Summary
Organization name
Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras
other names
GBYO
1984
Tax id (EIN)
74-2346471
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
PO Box 17643Boulder, CO 80308
Boulder County, CO, US
The Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras need your help to serve Colorado's young musicians. We provide unique and high quality programs for student musicians of all ages.
Testimonials
What students have to say about GBYO:
"Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras has taught me so many things....GBYO has gotten me so far in not only the music world but outside of it too. For instance, it has improved my focus and patience by making me realize that if I want good things to come I need to be patient and work for them."
"I am very excited to be performing with GBYO and can not wait for my first rehearsal."
"I have been having a wonderful time at orchestra, and am really glad I joined. Playing under the baton of Mr. Lewis is one of the best orchestral experiences I've had, both for learning and becoming inspired to pursue greater musicianship."
"Working with Mr. Lewis last concert block was a huge pleasure; he opened my eyes to the depth, passion, and dedication that music requires. I am finding myself newly committed to this way of thinking and playing music.... Thank you for your time and wisdom."
"I was looking for an organization where I could participate in addition to my high school symphony. In exploring, I located several youth orchestras through the internet and my instructor. I am very impressed by the dynamics of the music recorded by the GBYO and see this as a great opportunity to grow in my music and musicianship. I would love to practice and perform with this orchestra."
"I researched local ensembles to play in because i am looking for a challenge that is outside of my school's ensembles. I found this website and once i listened to the recordings i was blown away and i emailed the director and he referred me to audition."
What the audience has to say about GBYO:
"I attended the GBYO concert last night and the groups were just amazing. I am really excited that my students get to participate in such a wonderful organization."
"That was exciting! What a WONDERFUL start for this orchestra!!!!!"
"I certainly enjoyed your marvelous concert yesterday evening, starting with the newest members and ending with the magnificent music of the Symphony. I congratulate you all for what you have accomplished, and wish you continued success with your wonderful musical groups."
"I am glad (my son) gets to play in an ensemble with such knowledgeable and accomplished conductors. This is really a great experience for him."
"...our guests and we were absolutely delighted by the concert. The musicians did such an amazing job, and the venue was inspiring. Really incredible and really fun! (My son) felt very special to be a part of it."
" Sunday night was great; I was so impressed. I knew they would all be good, but I didn't realize just how good."
"Sunday was the most amazing YO concert I have seen. Each group shone with a cohesive sound that probably even surprised them at times. Just awesome. The conductors did a fantastic job of preparing the kids."
"I am going to make a donation to GBYO today, because I value the opportunity you give to student musicians and specifically to thank you for the wonderful experience my son has had being a part of this organization. You and GBYO are doing good things for our community!"
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.
Background Statement
Established in 2010, the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras serve Colorado’s young musicians from beautiful Boulder and beyond with high caliber opportunities to connect with other like-minded youth while working alongside professional musicians. 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.
More than 140 GBYO musicians, ages 6-21, experience playing works of master composers in a challenging and rewarding setting. GBYO includes three orchestras and a Wind Ensemble, and highlights each season include a concerto competition, chamber music, and collaborations with amazing individuals and organizations like the Boulder Philharmonic and Colorado Music Festival.
Artistic Director Emily Bowman leads a dynamic team of conductors, educators, and mentors. The Sinfonia, GBYO’s youngest ensemble, is conducted by Paul Rowinski and is often the first orchestra experience for students. Ms. Bowman conducts the Philharmonic, a full orchestra of about 50 musicians. Dr. Erik Johnson, professor of music education at Colorado State University, conducts the Wind Ensemble. GBYO’s most advanced orchestra, the Symphony, is led by Gary Lewis, Director of Orchestral Studies at the CU Boulder College of Music.
Más Música is GBYO’s new after school strings program specially designed to reach the Latinx community at a Title 1 elementary school. It was carefully crafted over the course of two years of much research and process-driven collaboration with GBYO staff, students, board members with school teachers, school district administration, parents of students, and other community members. The program provides students with all that they need to begin the violin. We aim to remove barriers our research has indicated, including transportation, language, and costs of tuition and instruments.
¡Más Música! is supported with generous seed funding from Arthur Lieb. To contribute, designate your donation to the Arthur Lieb Fund EDIA.
GBYO offers unparalleled programs for young musicians. An outstanding mentorship program pairs students with professional musicians and exceptional music majors.
In the spring of 2025, GBYO collaborated with the Boulder Children’s Chorale for the performances of As I Am, a new work written by Boulder native Leigha Amick; Más Música gave its first full performance, truly inspiring and uplifting the audience; and GBYO embarked on our first international trip, performing in Norway and Sweden.
Other recent highlights a 2024 week-long residency with Francisco Fullana, winner of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant; a side by side with the St. Olaf College Orchestra; chamber ensembles performing at Meow Wolf, FlatIrons Crossing, retirement homes; and collaborating with musicians from the Colorado Symphony, CU Boulder, Opera Colorado, and more.
GBYO is inclusive and diverse. We are proud to offer a financial assistance program and have never turned away a student due to financial reasons. Over the years, half of GBYO graduates have continued to study music in college. Alumni have returned to GBYO as mentors, and it fills us with pride to encounter them in the professional music community.
Media gallery
Organization Data
Boulder, CO 80308