Frequently Asked Questions

If you are new to Gemini Youth Orchestras, this page may help you understand what we are all about. The answers expressed herein were written by our board president, Richard Reiben, and where opinions are given constitute those of the writer only.

1. Why should I (or my musically-talented child) enroll in a youth orchestra?

OK, so you started with the most difficult question first. We all know how over-committed most students are these days, and there is no question that we all have to prioritize our classes and activities. That having been said, there is a small percentage of students who are "serious" about music, whether as a career choice or simply as recreation. If your child takes private lessons, then the only practical way to advance his or her ensemble skills is through a youth orchestra. Schools make a good effort, but by their nature must accept virtually every student who wishes to play. The result is that more challenging material often cannot be performed there. A youth orchestra provides far more technical training, stretching one's "musical muscles" to their limit. The intellectual side-effects of music are well-documented, and there are great benefits to a child's sense of pride in accomplishment, teamwork and appreciation for the arts. Oh yes -- it's also fun to perform and excel.

2. OK, then why Gemini Youth Orchestras?

This one's easier. GYO is the only Long Island youth orchestra headed by a full-time professional conductor as its principal conductor, and this has been the case with rare exceptions since 1991. We have recently welcomed back Maestro Michael Adelson, our Music Director from 2003-2005, whose affiliations include the New York Philharmonic and Mannes School of Music, and who is well-recognized as one of the finest pedagogical (educational) conductors in the country. We play major concert venues such as Carnegie Hall (most recently in May 2004), Lincoln Center (2007 and 2008), Tilles Center and others. Our preparatory groups are actually a developmental system that feature experienced and well-regarded conductors who help build technical skills, self-confidence, teamwork and love of music. The Gemini Youth Symphony, our "flagship", is where these skills are fine-tuned and students are prepared for their college careers and beyond.

3. How long has GYO been around? Where do you rehearse and when?

GYO was founded in 1969 by Paul Rudoff, a well-known music teacher and conductor. Our rehearsals are on Monday evenings at the beautiful facility at Candlewood Middle School, Carll's Straight Path, Dix Hills. During the past eight seasons, our rehearsal venues have graciously been provided by the Half Hollow Hills School District.

4. Do you charge tuition? Why?

Yes. Our conducting staff are paid professionals, assisted by parent and other volunteers like myself. We are required to pay for concert venues, guest artists, music purchases and rentals, licensing fees to ASCAP and BMI, insurance, accounting and other items. To meet our expenses, we must charge tuition. Tuition usually covers only about 60% of our budget, the remaining portion of which is supplemented by ticket sales, fundraisers, private and corporate donations, advertising revenues and public and private grants. Tuition ranges from $350-450 per school year; we ask that it be paid as early as possible as our financial staff are also volunteers.

GYO is a "need-blind" organization. No student will be denied admission based on his or her family's financial circumstances. Students may apply for scholarships at the time they are admitted. Families with more than one student in GYO qualify for sibling discounts. Students participating in the Gemini Concert Winds and another group will also receive a discount. 

5. Are donations tax-deductible?

GYO is qualified as a charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible for taxpayers who deduct charitable donations on their income tax returns. Consult your tax advisor to determine the availability of such deductions.

6. How skilled does my child have to be to play for GYO?

GYO offers positions for string players at NYSSMA Levels 3 and up, and for winds, percussion and others at NYSSMA Levels 4+ and up. The Gemini String Orchestra is a preparatory group for NYSSMA Level 3 through 5. The Gemini Chamber Orchestra is for Level 5 and 6 string players and may be expanded to include Level 5 and 6 wind players and percussionists. The Concert Winds accepts most Level 4-6 players, with a few exceptions. The Gemini Youth Symphony accepts Level 6 to All State players. NYSSMA Level is only a guide and certainly not the sole determinant of qualification; an audition is necessary (and usually helpful in guiding the student) to determine qualification and whenever a student wishes to move up to a new level. Also, all positions are subject to availability (open positions) in our groups.

7. If you had 20-20 hindsight, what instruments would you have your children learn?

Well, mine learned the double bass and that was OK -- the instrument is much in demand and we had a Volvo wagon. The other instruments that seem most in demand these days are the viola, and for wind players the oboe, bassoon, french horn, euphonium and some of the more esoteric ones like the bass clarinet and bass trombone. Of course, your child must be comfortable with the instrument and enjoy playing it, which must be the first criterion of all.

8. You're not a musician. Your kids are in college and law school. Why the heck do you run a youth orchestra?

Well, aside from the fact that it provides a great deal of satisfaction (and believe me it does), someone has to do it. Since 2005-06, my wife Karen has been a volunteer executive director (after almost a decade on the board), which has enabled GYO to run entirely on a volunteer basis, with the exception of music staff. We always need more parental volunteers; we've had superb response during the past few years and at this rate, I might find a new board president before my grandchildren are ready to audition. If I ever have grandchildren. Or maybe not.

9. Will GYO look good on my kid's college resume?

Sure, but that's not the main reason for him or her to participate. We have graduated kids to the best music schools in America and to all of the great liberal arts colleges and universities. We have had a Presidential Scholar, a dozen Intel finalists, National Merit Scholars, All-Eastern and All-National musicians, etc. etc. etc. This, I believe, is no coincidence. The "Mozart Effect" is real, and continues throughout the teenage years. Classical music disciplines and organizes the mind and acculturates our youth in a time when culture sometimes seems on a downward spiral. Playing builds teamwork, self-confidence and pride; the journey is its own reward. I am convinced that most of our players actually look forward to and take joy in rehearsals. It's a social event unlike solitary practice, and a way of interacting with adults and peers that is terrifically positive.

There is something else I want to add here, and it's important. All the leading authorities on college admissions now concur: it's not the quantity, but the quality of extracurricular activities that distinguishes a student from the pack. For example, visit:

http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/articles/prepare/extracurriculars.asp

Eighteen GYO seniors graduated in 2007; twelve are majoring in music-related fields. If GYO is just "another activity" to add to the list and your kid has to be forced or cajoled into participating, a youth orchestra is probably not a great idea. There, I said it and I mean it (wasn't easy)!

10. Are you going to play in some major venues any time soon?

For the first time, all GYO groups appeared on stage at a major venue, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City, on March 24, 2007. This was a sellout event and energized kids, parents and staff alike. The music was pretty good too (check the clips). As a result, we returned to Lincoln Center, this time at Avery Fisher Hall, on March 2, 2008. Third time's a charm: Our 40th Anniversary Gala is scheduled at the newly-renovated Alice Tully Hall on June 13, 2009; and this event will include a reception and an appearance by an Alumni Orchestra, as well as other surprises to be announced.

11. How does my child audition? Where can I get more information?

Auditions start in May, and all positions are subject to availability. For an audition or more information, email us at webmaestro@gyo.org, or check the handbook on line.