Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras (GCTYO) brings young musicians together to achieve the highest standard of music performance in a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment. Our holistic approach to education fosters growth, learning, confidence, and both social and emotional awareness, which prepares students for a full and balanced life. GCTYO offers string and full orchestras, jazz, saxophone, steel pan, percussion, and chamber music. As students develop musically and socially, they learn progressively more difficult music at each level they achieve, eventually performing full length symphonies, premiering contemporary new works, and sharing the stage with Grammy artists. GCTYO is firmly committed to recruiting, accepting, and supporting all young musicians regardless of their economic circumstances. Studying and performing great music in an ensemble setting can be a transformative experience for young musicians. They develop their talents beyond what they thought possible and feel pride and joy in their accomplishments. The skills they learn in a GCTYO ensemble—teamwork, perseverance, and responsibility—positively influence all areas of their lives.