Rehearsal Schedule
Regular Rehearsal Schedule
| Principal | 9 AM-12:15 PM |
| Philharmonic | 8:45-11:45 AM |
| Virtuosi | 9:30 AM-12 PM |
| Percussion | 9-11:45 AM |
| Sinfonia | 8:30-11:00 AM |
| Saxophones | 9:00-11:15 AM |
| String | 8:30-10:30 AM |
| Wind | 9:00-11:15 AM |
| Woodwinds | 9:00-11:00 AM |
| Brass | 9:00-11:00 AM |
| Steel Pan Future Stars | 9:00-10:30 AM |
| Steel Pan Junior Stars | 10:45 AM-12:15 PM |
| Steel Pan All Stars | 12:15-1:45 PM |
| Jazz I | 12:30-2 PM |
| Jazz II | 12:15-1:15 PM |
| Advanced Chamber | 12:30-2:00 PM |
| Intermediate Chamber | 10:45-11:30 AM 11:30 AM-12:15 PM |
| Music Enrichment Class | 11:15 AM-12 PM |
Afternoon Programs
GCTYO offers multiple programs to supplement the main morning orchestra programs.
We offer Jazz, Steel Pan, and Chamber Music to students enrolled in our regular morning programs.
GCTYO’s financial assistance program extends to afternoon programs as well.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
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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. Students who qualify for free lunch receive a full scholarship to GCTYO and pay no fees. Students who qualify for reduced lunch receive half off GCTYO fees. Families receiving SNAP benefits or government rental or housing assistance automatically qualify for full scholarships.
Families that do not qualify for direct financial assistance from GCTYO may be eligible for scholarships from private donors. Click for scholarship information.
If the fees are a hardship for your family, contact the Executive Director for an extended payment plan.
Requests for financial assistance are due in September and must include one of the following documents:
- A copy of the first 2 pages of your most recent tax return
- OR A school lunch eligibility letter (available from your school office)
- OR An eligibility letter for SNAP or housing assistance
- Some school districts such as Bridgeport provide free lunch to all students regardless of income. If you attend a Bridgeport or other school where everyone gets free lunch, then please provide a copy of the first 2 pages of your tax return as documentation of your income and household size.
Documents must be submitted by or on the first day of rehearsals by email (scans or photos of documents are acceptable) to the Executive Director or by turning them in at rehearsals. All submissions will be kept strictly confidential.
Families applying for assistance should choose the last option on their personal payment page when they accept their student’s placement online and pay the $25 application fee. The fee will be credited to your account if you do not qualify for full assistance.
Applying for financial assistance does not guarantee that you will receive it. Financial assistance covers basic membership, snack, retreat, and social event fees (for GCTYO sponsored events such as Adventure Park or bowling). Private lesson costs may also be available.
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, trombone, oboe, French horn, and flute.
Registration Fee
There is a $30 non-refundable registration fee per application.
Retreat/Activity Fees
Retreat fees vary by ensemble. A separate snack fee of $25 per student will also be assessed.
Refunds
Students who withdraw from GCTYO at least 7 days prior to the retreat may receive a full refund of retreat fees upon request. Members may receive, upon request, a refund of retreat fees for medical and/or family emergencies.
Students who withdraw from GCTYO by October 1 may receive a full refund of membership fees upon request, less a $25 processing fee. Notification of withdrawal must be provided in writing to the Executive Director by Oct. 1. No refunds will be given after Oct. 1.
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.
Steven F. Hembree Scholarship
We are pleased to provide a scholarship for eligible GCTYO students in memory of Steven F. Hembree. Steven was Principal Percussionist in GCTYO (then called Greater Bridgeport Youth Symphony Orchestras/GBYSO) during the 1991-92 season. His first performance was “Overture to Rulan and Ludmilla” by Glinka and included 118 mallet strokes in 5 minutes. The piece was conducted by Music Director Robert Genualdi.
This scholarship will be provided through a fund made possible by Steven’s family and friends. It is a way to make it easier for young musicians to pursue their love of music.
The Steven F. Hembree 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 Hembree Scholarship.
If you wish to be considered for a Steven F. Hembree Scholarship, please submit the 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 Philharmonic, 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.