The mission of the Great Falls Symphony Association's Youth Orchestra is to cultivate the value of excellence and a spirit of cooperation in young musicians through the pursuit of music education and artistic achievement.

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Committed to the principles of access and comprehensive inclusiveness, the GFYO is dedicated to equipping young musicians of all demographics with opportunities to develop confidence, discernment, teamwork and leadership skills necessary for success in their future endeavors. By using music as a medium, strong friendships with like-minded students are built throughout North Central Montana.

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Music plays a powerful role in promoting academic excellence and developing discipline. These were motivating factors in the Great Falls Symphony Association’s decision to establish a Youth Orchestra program in 1997. The Great Falls Youth Orchestra Program now serves an average of 100 young musicians each year ages 12 to 19 years from numerous local public, private and home schools, as well as schools in communities outside Great Falls, and as far away as Helena and Lewistown.