Philharmonia West

Beloved conductor and string pedagogy expert Mary Sorlie strikes a winning balance of fun and rigor in GTCYS’ entry-level string orchestra, Philharmonia West. Beginning string players have an average of 2 to 4 years’ experience, and develop vital ensemble skills that foster individual growth while learning how to listen, watch, and understand orchestral vocabulary. Repertoire is primarily first position, and students must know detaché and staccato bow strokes.

2026–27 Highlights 

Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead: 

• Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Mary Sorlie, GTCYS alum, professional violinist, and award-winning teacher 
• Perform at 4 exciting concerts—2 at Orchestra Hall and 2 community performances around the Twin Cities 
• Explore a wide variety of challenging music, including special collaborations with local artists and other GTCYS orchestras 
• Learn from professional musicians during sectionals 
• Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like Student Leadership Team 

Philharmonia West Schedule

Virtual Kick-Off Meeting

• Thursday, September 10, 6:30pm–7:30pm  

Rehearsals

• Mondays, 6:30–8:00pm at Edina Senior Center  

Retreats

• Fall: Saturday, September 19 at St. Louis Park Rec Center, 9:30am–1:30pm 
• Winter: January 23 or 24, time and location TBD  

Concerts

• Fall Festival: Sunday, November 15 at Orchestra Hall
• Connection Concert: Monday, December 14, 7:00pm at Minnesota Veterans Home
• Midwinter Concert: Monday, March 1, 7:00pm at Minnesota Veterans Home
• Spring Festival: Saturday, May 8 at Orchestra Hall 

Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.

Tuition & Assistance

Philharmonia West Tuition: $980 for the full season  

Tuition supports the full season (30+ weeks) of exceptional orchestra experiences, including rehearsals with inspiring conductors, sectionals with top-notch musicians, fall and winter retreats, performances, artistic collaborations, and more. Because GTCYS is committed to affordability and access, tuition covers about half of each student’s actual program cost, with donor support bridging the gap and providing scholarships so these opportunities are possible for all students.

Payment and tuition assistance options:

• Pay in full with a credit card through the enrollment form, or
• Set up automated monthly installments from July–March ($108.89 per month) through the enrollment form, or
• Mail a check (pay in full only) to GTCYS, 10 River Park Plaza, Suite 730, St. Paul, MN 55107, or
• Apply for tuition assistance. We are still accepting applications! Contact miranda@gtcys.org with questions.

Sibling Discount
GTCYS offers a $105 tuition discount for each additional sibling enrolled.

Prorated Tuition
Tuition for students joining in January is $590.

Watch a Philharmonia West Performance

Enjoy their live performance of Adrian Gordon’s The Enchanted Forest at Orchestra Hall.