GPAC YOUTH SYMPHONY PROGRAM
The GPAC Youth Symphony program (GYSP) gives opportunities for young musicians across the Mid-South area to perform musical masterworks under the direction of experienced conductors and teachers, to improve upon their technique, learn basic music theory, work with an ensemble and interact with professional guest artists performing at GPAC. With four distinct ensembles, GYSP’s excellent music education fosters musical growth with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of art, music, culture, history and society. Through this program, our students are equipped with the tools to become the next generation of music advocates, educators, performers and patrons.
The global pandemic of COVID 19 separated the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) Youth Symphony Program from physically participating in one of the communities that gives us identity, allows us to express and hone our talents, and provides us physical, mental, and artistic care. Students responded to this event through The Listening Project designed by our Artistic Director, Mr. Jonathan Schallart.
Thank you to the TN Arts Commission for supporting our Fall 2020 Concert Films.
in the news:
MOZART STRING ENSEMBLE
The Mozart String Ensemble is for students 9-14 years of age. Mozart SE is a training group under the direction of Ms. Britta Hall with beginner to intermediate level. Student placement is based on ability, talent and skill along with their age and maturity. This group meets on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:40pm
MENDELSSOHN STRING ORCHESTRA
The Mendelssohn String Orchestra is for students 12-16 years of age under the direction of Mr. Alex Perry. Mendelssohn SO is a training group with an intermediate to advanced level. Designed to hone their orchestral skills and further develop their abilities, this program prepares students to advance to the Youth Symphony Orchestra. This group meets on Tuesdays from 5:45-7pm.
WIND ENSEMBLE (WE)
Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Carol Chipman is made up of woodwind, brass and percussion students ages 12-18 from across the Mid-South. The focus is to provide a high quality musical experience for its members built on fundamentals and musicianship through the great and ever-expanding concert repertoire specifically for wind ensemble. Rehearsals are held on Saturdays from 11:45-1pm.
GPAC YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (GYSO)
The GPAC Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Schallert is a full orchestra consisting of strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp, and keyboard. Admitted by audition, GYSO musicians are advanced students from 14-19 years of age and participate in weekly orchestra rehearsals, sectional rehearsals and weekly music appreciation class. Rehearsals are held on Saturdays from 9:30-11:30am.
**Please note that the ages listed above only the suggested range. Students are placed into groups based on their audition results.
2023-2024 SCHEDULE
2024-2025 AUDITIONS
Auditions will be held at Collierville Christian Church on May 18, 2024. New applicants should register at the link below and pay a $25 audition fee. Percussion students will audition at a later date. The audition deadline is May 4.
AUDITION & TUITION PAYMENT
Pay online
Payment Plan Agreement
FINANCIAL AID
GPAC believes that finances should not prevent a motivated and talented student from participating in our youth symphony program. The GPAC Arts Education Fund provides tuition assistance to families each season. Financial aid is awarded based on many factors including family size, annual income and extraordinary situations.
Please contact Emily Hefley for more information.
Financial Aid Application
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sheryl Lane (Orchestra Manager)
gpacyso@gmail.com
901-299-7147
