Ensemble Common Application 2026-27

Community School of Performing Arts Application for Advanced Music Performance Program (AMPP) and Ensembles

Now accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year.
The Colburn Community School of Performing Arts offers a wide range of programs for students of all ages, including small and large ensembles and the NEW Advanced Music Performance Program (AMPP).

Designed to support students’ artistic growth, these programs emphasize in-depth study of repertoire, musicianship, and technique. Under the guidance of Colburn’s distinguished faculty and acclaimed guest artists, students collaborate with dedicated peers to create impactful musical experiences.
- For Exceptional Young Musicians, Ages 13–18
  
  A new one-day-a week immersive training program at Colburn for piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion students. 
  
  Launching fall 2026, the Advanced Music Performance Program is a highly selective training program for serious young musicians. Designed as a complement to Colburn’s Music Academy, this Sunday-only intensive offers advanced students the opportunity to deepen their artistry, collaborate with exceptional peers, and prepare for future studies in music.
  
  Guided by Colburn’s world-class faculty, students participate in orchestra*, chamber music, theory and aural skills, masterclasses, and performance opportunities—all within an inspiring community of dedicated young artists.
  
  *Pianists will take specialized classes in place of orchestra.
  
  Program Highlights
  - Comprehensive curriculum blending large ensemble participation, chamber music, music theory, special seminars, and performance opportunities.
  - Enrichment Activities: Seminars in college audition preparation, speaking from the stage, career planning workshops, and more
  - Day-Long Sunday Program: Structured full-day training on Sundays to accommodate students’ academic schedules while providing an immersive learning experience.
  - Participate in community engagement programs and performances, which can fulfill required high school volunteer hours.
  - Instruction and mentorship from experts with extensive experience in collegiate and professional music settings.
  - Private Lessons: Piano students study with Colburn faculty; instrumental students may study with Colburn faculty or another qualified teacher.
  Important Dates
  - Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - In-person Auditions: May 17, 2026 (Auditions are scheduled by invitation)
- NEW Colburn Youth Philharmonic
  
  Full orchestra with strings, winds, brass, percussion, piano, and harp
  
  The Colburn Youth Philharmonic will replace the Colburn Youth Orchestra as the premiere orchestral ensemble of the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts (CSPA). In its inaugural year, it will be a comprehensive addition to Colburn’s NEW Advanced Musicians Performance Program. Colburn’s top orchestra is renowned for its high level of artistry and musical excellence. This ensemble is dedicated to performing a diverse repertoire that spans from standard and contemporary symphonic literature to newly commissioned works and unique arrangements created specifically for the orchestra.
  
  The Colburn Youth Philharmonic’s dynamic programming is designed to challenge and inspire its young musicians, highlight the technical skill and artistic maturity of the ensemble, and contributing to the evolution of orchestral music. This ensemble performs at some of the most prestigious venues in Los Angeles, including the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Alex Theatre in Glendale, the Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and soon at Colburn’s new concert hall, Kohl Hall.
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Sundays, 1–4 pm
  
  Colburn Youth Orchestra
  
  Full orchestra with strings, winds, brass, percussion, piano, and harp
  
  The Colburn Youth Orchestra (CYO) is the 2nd orchestral ensemble at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts (CSPA), dedicated to providing young musicians with the experience of performing large-scale symphonic works throughout the academic year. This ensemble offers students a comprehensive introduction to the demands and rewards of performing in a full orchestral setting and focuses on developing essential skills like playing in a variety of styles with a high-level expressive musicianship.
  
  The CYO fosters an environment where students can grow as musicians, learning the importance of musical teamwork, and the intricacies of orchestral balance and interpretation. This experience not only enhances their technical abilities but also instills a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of orchestral music.
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Saturdays, 4–7 pm
  
  Important Dates
  
  Early Applicants
  - Early Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - In-Person Audition for New Students: April 4, 2026
  - Application Decision Release: May 1, 2026
  - Ensemble Deposit Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  Regular Applicants
  - Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - In-Person Audition for New Students: May 16-17, 2026
  - Application Decision Release: June 2, 2026
  - Ensemble Deposit Deadline: June 15, 2026
  Learn More
- Colburn Youth Wind Ensemble
  
  The Colburn Youth Wind Ensemble is an ensemble designed for middle and high school wind and percussion students who demonstrate playing ability at the intermediate level. No previous band experience is required. This ensemble emphasizes music reading and ensemble skills.
  
  Age Requirement
  
  11–18 years
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Sundays, 10 am–12 pm
  
  Colburn Youth Wind Symphony
  
  The Colburn Youth Wind Symphony is Colburn’s premiere youth winds, brass, and percussion ensemble comprised of select high school wind and percussion students who demonstrate advanced technical proficiency, musical maturity, and a commitment to excellence. With a focus on challenging original and transcribed repertoire for winds, the ensemble offers an intensive experience designed to refine ensemble playing, elevate musical interpretation, and strengthen individual preparation.
  
  Admission is highly selective, and the small roster places a strong emphasis on each member’s personal accountability, leadership within the group, and artistry. Students are expected to arrive at rehearsals fully prepared and engaged, ready to contribute to a high-level, professional rehearsal environment.
  
  Age Requirement
  
  13–18 years
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Saturdays, 4:30–7 pm
  
  Important Dates
  
  Early Applicants
  - Early Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - In-Person Audition for New Students: April 4, 2026
  - Application Decision Release: May 1, 2026
  - Ensemble Deposit Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  Regular Applicants
  - Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - In-Person Audition for New Students: May 16-17, 2026
  - Application Decision Release: June 2, 2026
  - Ensemble Deposit Deadline: June 15, 2026
  Learn More
- The Choirs at Colburn, under the direction of Emmy Award–winning conductor, composer, and vocalist Adrian Dunn, offer a dynamic choral program for young singers at all levels.
  
  Comprised of the Children’s Chorus, Youth Chorus, and Colburn Concert Choir, students build vocal technique, musical literacy, and ensemble artistry through weekly rehearsals and frequent performances. The program emphasizes both musical excellence and personal growth, with opportunities to perform in landmark venues and high-profile collaborations.
  
  Children’s Chorus
  
  This ensemble introduces young singers to choral singing. The group will focus on fundamentals of singing, solfeggio, listening, and basic music theory concepts. The ensemble rehearses weekly and performs on one major concert per semester.
  
  Age Requirement
  
  7–10 years
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Saturdays, 12–12:50 pm
  
  Youth Chorus
  
  This ensemble prepares students for the Colburn Concert Choir and is ideal for youth who enjoy singing and exploring music with a supportive group of peers. Students will explore the fundamentals of singing, breathing, sight-reading, and solfeggio, and will rehearse and perform diverse choral repertoire. The ensemble rehearses weekly and performs on one major concert per semester.
  
  Age Requirement
  
  10–14 years
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Saturdays, 1–2:30 pm
  
  Colburn Concert Choir
  
  The Colburn Concert Choir is the highest-level choral ensemble offered. Students will be challenged with advanced choral repertoire that spans multiple genres. Additionally, students will develop their sight reading, ear training, and music theory knowledge. The ensemble rehearses weekly and performs on one major concert per semester.
  
  Age Requirement
  
  14–20 years
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Saturdays, 3–6 pm
  
  Important Dates
  - Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - In-Person Audition for New Students: May 16, 2026
  - Application Decision Release: June 2, 2026
  - Ensemble Deposit Deadline: June 15, 2026
  Learn More

Primary Contact Information

This individual will be the primary contact for all communication related to this application.
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Relationship to Applicant*
Primary Email*
example@example.com
Primary Phone*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Alternate Contact (Optional)

Provide an alternate contact in case we cannot reach the primary contact.
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Relationship to Applicant
Primary Email
example@example.com
Primary Phone
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Applicant Information
Applicant's Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Age (as of September 1, 2026)*
YesNo
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Applicant's Primary Instrument*
Total Years Played*
YesNo
Name of Current Private Instructor*
Number of Years with Private Instructor*
Private Instructor Email*
example@example.com
School Information
Current School*
Grade (Fall 2026)*
YesNo
BandChoirOrchestra
Name of Ensemble Director*
Ensemble Director Email*
example@example.com

NEW Advanced Music Performance Program (AMPP) *This program is for piano, strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists ONLYAdvanced Orchestras (Colburn Youth Orchestra and Colburn Youth Philharmonic)Bands (Colburn Youth Winds and Colburn Youth Wind Ensemble)Choirs (Colburn Children's Chorus, Colburn Youth Chorus, and Colburn Concert Choir)

Bands
Thank you for your interest in joining the Colburn Bands! Please record your pre-screening materials and complete the application below to be considered for the 2026-27 academic year. Students will be notified of their acceptance within one week of submitting the application.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Band Coordinator, Arnulfo Reyes, at areyes@colburnschool.edu.

Bands
- Colburn Youth Wind Symphony, Ages 13-18 (9th-12th Grade)
- Colburn Youth Wind Ensemble, Ages 11-18 (6th-12th Grade)
YesNo
Applicant's Secondary Instrument (if applicable)
Please list all other instructors you have studied with, including number of years with instructor (e.g. John Smith, 4 years):*
Please list any orchestra and/or band experience that you have, including names of ensembles and number of years that you were a member:*
Please list any competitions and/or festivals that you have participated in, as well as award or other honors that you have received:*
Type "n/a" if not applicable.
YesNo
Please list any other ensembles that you are auditioning for:*
Audition Information

All applicants are required to submit a video recording with their application. Please see video instructions below:
Returning students must submit a video with the audition requirements listed below. An in-person audition is NOT required for returning students.

New applicants must audition in-person. In-person auditions will take place on April 4 and May 16-17 on campus. Details regarding live auditions will be sent to new applicants following initial review of their application.

Audition Requirements
- Full range chromatic scale
- Scales in as many octaves as you can play in the following keys: F Major, B-flat Major, E-flat Major, and A-flat Major
- Two excerpts for your instrument (see file linked below)
2026-27 Band Audition Excerpts
Video Instructions
- Record yourself performing the audition materials. You may pause the video in between pieces and excerpts, but there can be no cuts or edits during each piece or excerpt.
- Upload your video to YouTube and insert a link to the video in the field below. When uploading the video to YouTube, make sure the video is marked unlisted or public. If you do not want the video to be public, marking it unlisted will not allow the general public to find the video, but will allow you to share the link with the Community School.
Audition Video Link:*

Advanced Orchestras
Thank you for your interest in joining the Colburn Advanced Orchestras! Please record your pre-screening materials and complete the application below to be considered for the 2026-27 academic year. Students will be notified of their acceptance within one week of submitting the application.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Orchestra Coordinator, Josiah Vietti, at jvietti@colburnschool.edu.

Advanced Orchestras
- Colburn Youth Orchestra, Ages 13-18
- NEW Colburn Youth Philharmonic, Ages 13-18
YesNo
Applicant's Secondary Instrument (if applicable)
YesNoMaybe
Please list all other instructors you have studied with, including number of years with instructor (e.g. John Smith, 4 years):*
Please list any orchestra and/or band experience that you have, including names of ensembles and number of years that you were a member:*
Please list any competitions and/or festivals that you have participated in, as well as award or other honors that you have received:*
Type "n/a" if not applicable.
YesNo
Please list any other ensembles that you are auditioning for:*
Audition Information

All applicants are required to submit a video recording with their application. Please see video instructions below:
Returning students must submit a video with the audition requirements listed below. An in-person audition is NOT required for returning students.

New applicants must audition in-person. In-person auditions will take place on April 4 and May 16-17 on campus. Details regarding live auditions will be sent to new applicants following initial review of their application.

Audition Requirements
- Solo concerto, etude, or show piece (without accompaniment) that demonstrates technical and interpretive accomplishment
- Two excerpts for your instrument (see file linked below)
2026-27 Advanced Orchestra Audition Excerpts
Video Instructions
- Record yourself performing the audition materials. You may pause the video in between pieces and excerpts, but there can be no cuts or edits during each piece or excerpt.
- Upload your video to YouTube and insert a link to the video in the field below. When uploading the video to YouTube, make sure the video is marked unlisted or public. If you do not want the video to be public, marking it unlisted will not allow the general public to find the video, but will allow you to share the link with the Community School.
Audition Video Link:*

Advanced Music Performance Program (AMPP)
Thank you for your interest in joining the NEW Advanced Music Performance Program! Please record your pre-screening materials and complete the application below to be considered for the 2026-27 academic year.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Community School office at cspa@colburnschool.edu.

Admission is by application and audition, ensuring that each participant is dedicated to their musical and academic success. Join us at the Colburn School to take the next step in your musical journey and prepare for a future in collegiate music studies and beyond.
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm
- In-person Auditions: May 17, 2026
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
Name of Outside Private Instructor*
Please provide information for the private instructor who you will study with outside of Colburn.
Outside Private Instructor Email*
example@example.com
Please list all other instructors you have studied with, including number of years with instructor (e.g. John Smith, 4 years):*
Please list any orchestra and/or band experience that you have, including names of ensembles and number of years that you were a member:*
Type "n/a" if not applicable.
Please list any competitions and/or festivals that you have participated in, as well as award or other honors that you have received:*
Type "n/a" if not applicable.
Audition Information
All applicants must submit a prescreening video that includes the required repertoire (below). Selected applicants will be invited to audition in-person.

In-person auditions will take place on May 17 on campus. The audition requirements remain the same as the prescreening round; however, different repertoire may be performed. Details regarding live auditions will be sent to new applicants following initial review of their application.
Audition Requirements
- - Two contrasting selections. Selections may be two contrasting movements from a concerto or sonata (accompaniment is not required), or two contrasting etudes.
  - Audition excerpts for your instrument, which can be found here: 2026-27 Colburn Youth Philharmonic Audition Excerpts
  Excerpt Requirements
  - Applicants who are currently enrolled in Colburn's Advanced Orchestras must record and submit the excerpts with their application. These applicants DO NOT perform the excerpts at the in-person audition.
  - Applicants who ARE NOT currently enrolled in the Advanced Orchestras DO NOT submit recorded excerpts, but must perform the excerpts at the in-person audition.
- - Single movement from a work by Bach
  - Single movement from a concerto (accompaniment is not required)
  - Audition excerpts for your instrument, which can be found here: 2026-27 Colburn Youth Philharmonic Audition Excerpts
  Excerpt Requirements
  - Applicants who are currently enrolled in Colburn's Advanced Orchestras must record and submit the excerpts with their application. These applicants DO NOT perform the excerpts at the in-person audition.
  - Applicants who ARE NOT currently enrolled in the Advanced Orchestras DO NOT submit recorded excerpts, but must perform the excerpts at the in-person audition.
  NOTE: All string repertoire must be performed from memory. Excerpts should be performed with the score.
- Two contrasting pieces from the options below:
  - One piece from the Baroque or Classical era
  - One piece from the Romantic, Impressionist, or Contemporary era
  NOTE: All piano repertoire must be performed from memory.
- Video Instructions
- - Record yourself performing the audition materials. You may pause the video in between pieces and excerpts, but there can be no cuts or edits during each piece or excerpt.
  - Upload your video to YouTube and insert a link to the video in the field below. When uploading the video to YouTube, make sure the video is marked unlisted or public. If you do not want the video to be public, marking it unlisted will not allow the general public to find the video, but will allow you to share the link with the Community School.
  NOTE FOR STRINGS: If you are currently enrolled in the Advanced Orchestras, please record your excerpts in a separate video and paste the video link in the corresponding field below.
- Audition Video Link:*
  If videos are uploaded to Youtube separately, please add them all to a playlist and paste the link to the playlist in this field.
- Excerpt Video Link:*
  If videos are uploaded to Youtube separately, please add them all to a playlist and paste the link to the playlist in this field.

In-Person Band Audition Sign-Up

Select a day and time below for your in-person audition. Contact the ensemble coordinator if you are not available on the listed dates.
In-Person Audition*

In-Person Orchestra Audition Sign-Up

Select a day and time below for your in-person audition. Contact the ensemble coordinator if you are not available on the listed dates.
In-Person Audition*

I certify that the information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my ability. *

Clear
Question?

If you have questions following the submission of your application, please reach out to the respective ensemble coordinator or email the Community School office at cspa@colburnschool.edu. Thank you!
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Community School of Performing Arts Application for Advanced Music Performance Program (AMPP) and Ensembles

Program Highlights

Important Dates

NEW Colburn Youth Philharmonic

Colburn Youth Orchestra

Important Dates

Colburn Youth Wind Ensemble

Colburn Youth Wind Symphony

Important Dates

Children’s Chorus

Youth Chorus

Colburn Concert Choir

Important Dates

Primary Contact Information

Alternate Contact (Optional)

Applicant Information

School Information

Choirs at Colburn

Audition Information

Bands

Audition Information

Advanced Orchestras

Audition Information

Advanced Music Performance Program (AMPP)

Audition Information

Audition Requirements

Video Instructions

In-Person Band Audition Sign-Up

In-Person Orchestra Audition Sign-Up

Question?