Accessible. Welcoming. Community-driven. Student-focused. Challenging. High quality. Transformative.
The Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS, pronounced git-seez) embodies a holistic approach to music instruction founded on excellence and personal growth in a supportive environment. By focusing on the educational process while upholding rigorous and inspiring standards of excellence, students develop lifelong musical, social, and leadership skills which help position them for success and find meaning in school and beyond. GTCYS serves musicians of all ages and abilities, from beginning to pre-professional, ages 7 to 18. Year-round programs provide accessible entry points, and we provide tuition assistance and support for private lessons so that all students can participate, regardless of financial constraints.
GTCYS’ eleven school-year orchestras provide a rigorous and inspiring orchestral learning community for more than 900 beginning to pre-professional string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students each year. Students audition annually and are placed by ability in one of our 11 orchestras. Every orchestra has weekly evening rehearsals, several annual performances (including two at Orchestra Hall), day retreats, sectionals with professional musicians, social activities, and leadership opportunities like mentoring and service projects. Click on an orchestra to learn more about it! They are listed in order from beginning to advanced.
Launched in 2016, Harmony is a barrier-free, year-round strings instruction program of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies that uses music as a tool for social transformation, empowering students to make a positive impact in school and their communities. An extra-curricular, before-school program led by a talented team of teaching artists, Harmony now serves 100 2nd – 5th grade violinists, cellists, and bassists at two urban St. Paul schools. Harmony is unique in preparing students for GTCYS’ 11 school-year orchestras and creating a pathway for continued musical growth through 12th grade. Currently, 45 Harmony alumni benefit from GTCYS’ comprehensive orchestral training with continued support for private lessons, tuition, and free instruments.
Dive into a summer filled with music, friendship, and fun at GTCYS’ orchestra and brass camps! Led by GTCYS’ artistic staff and open to students ages 8-18 at all skill levels, these exciting camps offer inspiring music-making, engaging social activities, and the perfect chance to sharpen your skills or experience GTCYS for the first time.
Touring empowers students with musical, social, and cultural opportunities that will shape their lives for years to come. GTCYS’ flagship orchestra, Symphony, tours internationally every other year. Symphony’s most recent tour was to Barcelona and Southern France in June 2024. Their next tour will be to Australia and New Zealand in June 2026.
