Fees & Financial Assistance
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Spring 2021 Tuition Information
Spring 2021 Tuition
Tuition is $400 per ensemble for the Spring 2021 session.
We plan to open in person if conditions allow.
Spring 2021 Payment Information
A non-refundable deposit of $200 will be required with audition acceptance. The remaining $200 payment will be due Mar. 1, 2021. No refunds will be given after Mar. 1.
Due to Covid, online payments are preferred. Please consider adding 3% to cover transaction costs.
Sibling Discount: Each sibling after the first receives a $50 tuition discount.
Please read below for Financial Assistance information.
There are no snack or retreat fees this session.
Financial Assistance Information
Financial Assistance
No child will be turned away for inability to pay. Financial aid awards are based on the income levels associated with the National School Lunch Program. A student who qualifies for free lunch under the federal guidelines will receive a full scholarship to GCTYO. A student who qualifies for reduced lunch will receive a partial scholarship of half the tuition cost.
Applications are due by the first day of rehearsals. The $25 financial aid application fee per child may be paid with audition acceptance instead of the $200 deposit.
Please click here for a financial assistance application form: Financial Aid Application Form. You must include a copy of your most recent tax return and/or a school lunch eligibility letter with your financial aid application. If you do not have a tax return, you must fill out and return the 4506T Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript with your application instead.
For the 2020-21 season, special consideration may be given for pandemic related hardship.
Applying for financial aid does not guarantee that you will receive it. We regret that we can offer financial assistance only for basic membership fees, not private lesson costs.
If you do not qualify for financial assistance in the form of tuition reduction, you may request a personalized payment plan. Simply send an email to the Executive Director with your request. You may also apply for the Genualdi or Pezzella scholarships (see below for scholarship information).
Instruments For Loan
GCTYO has a limited number of instruments which could be loaned to GCTYO musicians. Some of the instruments require minor repairs. Please email the Executive Director at gctyo[at]gctyo[dot]org if you need a new or different instrument. Available instruments include violin, viola, cello, string bass, tuba, oboe, French horn, or flute.

Audition Fees
$25 Non-refundable Audition Fee
Retreat/Activity Fees
No retreat or activity fees for the 2020-21 season.
Refunds
Students who withdraw from GCTYO by March 10 may receive a refund of the second payment of membership fees ($200) upon request, less a $25 processing fee. The $200 deposit is non-refundable. Notification of withdrawal must be provided by email to the Executive Director by Mar. 10, 2021. No refunds will be given after Mar. 10.
Scholarships

KUBTEC Bob & Dorothy Genualdi Scholarship
We are pleased to provide a scholarship for eligible GCTYO students in memory of Bob & Dorothy Genualdi. Bob & Dorothy dedicated their professional lives to GCTYO and the local music community. The scholarship will be provided through the generosity of KUBTEC, a local high-tech manufacturing company based in Stratford, CT and owned by a GCTYO family.
The KUBTEC Bob & Dorothy Genualdi Scholarship will be awarded to students who meet criteria based upon merit and financial need. Even if you do not qualify for a GCTYO financial aid award, you may qualify for a Genualdi Scholarship.
If you wish to be considered for a Genualdi Scholarship, please submit the Genualdi application (includes a short essay) in addition to a financial aid application by the first day of rehearsals each season.
Applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions in October at which time membership accounts may be adjusted. Preference will be given to students new to GCTYO.

Vincent J. Pezzella Scholarship
We are pleased to provide a scholarship for eligible GCTYO students in memory of Vincent J. Pezzella. Vincent was a member of the Trumbull High School Marching Band and Winter Percussion programs for five years. He went on to pursue music in college at Hofstra University. His life was surrounded by music because of his love for it.
This scholarship will be provided through a fund that has been set up in Vincent’s name to a candidate who loves music as much as he did. It is a way to make it easier for young musicians to pursue their love of music.
The Vincent J. Pezzella Scholarship will be awarded to students who meet criteria based upon merit and financial need. Even if you do not qualify for a GCTYO financial aid award, you may qualify for a Pezzella Scholarship.
If you wish to be considered for a Vincent J. Pezzella Scholarship, please submit the VJP application in addition to a financial aid application by the first day of rehearsals.
Applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions in October at which time membership accounts may be adjusted.
Financial Assistance For International Trip
We expect to be able to offer financial assistance for a limited number of musicians for our international trips. Students will be selected for assistance through an application process.
Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Member of Symphony, Bravura, Principal or Jazz I in the season leading up to the trip;
- Member of GCTYO for at least one season prior to the trip season;
- Junior or Senior in high school in the school year leading up to the trip;
- Never been on a GCTYO international trip;
- Demonstrated need for financial assistance.
- Students applying for trip assistance do not need to qualify for general GCTYO financial aid.
Application Process
Deadline for trip assistance application is October 1. Recipients will be notified of the amount of the award before the early bird discount window closes in the fall.