind, body, and soul and enriches their communities.
“Collaboration is the difference between an excellent musician and an excellent ensemble. It’s this complex exercise of solving problems in community, in the moment,” says Diane. “Music has this unique way of combining knowledge and skills with artistry—it’s a dynamic combination that creates a really powerful learning cycle.”
One of the most important things students take away from orchestra rehearsal is social and emotional learning, or SEL. These skills allow them to identify and deal with emotions, build relationships with others, work through conflicts, and make positive choices.
“SEL is baked into our process,” says Diane. “Figuring out how to communicate with one another in an ensemble is one level, but you see SEL skills during performances, too. When you put your musical self out there, you’re entering a place of vulnerability. You’re learning how to put something that’s deep inside you out into the world.”
According to the Society for Research in Child Development, strong SEL skills are found alongside high academic achievement, stress management, and a better attitude. These lifelong skills are valuable inside and outside of the rehearsal room.
“When you put your musical self out there, you’re entering a place of vulnerability. You’re learning how to put something that’s deep inside you out into the world.”
But many GTCYS students don’t need to be told why youth orchestra is a positive force in their lives—they experience the benefits more profoundly than research can express.
“I love GTCYS,” says bassoonist Lauren, “because this is where I’m challenged to be the best version of myself.”
With programming that centers student experiences and growth, the positive impact of playing your part in GTCYS resonates throughout our students’ lives for many years after graduation.
“I have a deep hope that my students feel that music is something creative and beautiful they can give to the world,” says Diane. “I think that’s part of living a healthy life: feeling that you can contribute something that’s valuable.”
Auditions for GTCYS 2025–26 season are open until May 21! Play your part in one of our 11 school-year orchestras, or in our summer brass and orchestra camps. Need-based tuition assistance is available.