THE GGP PROGRAM

Commitment, challenge, peer mentors, parent participation and coaching by Bay Area professionals combine to form an unbeatable music program for string and wind players from kindergarten through college. Come to our performances to see for yourself. Instruction in orchestra, theory, and chamber music combined with coaching by Bay Area professional musicians ensure a well-rounded and excellent musical education. Outreach to various San Francisco neighborhoods, including neighborhoods unrepresented in most youth orchestras, provide a mix of ethnicities and socio-economic levels that reflect the exciting diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area. The common goal of performing challenging music enables GGP youngsters to overcome background differences and to open exciting new horizons to all. Through this experience they learn respect for one another and discover individual strengths hitherto unknown. Many lives have been changed through the power of music!

Orchestra Program
Experienced players from the Golden Gate Philharmonic act as mentors for younger musicians, making it possible for beginning students to progress more rapidly. Peer coaching gives older teens work experience transferable to the real world. GGP musicians also serve as role models for younger students—and their parents—to see what can be accomplished in a short time at this age. Frequent performances help parents monitor student progress and provide motivation and excitement for learning. See Details of Participation for more information.
Theory Program
Students work through theory books at their level in a non-threatening atmosphere with help on hand.
Chamber Music
Chamber groups are formed in the fall each year. Ensembles meet weekly for an hour, at homes of GGP families at times convenient to the participants and are coached by GGP faculty or private teachers.
There is an additional cost for the Chamber Music Program divided equally by participants. Financial aid is available.
Cazadero Retreat
In October, GGP participants go to Cazadero Music Camp for two days of music, bonding, and fun.