About Our Orchestras
Audition Info
​Registration Deadline: January 13th, 2026 (Midnight)
Audition Date: Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
Location: American Leadership Academy
3155 S Santan Village Pkwy, Gilbert, AZ 85295
Rehearsal Schedule
Meeting Wednesdays
Starting January 21st
Concert Orchestra: 5-6pm
Prelude Orchestra: 4-5pm
Chamber Orchestra: 6-8pm
Tuition
Concert Orchestra: $275 Per Semester
Prelude Orchestra: $225 Per Semester
Chamber Orchestra: $325 Per Semester
Introduction
Starting Wednesday, January 21st, Gilbert Youth Orchestras begins rehearsals!
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At GYO, we believe music changes lives. That’s why we offer three orchestras designed to meet every level of young string players—from beginners just picking up their instrument to advanced musicians ready for professional-level performance.
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Prelude Orchestra – for beginners ($225/semester)
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Concert Orchestra – for intermediate players ($275/semester)
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Chamber Orchestra – for advanced musicians ($325/semester)
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Our orchestras welcome violins, violas, cellos, and basses, and we love adding exciting percussion (timpani, bass drum, drum set, chimes, glockenspiel, and more) to create powerful performances.
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We have no age limits—placement is based on skill, not age. If a younger student can meet the requirements of a higher orchestra, we’re thrilled to welcome them in.
A Message From Our
Founder & Director, Brad Bohn
Prelude Orchestra
Level: Beginner
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Ages: Starting at 4 for cello, 5 for violin/viola/bass
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Level: Suzuki Books 1–2
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Auditions: Everyone accepted—used only for section placement
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Highlights:
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Musical Mentors Program – Chamber Orchestra members inspire and guide beginners
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Supportive, fun, and motivating environment
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Performances in two major concerts per year
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Tuition: $225 per semester​
Concert Orchestra
Level: Intermediate
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Level: Suzuki Books 3–4
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Auditions: Blind, must score 80/100+ (70% technical, 30% musicality)
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Structure: Two violin sections plus viola, cello, and bass; blind chair tests mid-semester
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Highlights:
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More challenging repertoire, with solo opportunities
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Two major concerts per year
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Compete each spring at Music in the Parks festivals at Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and more
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Professional attire (tuxedos/gowns)
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Tuition: $275 per semester
Chamber Orchestra
Level: Advanced
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Level: Suzuki Book 5+ with vibrato mastery
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Auditions: Blind, must score 80/100+
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Structure: Chair tests each semester for seating
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Highlights:
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Professional-level repertoire and solo features
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Two major concerts per year
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Mentorship – Guide younger Prelude students through the Musical Mentors program
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Annual Music Videos – Recorded in stunning locations like snowy forests, beaches, vineyards, and even motorcycle factories
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Competitions & Tours – Perform at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Austria, and more
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Tuition: $325 per semester
