Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras

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.
Like most youth orchestras, this is a non-​profit organization set up to further supplement the band or orchestra experience in public or private schools. Kids who participate in this really enjoy music and appreciate the fact that their peers practice and want to play and explore challenging and beautiful pieces together.
Here’s what I love about this group
— Unlike some club sports (soccer, etc), this group encourages and even requires kids to remain involved with their school musical organization (thus they don’t strip players from the schools).
— The instructors/​conductors are OUTSTANDING, they are funny, patient, really insightful and creative. They play a fair share of world premieres, pieces composed by local composers or kids, great classics, etc. I don’t know how they did it but GBYO has a terrific staff starting from their manager Brian Jack, a super friendly, funny and thoughtful world class bassoonist.
— The rehearsals are on Monday night and are fun, but efficient. This organization recognizes that students are busy and have a lot to do and really honors their time. They have a growing mentor program so not only do the kids play in a full ensemble, sectionals (for example wind and brass break off to play their own pieces), but they even break down to small groups led by U of Colorado mentors (often graduate students). There are also chamber opportunities, etc.
— Performances are usually in the Macky. This is kind of a cool, exciting venue for the kids to play in.
— They key players into all kinds of playing and listening opportunities around Colorado.
Anyway, we’re super psyched that we found this organization. GBYO rehearsals are easily my child’s favorite part of the week.