Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra

Mission

The Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra (GSYO) is an educational project directed and underwritten by the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. The mission of the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra is to provide a professionally directed environment for young musicians to study, prepare, and perform music, to serve the community at large by providing high quality, free performances, to complement school music programs, and to encourage and advocate the arts, music, and music education in the Piedmont Triad region.

Background

The Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra was founded in 1971 by the Greensboro Symphony Society through the initial efforts of board member Sam Wilson. The GSYO has been conducted by many noted musicians, including Jack and Gayle Masarie, Peter Wilson, Markand Thackar, Paul Phillips, Steven Karidoyances, Paul Anthony McRae, David Hagy, Charles Gambetta, Cynthia Katsarelis, Bruce Kiesling, and Fouad Fakhouri. Nathaniel Beversluis now leads the GSYO into its 45th season.

Ensembles

Beginning originally as a youth orchestra, the GSYO program has grown to include five ensembles with progressive educational goals that include opportunities for everyone from young players to advanced high school students. Students take part in weekly rehearsals and sectionals, two to five public performances per year, domestic and international performing trips, chamber music, and various related social and cultural activities. An annual Fall Retreat is held in early October, including rehearsals, sectionals, activities, movies, games, and a campfire. Students are placed into ensembles by audition. For information on each individual ensemble’s educational focus and entry requirements, see the Audition page.

Support

The Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra season is made possible with the support of the Lincoln Financial Foundation. The Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra is also supported by the Greensboro Symphony Guild, the Friends of the GSYO, and the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. The Friends of the GSYO is a parent group that provides fundraising and volunteer support for GSYO events and concerts. This may include chaperoning trips and the Fall Retreat at Camp Weaver, providing organizational assistance for auditions, concerts, trips, and special events, volunteering at GSO Pops Concert Water fundraisers, or helping with the Spring Awards Banquet. GSYO Ensemble Parents or Guardians are encouraged to participate with the Friends Group by volunteering time, support, or talent. For more information, please visit the following links: http://www.gsyo.org/ https://www.facebook.com/GreensboroSymphonyYouthOrchestra?fref=ts