Welcome to GTCYS

The Time of Your Life!

The Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS, pronounced "GIT-seez") provides the most comprehensive orchestral experience for 2nd - 12th grade string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players from around the region. GTCYS serves over five hundred beginning to advanced students in six school-year and two summer orchestras. Students at all levels experience incredible musical and personal development in a supportive and challenging environment.

“When my parents bought my first cello, none of us foresaw  that it would be my ticket to college. I earned a full scholarship with my cello, enabling me to graduate from college debt-free - an unexpectedly high rate of return!  I'm confident that music will be a lifelong endeavor for my sons as it has been for me.”  - Perry Juel, Past Parent & Board Member

Program Highlights

• Six orchestra levels ranging from beginning to highly advanced
• Placement for students at all levels - everyone has a chance to learn and grow
• Weekly rehearsals on Monday or Tuesday nights - most weekends are free!
• Coachings by professional musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and area colleges, schools and private studios
• Two festival concerts at Orchestra Hall
• Two to three community concerts per orchestra
• Exciting fall retreats
• Side-by-side rehearsals within the GTCYS program
• Symphony side-by-side rehearsal with the Minnesota Orchestra
• Chamber music program in collaboration with the SPCO
• Masterclasses with world-class musicians like Mark O'Connor
• Fun social activities
• Concerto competition open to all GTCYS students
• Need-based financial aid

Review 2009 - 10 audition information, apply for auditions online, or learn about GTCYS' non-auditioned summer orchestras.

GTCYS Mission

In the conviction that music nourishes the mind, body, and spirit of the individual and enriches the community, the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies provides a rigorous and inspiring orchestral experience for young musicians.

History

Throughout the past three decades, the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies has become one of the nation’s top musical organizations for youth. Since the first rehearsal in the fall of 1972, over 16,000 youth have participated in GTCYS, honing their musical talents while developing skills to serve them throughout their lives.

The GTCYS tradition of serving the community by enhancing the musical education of young people, providing training of future orchestral musicians and developing the audiences of the future continues today. Since its inception, GTCYS has grown to provide a supportive, yet challenging atmosphere in which young musicians can aspire to the highest levels of musical proficiency, learn from the masters of our time and perform in the most prestigious concert halls in the world.

GTCYS’ six conductors – Amir Kats, Jeffrey Stirling, Andrew Bast, Barbara Flooding, Sarah Chelgren and Mary Sorlie – work individually and as a team  to uphold the organization’s tradition of excellence, and instill life lessons of discipline, creativity and teamwork.