Two instrumental ensembles featuring some of West Michigan’s most talented young musicians
“The GRYSO did a brilliant job under the bold, dynamic hand of John Varineau. . . . His animated style inspired wonders from his young players who performed difficult pieces with vigor and ease.”
—concert review in The Grand Rapids Press
COVID-19 Update: Fall Planning Underway
Grand Rapids Youth Symphony is consulting with public health experts and other experts as we put plans in place for an altered 2020-21 season, given the constraints of the pandemic. While our plans are not final and will shift if the governor’s orders change, we hope to meet in the fall with an altered format and schedule. Though we expect our Classical Orchestra to remain intact, we will likely divide our Youth Symphony into four smaller orchestras.
We are also making plans to hold our annual musicians’ retreat on Saturday, Sept. 12, at an outdoor pavilion, with students attending in shifts. As details are finalized, we will publish them on our Members Only page.
Auditions Update
Auditions for our 2020-2021 season have closed. Our thanks to all students who participated, despite our need to use an altered process because of coronavirus concerns.
60 Years of GRYS
The Grand Rapids Youth Symphony celebrated its 60th year of existence in 2019-2020. Conductor John Varineau, who has led the organization for over half its lifetime, invites donors to help honor our past and our future with a contribution to the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony & Classical Orchestra.
Donate here >>