Sinfonia West
Laura Hebert leads Sinfonia West, GTCYS’ first full orchestra with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students are actively engaged in an enjoyable and welcoming environment as they’re introduced to rehearsal, listening, and ensemble skills, while developing musical elements of style and phrasing. String players in Sinfonia West have an average of 3 to 5 years’ experience, and wind/brass/percussion students have an average of 1 to 4 years’ experience. Special artistic projects, sectionals, retreats, social activities, and extra opportunities provide a well-rounded experience which develops students’ musical, leadership, and lifelong skills.
2026–27 Highlights
Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead:
- Rehearse weekly from September through mid-May with Laura Hebert, GTCYS alum, private string instructor, and former teacher in the Roseville and Stillwater school districts
- 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, with special seminars for brass, woodwinds, and percussion
- Make friends from across the region through 2 half-day retreats, social activities like treat nights, and optional bonus activities like Student Leadership Team
Sinfonia West Schedule
Virtual Kick-Off Meeting
- Thursday, September 10, 6:30pm–7:30pm
Rehearsals
- Mondays, 6:30–8:00pm at Wooddale Church in Edina
Retreats
- Fall: Sunday, September 20 at YMCA Camp St. Croix, 11:00am–4:00pm (transportation available)
- Winter: January 23 or 24, time and location TBD
Concerts
- Fall Festival: Saturday, November 14 at Orchestra Hall
- Connection Concert: Monday, December 7, 7:00pm at Friendship Village, Bloomington
- Midwinter Concert: Saturday, February 27, at Hopkins High School
- Spring Festival: Saturday, May 8 at Orchestra Hall
Full online calendars will be shared after enrollment.
Tuition & Assistance
Philharmonia West Tuition: $1,090 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 ($121.11 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 $655.