Ensemble Common Application 2026-27

Community School of Performing Arts Applications

Now accepting applications for all ensembles as well as the Advanced Music Performance Program (AMPP) 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 Cello Ensemble, designed for both Suzuki and traditional cello students, is the entry level ensemble for the Community School of Performing Arts pre-college orchestra program. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing reading skills, refining ensemble playing, and introducing orchestral performance techniques, such as learning to follow a conductor and how to read and mark a music score.
  
  All new and returning students must audition for placement.
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Wednesdays, 7–7:50 pm
  
  Prerequisites
  
  Participants must study privately and are required to have finished Joanne Martin, I Can Read Music, Volume 1 (or an equivalent reading book) prior to audition. No previous orchestral experience is necessary.
  
  Minimum Age Requirement
  
  3rd grade; must be 8 years old by September 1, 2026
  
  Recommended Minimum Level of Playing
  
  Scherzo, Webster (Suzuki Volume 3)
  
  Important Dates
  - Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - In-Person Audition for New Students: June 6, 2026
  - Application Decision Release: June 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM
  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
- The Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute offers one of the most comprehensive and intense pre-college level chamber music learning experiences of any music school in North America. Students are coached weekly by members of Colburn’s nationally acclaimed faculty.
  
  Ensembles from the Institute have been prizewinners in numerous competitions, including the Fischoff Competition, Coltman Chamber Music Competition and the Young Artists Peninsula Music Festival, and have received engagements to perform on the nationally syndicated Public Radio International Series From the Top as well as with Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center.
  
  Intro to Chamber Music
  
  The Intro to Chamber Music program is for the skilled intermediate player who is exploring chamber music for the first time. Aptitude as a solo instrumentalist with a focus on proficiency in rhythm, intonation, and note reading is essential to participate in this program. A general guideline is 2-3 years playing experience and around Suzuki Book 3/4 level for strings and piano. In addition, students need to have the maturity to work with others independently without a coach. Students will develop skills in cooperation, communication of ideas, score reading, rehearsal techniques, listening, ensemble, and performance etiquette. String, woodwind and piano students meet weekly in assigned chamber groups for independent rehearsal and coaching, and once a month in a group class setting where they will play for each other in a friendly and nurturing environment. Brass students will be grouped together and meet in larger group ensembles weekly. All groups will perform in the Intro to Chamber Ensemble Concert in May.
  
  Age Requirement
  
  8–14 years for strings and piano; 11–18 years for brass
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Varies based on group availability
  
  Chamber Music
  
  The Chamber Music Institute (CHMI) is open to intermediate and advanced instrumentalists with some or little chamber music experience. Groups meet weekly for two hours of coaching and rehearsal. All groups participate in the end of the year Chamber Music Recital in May. More advanced groups in the CHMI program are also offered performance opportunities on the Friday Night Recitals and School Recitals, Winter Chamber Music Recital, Honors Seminars, and outside performances. Consistency and commitment to the group schedule is commensurate with success in each group. Current students in the Honors or CHMI program are not required to re-audition for the CHMI program provided they play in the end of the year Chamber Music Recital and fill out the application form. All other students must audition at the end of May/June. The CHMI program is designed to be a training ground for the Honors program. CHMI is open to all orchestral instruments and piano.
  
  Age Requirement
  
  9–18 years
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Varies based on group availability
  
  Honors Chamber Music
  
  The Honors program is for serious and dedicated young musicians for whom music is the top priority. Time commitment is for a minimum of three hours of rehearsal and coaching weekly. Honors groups have regular performing opportunities on the Friday Night, School and Honors Recitals and also in the greater community. All groups are encouraged to enter competitions and are expected to make the necessary preparations. Weekends must be kept open and flexible for frequent performances, masterclasses, and competitions.
  
  Age Requirement
  
  Must be 13 years old by September 1, 2026
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Varies based on group availability
  
  Important Dates
  - Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - Application Decision Release: July 2026 (exact date TBD)
  Learn More
- String Ensemble
  
  The String Ensemble includes violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Students in the ensemble will focus on development of orchestral performance techniques, musicianship, sight-reading, and ensemble skills. Repertoire is in the intermediate range.
  
  Approximately 30 student musicians are accepted each year; selection is based primarily on demonstrated ability and musicianship, but orchestral balance is also considered.
  
  All new and returning students must audition for placement.
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Wednesdays, 6–6:50 pm
  
  Prerequisites
  
  Participants must study privately and have good intermediate sight-reading skills. Previous orchestral experience is encouraged.
  
  Minimum Age Requirement
  
  5th grade; must be 10 years old by September 1, 2026
  
  Recommended Minimum Level of Playing
  - Violin: Concerto in A Minor, A. Vivaldi
  - Viola: Bourrée, J.S. Bach
  - Cello: Sonata in C Major, J.B. Breval
  - Bass: Gavotte, J.B. Lully
  String Orchestra
  
  The String Orchestra includes violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Musicians in the String Orchestra have achieved a level of intermediate or advanced musicianship and can tackle the challenge of a more advanced repertoire. Each year the String Orchestra performs a Baroque-era concerto grosso that features soloists from the ensemble.
  
  Approximately 35 student musicians are accepted each year; selection is based primarily on demonstrated ability and musicianship, but orchestral balance is also considered.
  
  All new and returning students must audition for placement.
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Wednesdays, 7–8:30 pm
  
  Prerequisites
  
  Participants must study privately, and previous orchestral experience is recommended.
  
  Minimum Age Requirement
  
  6th grade; must be 11 years old by September 1, 2026
  
  Recommended Minimum Level of Playing
  - Violin: Sonata in F Major, G.F. Handel
  - Viola: Concerto in G Major, G.P. Telemann
  - Cello: Danse Rustique, W.H. Squire
  - Bass: Sonata, B. Marcello
  Important Dates
  - Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - In-Person Audition for New Students: June 6 and 7, 2026
  - Application Decision Release: June 14, 2026 by 11:59 PM
  Learn More
- Designed for both Suzuki and traditional violin students, the Violin Ensemble (VE), is an entry-level ensemble for the Community School of Performing Arts pre-college orchestra program. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing reading skills, developing musicianship, and introducing orchestral performance techniques, such as learning proper violin posture when seated with a music stand and how to read and mark a music score.
  
  All new and returning students must audition for placement.
  
  Rehearsal Schedule
  
  Wednesdays, 6–6:40 pm
  
  Prerequisites
  
  Participants must study privately and are required to have finished Joanne Martin, I Can Read Music, Volume 1 (or an equivalent reading book) prior to audition. No previous orchestral experience is necessary.
  
  Minimum Age Requirement
  
  3rd grade; must be 8 years old by September 1, 2026
  
  Recommended Minimum Level of Playing
  
  Gavotte, P. Martini (Suzuki Volume 3)
  
  Important Dates
  - Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  - In-Person Audition for New Students: June 7, 2026
  - Application Decision Release: June 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM
  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)Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute (Intro to Chamber Music, Chamber Music, and Honors Chamber Music)String Ensemble and/or String Orchestra

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.

String Ensemble and String Orchestra
Thank you for your interest in the Colburn String Ensemble and/or Colburn String Orchestra.

In-person auditions for the 2026-27 academic year will be held on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Colburn School. Upon completion of this form, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to schedule an audition time.

Complete this application 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.
YesNo
String Ensemble (must be in 5th grade and 10 years old by September 1, 2026)String Orchestra (must be in 6th grade and 11 years old by September 1, 2026)
Applicant's Secondary Instrument (if applicable)
List current and previous orchestra and/or chamber music experience, including at the Colburn School, and dates of participation. If you have no previous experience, write "none".*
Please list any orchestra 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 audition in person on June 6 or 7, 2026.
Audition Requirements
1. Two- or three-octave scale. The scale for each ensemble and instrument is specified in the audition materials.
2. A polished solo piece. Choose two to three minutes that represent your technical skill and musicianship.
3. Audition excerpts. The excerpts for each ensemble and instrument are provided in the audition materials linked below.
4. In addition, applicants will be asked to sight-read a short passage that will be presented at the audition.
String Ensemble Audition Excerpts
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
String Orchestra Audition Excerpts
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass
In-Person 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 am unable to attend the in-person auditions on June 6 and 7, 2026.
Video Instructions

Please record yourself playing the excerpts and required pieces posted on the website for the corresponding ensemble and upload the video to YouTube:
1. Read the information in the set of audition excerpts carefully.
2. Start your video by clearly stating your full name, the ensemble you are auditioning for, and the name and composer of your solo piece.
3. Play your scale first, followed by your solo piece and then the audition excerpts.
4. The recording must be made continuously and without edits. Do not use piano accompaniment. We want the video to simulate a live audition as closely as possible.
5. Please name the file using the following format: First name Last name.Instrument (For example, John Smith.Violin)
6. When uploading the video to YouTube, make sure the video is marked “unlisted.” An unlisted video cannot be found by the general public, but you will be able to share the link with the Community School.
7. Once you have completed your video, please fill out the application form below. You will need the link to your YouTube video to complete the application form. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Audition Video Link:*

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 Applications

Program Highlights

Important Dates

NEW Colburn Youth Philharmonic

Colburn Youth Orchestra

Important Dates

Colburn Youth Wind Ensemble

Colburn Youth Wind Symphony

Important Dates

Important Dates

Children’s Chorus

Youth Chorus

Colburn Concert Choir

Important Dates

Intro to Chamber Music

Chamber Music

Honors Chamber Music

Important Dates

String Ensemble

String Orchestra

Important Dates

Important Dates

Primary Contact Information

Alternate Contact (Optional)

Applicant Information

School Information

Choirs at Colburn

Audition Information

Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute

Audition Information

Bands

Audition Information

Advanced Orchestras

Audition Information

Advanced Music Performance Program (AMPP)

Audition Information

Audition Requirements

Video Instructions

String Ensemble and String Orchestra

Audition Information

In-Person Audition Sign-Up

In-Person Band Audition Sign-Up

In-Person Orchestra Audition Sign-Up

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