Watch our Video: “GCTYO is Awesome”
Don’t take our word for it: Watch this video about GCTYO and hear from students, parents, Board members, teaching artists, and Music Director Christopher Hisey about what makes GCTYO special and the best place for young musicians to find inspiration, develop musical and life skills, and become part of a unique and special community.
Concerts & Events
- Summer Strings Camp registration – Register now!
- New Student Auditions – June 11
- Australia trip – Summer of 2026 – Students who join GCTYO for the 2025-26 season may be eligible to perform on the trip. All families are invited to travel with us.
Donate
There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you made a difference in the life of a child. Please reach into your heart and your pocketbook to help all our students reach their full potential.
GCTYO strives to keep membership costs low so that more families can participate. Help GCTYO achieve its mission of equity and access with a donation today. We are currently accepting donations for a Private Lesson Fund to give all our students equal opportunity to thrive and grow musically at GCTYO.
Auditions & Registration
We hope you will give GCTYO a try! New Student Auditions for the 2025-26 season will take place Wednesday, June 11 in Fairfield. New students may also audition in August. Prelude Orchestra evaluations will take place in August.
Scroll down to watch a video about GCTYO, and check out our Auditions page to learn more about our audition process. Register to Audition or join our Steel Pan program. No audition necessary for Steel Pan! Simply register and we will be in touch. The 2025-26 season begins the Saturday after Labor Day in September.
Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras (GCTYO)
brings young musicians together to achieve the highest standard of music performance in a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment. Our holistic approach to education fosters growth, learning, confidence, and both social and emotional awareness, which prepares students for a full and balanced life.
Our Core Values
- Belonging | Providing an inclusive place where everyone feels accepted
- Community | Building partnerships within the GCTYO family and beyond
- Dedication | Encouraging commitment to each other as we work to achieve a common goal
- Equity | Ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement
- Integrity | Making ethical, transparent, and well-intentioned decisions