Endangered Instruments

Coaches

Cathleen Torres

Kensey Chellis

Stephen Moore

Endangered Instruments Program

The GSYO Endangered Instruments Program (EIP) encourages young musicians to learn to play these instruments that are highly sought after by orchestras:

French Horn
Viola
Trombone

If you're a young musician who is interested in learning to play, and/or switching to an endangered instrument, join this unique program!

Students enrolled in EIP receive:

Subsidized group lessons (4-10 students per class)
An instrument at no additional cost
Placement in a GSYO orchestra or ensemble once their skills have reached a sufficient level

The EIP Program is an outstanding opportunity for students to learn new instruments, play in a GSYO ensemble, and develop a lifelong appreciation of music! We look forward to having you be part of it!

Fill out the program application below. You will be contacted about an audition date and supplied with additional details.

Who should apply?

Musicians ages 8-13. Older students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Motivated musicians. Students should have good practice habits, and be willing to dedicate regular practice time to learning a new instrument.

Musicians should have at least one-year experience on any instrument, be able to read music and pass an audition with EIP faculty.

Which instrument is right for you?

Viola

It is relatively easy for Violinists to switch to Viola. Young players can take up viola as it comes in many sizes!

Trombone

Middle school baritone, euphonium, and violin musicians would make great trombone players! Pianists also have great knowledge of pitch and good listening skills, so they too would be ideal. Please note: the right arm of the student will need to be a certain length in order to move the trombone slide to “7th position” (lowest position).

French Horn

Middle school wind and brass students should make quick progress on horn; this program is great for horn students who are in band but don’t receive individual lessons or pianists who want to learn and orchestral instrument.

Scholarships

EIP scholarships, which are need-based, are available. Ask us about our scholarship program.

Time Commitment

EIP runs from late September/early October to April, and is split into two sessions. The Fall and Spring sessions are 10 to 12 weeks long, depending on the instrument, with a lesson each week. After each session, the musicians are evaluated for orchestra. Most students will participate in two sessions before moving into a GSYO ensemble, though individual progress varies. Students are expected to start private instruction on their endangered instrument once they have received orchestra placement. GSYO can recommend teachers.

Class Schedule 2026-27*

Location: Union Presbyterian Church, 858 University Ave, Los Altos

Schedule: TBD. Dates and times will be announced shortly.

French Horn

Tuesday, 4-5pm
Coach: Cathleen Torres

Fall Session: 9/29-12/8
Spring Session: 2/2-5/4

Viola

Tuesday, 5:45-6:45pm
Coach: Stephen Moore