# Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies

Eleven orchestras serving 900+ Twin Cities musicians from beginners to pre-professionals, with weeknight rehearsals September-May. Summer recruiting auditions for 2026-27 are open now with financial assistance available.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | 2026-07-29 (verified 2026-07-27) |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Saint Paul, MN |
| Apply | https://gtcys.org/auditions |

## About this program

# Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) is one of the region's largest youth orchestra programs: eleven orchestras that inspire more than 900 musicians - from beginners to pre-professionals - to grow, connect, and shine. Based in St. Paul with rehearsal sites at several east and west metro locations, GTCYS runs a full season of weeknight rehearsals from September through May, capped by concerts at venues including Ted Mann Concert Hall in Minneapolis.

## What You'll Do

- Audition into one of eleven orchestras matched to your current level, from beginning strings to advanced symphony
- Rehearse weekly on a weeknight from September through May at a metro location near you
- Perform in formal concerts at Twin Cities venues such as Ted Mann Concert Hall
- Advance through GTCYS's orchestra levels as your playing develops year over year

## Who Should Apply

Student musicians at every level - GTCYS explicitly serves players from beginners to pre-professionals, so there is an entry point for nearly any school-age instrumentalist. Summer recruiting auditions for the 2026-27 season are open now, with registration through the GTCYS audition portal by July 29; the main audition window for each season runs February through May, with additional recruiting auditions each July and December.

## Outcomes

GTCYS members build ensemble skills, audition experience, and performance credits in one of Minnesota's flagship youth music organizations. The program is committed to being accessible and affordable for all interested students, with generous financial assistance available for tuition.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the application deadline for Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies?

The application deadline is July 29, 2026 (deadline last verified July 27, 2026). Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies?

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies online or in person?

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies is an in-person program based in Saint Paul, MN.

### How do I apply to Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies?

Apply directly through Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS)'s official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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