Our Mission
The Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras provide a variety of opportunities for young musicians to deepen their musical skills and passion and to engage the community through performances of the highest possible artistic level.
History of GBYO
The Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras serve approximately 135 youth ages 6-21 by providing a variety of opportunities in music. Created in 2010 through a merger of the Boulder Youth Symphony (est. 1984) and the High Plains Youth Symphony, the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras serve the community of Boulder and beyond. Tuition assistance is provided, and in the entire history of GBYO (going back to 1984), no student has been turned away for financial reasons.
GBYO includes three orchestras, a Wind Ensemble, chamber music, special events, and a team of conductors, educators, and mentors. GBYO is often the first orchestra experience for students, and our most advanced ensemble includes some of Colorado’s finest young musicians. The artistic team are exceptional professionals in the fields of conducting, performing, and teaching.
GBYO provides services that do not otherwise exist for a number of our underserved students, including playing in full orchestras (strings plus winds and brass), and working alongside experts in the fields of performance, conducting, and education. Students “find their people” at weekly rehearsals with like-minded peers from a variety of backgrounds and school districts.
Artist teachers and graduate students work alongside the youth in rehearsal, sectionals, seating auditions, and performances. Mentors represent orchestras such as the Colorado Ballet, Boulder Phil, Sphere Ensemble, and more. GBYO is proud to give students the opportunity to work with musicians of such caliber.
Events are full of collaborations; recent guests include composer Leanna Kirchoff, St. Olaf Orchestra, FlatIrons Crossing, faculty from CU and CSU, and Francisco Fullana (winner of the Avery Fisher Career Grant).
Milestones include performing at the Kennedy Center and two Midori residencies, events that leave life-long impact. November 7, 2020 was proclaimed GBYO Day by Governor Polis and Boulder City Council.
Many GBYO graduates have continued studying music in college, some at prestigious schools like Juilliard and Curtis, and summer programs like Tanglewood and Interlochen. Alumni have returned as mentors, and perform with orchestras like the Boulder Philharmonic.
Guests & Events
GBYO student Jiyu Kim performs with Francisco Fullana, 2024
Composer Andy Reiner leads SCORE, 2018
Tom Hagerman of Devotchka leads SCORE
GBYO at the Lincoln Memorial, 2017
The GBYO Wind Ensemble performs at the Lincoln Memorial, 2017
Harumi Rhodes of the Takács Quartet
Midori works with GBYO student, 2018
Midori
Greg Pattillo
GBYO Day, proclaimed by Governor Polis and Boulder City Council
Rufus Jones Jr.
Challenging • Rewarding • Fun!
Supporters
