Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

Fall Dates: September 22nd–November 24th 2026 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm No Chamber Music on October 6th 

Concert: Thursday, December 3rd, 2026, 6:00 pm at TC Philharmonic Center 

Winter Dates: January 12th-March 9th 2027 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm No Chamber Music on January 26th

Concert: Thursday, March 18th 2027, 7:00 pm at TC Philharmonic Center

This program is for individuals who would like to play in a small ensemble, working on chamber music performing techniques and repertoire. Rehearsals focus on the concept of playing together in a different texture and sound, with one or two players on a part depending on the ensemble: duos, trios, quartets and larger groups. Sinfonia Chamber Music rehearses from 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm. 

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

Fall Dates: September 22nd – November 24th 2026 | Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm No Chamber Music on October 6th 

Fall Concert: Thursday, December 3rd 6:00 PM at TC Philharmonic Center 

Winter Dates: January 12th - March 9th 2027 | Tuesdays 7:00-8:00 pm No Chamber Music on January 26th 

Winter Concert: Thursday, March 18th 7:00 pm at TC Philharmonic Center

This program is for individuals who would like to play in a small ensemble, working on chamber music performing techniques and repertoire. Rehearsals focus on the concept of playing together in a different texture and sound, with one or two players on a part depending on the ensemble: duos, trios, quartets and larger groups. Prelude Chamber Music rehearses from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Sinfonia String Orchestra

Directed by Lynne Tobin

The Traverse City Philharmonic Civic String Orchestras provide the opportunity for community string instrumentalists to play in a non-professional orchestra with musicians of all ages.  

Sinfonia String Orchestra takes place on Tuesdays at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. $175 per semester (session).  

Sinfonia String Orchestra: FALL 2026

September 22* - December 1, 2026 | Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Concert on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 7:00 pm at TC Central High School Auditorium

Sinfonia String Orchestra: Winter 2027

January 12 - March 16, 2027 | Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Concert on Tuesday, March 16 7:00 pm at TC Central High School Auditorium

Sinfonia is an advanced string orchestra for players of violin, viola, cello, and bass. Members must possess solid technical and music-reading skills. Typical members will have studied a minimum of 4 years, have a private instructor, and play in school, church or other community ensembles. 

*Auditions are September 15, but rehearsals begin September 22. The registration dates include the audition date, but if you are not auditioning, your start date will be September 22nd.

Audition Information
Auditions for placement in either Sinfonia or Prelude Strings will be held Tuesday, September 15, 4-7 p.m. at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. Please email cms@tcphil.org, or call (231) 947-7120 ext. 5, to schedule an audition. Please prepare a scale and solo that demonstrates your highest level of playing. Returning members do not need to audition unless you would like to move to a different ensemble or if you would like a leadership position.

Founded in 1989, Encore’s mission is to offer our community excellent music in an entertaining way through four seasonal concerts a year while providing quality experiences for the musicians, allowing them the opportunity to return their talents to the community. Encore Symphonic Winds consists of approximately 50 exceptionally talented amateur musicians from the 7-county Grand Traverse region, and continues to serve the community by making music easily accessible to everyone.

Schedule:

Rehearsals and Concert are at Traverse City Philharmonic Center in Traverse City

September 24th, October 1st, 8th, and 15th at 7:00 - 9:30 pm

Sunday, October 18 at 3:00 pm Concert

November 12, 19 and December 3, and 10

Sunday, December 13 3:00 pm Concert

January 28, February 4, 11 and 18

Sunday, February 21 3:00 pm Concert

April 1, 8, 15, and 22

Saturday, April 24 7:00 pm - Concert

The Traverse City Philharmonic invites tuba and euphonium players of all ages to perform at Merry TubaChristmas Traverse City on Saturday, December 12, at 3:00 pm in the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Hall at the Traverse City Philharmonic Center. TubaChristmas is a creation of Harvey Phillips, one of America’s great tuba players.  This annual musical event is celebrated all over the world by tuba and euphonium enthusiasts.    

December 12 Schedule: 

1:30 - 2:30 pm Rehearsal 

3:00 pm Concert - including Trombone Quartet opening

All participants must be registered. Please feel free to decorate your instrument and wear festive attire. 

Dr. Jerry A. Young is Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he worked from 1983 to 2016, and he is a former member of the Interlochen Arts Camp faculty. His former students enjoy successful careers as music educators, in music industry and in leading orchestras and military bands in the U.S., Europe and Asia.  Jerry is a former president of the International Tuba – Euphonium Association and also served as editor-in-chief of the ITEA Journal. His edition of the Arban Complete Method for Tuba is the best-selling tuba method in the world.   Young has appeared across the U.S., Europe and Japan as a soloist, chamber musician, clinician, and adjudicator.  The founder of Merry TubaChristmas Kansas City, recently recognized as the largest TubaChristmas celebration in the world, Young has conducted TubaChristmas events in locations stretching from south Texas to Wisconsin, and has led Merry TubaChristmas Traverse City since 2017.