Ensembles

We are particularly interested in filling the following positions: Oboe (Band), Horn (Band), Trombone (Band), Tuba (Band), Euphonium (Band), Baritone (Band), Percussion (Band and Orchestra), Double Bass (Orchestra), Trumpet (Orchestra). 

One-on-one lessons with our talented teachers offer students invaluable learning opportunities, but the chance to play with peers provides another dimension to music education. Ensembles allow students to hear how they contribute to a group and build collaborative skills. The Community School supports various ensemble classes.

We are now accepting applications for the 2024–25 academic year – Apply Now!

Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute

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. 

Recommended Ages: 8–14 for strings and piano, 11-18 for Brass 

Learn More

The CHMI general program 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. 

Recommended Ages: 9–18 years old

Learn More

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. In addition, there is a required Honors Chamber Music Seminar, held on Saturday afternoons. 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.  

Recommended Ages: must be 13 years old by September 1, 2024

Learn More

Jazz Groups

The Community School has several instrumental ensembles, including small combos and a Big Band, devoted to the performance of jazz repertoire and the development of the students’ musical concepts, improvisations, and compositions.

All instruments (including stringed instruments) are welcome in these ensembles. Groups perform and record each semester, and rehearsal and performance attendance is mandatory.

A number of Colburn Jazz Workshop groups have advanced to the finals of the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, where they have garnered a several group and individual student awards. Students have also been honored in the DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards, The Music Center’s Spotlight Competition, and by the National YoungArts Foundation. Past master class clinicians include Wynton Marsalis, Eric Reed, Joe LaBarbera, Reggie Thomas, and John Clayton.

View audition information

Colburn’s Adult Jazz Workshops consist of musicians who are proficient on their instruments and experienced in jazz studies. Various styles of jazz repertoire are explored and learned aurally along with discussion of theory and approaches to improvisation. This ensemble is a great opportunity to grow individually and as a cohesive unit in an encouraging, challenging environment. All instruments, including strings and vocalists, are welcome. 

There will be a culminating concert on Sunday, April 27 at 5:30 pm in Mayman Hall. 

Audition required for new students. Please contact Liz Kinnon before enrolling at ekinnon@colburnschool.edu. 

Instructor Ages Dates Days Times Fees
Liz Kinnon all ages 09/08 - 12/15 Su 12:30 pm - 02:45 pm $535.00
Instructor Ages Dates Days Times Fees
Liz Kinnon all ages 09/08 - 12/15 Su 03:15 pm - 05:30 pm $535.00
Instructor Ages Dates Days Times Fees
Liz Kinnon all ages 01/26 - 04/27 Su 03:15 pm - 05:30 pm $535.00
Instructor Ages Dates Days Times Fees
Liz Kinnon all ages 01/26 - 04/27 Su 12:30 pm - 02:45 pm $535.00

Large Ensembles and Orchestras

The String Ensemble is made up of about 30 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.

Age minimum: 5th grade; 10 years old by September 1, 2024

View audition information

The String Orchestra is made up of about 30 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. Featured composers often include Corelli, Handel, Mozart, Holst, and Richard Meyer.

Age minimum: 6th grade; 11 years old by September 1, 2024

View audition information

The Colburn Youth Orchestra is the premiere orchestral ensemble of the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts (CSPA), renowned for its high level of artistry and musical excellence. This distinguished 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 Orchestra’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).

 

Age requirements: 13–18

View audition information

The Colburn Sinfonietta 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 Sinfonietta 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.

Instructor Ages Dates Days Times Fees
Eleanor Nunez 13yr - 18yr 08/25 - 05/11 Su 04:15 pm - 07:00 pm $1725.00

Small Ensembles and Workshops

Adult group classes are semester based and will be held eight times for 60 minutes each per fall and spring semester, and six times in summer. Actual meeting dates to be arranged with Ms. Lundgren. Please contact klundgren@colburnschool.edu for approval to enroll. 

Instructor Ages Dates Days Times Fees
Karen Lundgren all ages 01/13 - 05/12 Mo 07:30 pm - 08:30 pm $300.00
The Cello Choir will focus on developing music reading and ensemble playing skills. The class will be taught by Carlyn Kessler.
Age minimum: 4th grade; must be 9 years old by September 1, 2024

We’re excited to announce a new ensemble opportunity for young, advanced violinists! Led by Aimée Kreston, the Colburn Fiddles on Fire! will rehearse and perform a wide range of exciting repertoire, both traditional and non-traditional. Students will have a fun and challenging musical experience, develop ensemble skills, hone advanced techniques, and give powerful musical performances.

Requirements:
Open to violinists ages 6–12
Suzuki Book 5 or higher
Recommendation from private instructor
Video pre-screening and live audition required

For intermediate and advanced students. Please contact the instructor, Ryan Baird, at rbaird@colburnschool.edu for spring schedule and approval to enroll.

Instructor Ages Dates Days Times Fees
D.M.A. Baird all ages 08/25 - 05/11 Su 09:30 am - 11:00 am $1150.00

Enjoy learning new repertoire from around the world and through the centuries specially curated for guitar trios, quartets and quintetsCoached by award-winning composer, arranger and recording artist Kenton Youngstrom, MM, performers learn critical rehearsal and performance skills playing classical, jazz, rock and ethnic music. The music scores and parts are written in both standard notation and tablature and audio files for practicing are available for download. 

Students must be pre-approved to enroll. Email Kenton Youngstrom at kyoungstrom@colburnschool.edu.  

Instructor Ages Dates Days Times Fees
Kenton Youngstrom all ages 01/14 - 05/06 Tu 05:00 pm - 05:55 pm $618.00

For students Grade 6-8 with at least one year of private instruction or comparable experience. This class is an opportunity for percussion students to enhance and expand upon their existing percussion studies in a fun and collaborative environment. Activities will include percussion chamber music, solo performing, accessory instrument techniques and an introduction to peak performance methods. Each semester will culminate in a concert of chamber and solo works.

 

Instructor Ages Dates Days Times Fees
Kenneth McGrath all ages 09/18 - 05/21 Sa 11:00 am - 12:00 pm $770.00

Taught by Harvey Pittel, this ensemble is for intermediate to advanced saxophone students. Students will be placed according to their level of musicianship and experience.

Interested students should submit an inquiry form.

Designed for both Suzuki and traditional violin students, the Violin Ensemble (VE), previously known as Violin Sight Reading and Musicianship (VSRM), 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.

Learn More

Bands

Concert Band is an ensemble designed for middle school and high school wind and percussion students who demonstrate playing ability at the intermediate level. Conducted by Eleanor Núñez, repertoire includes original and arranged works for winds, brass, and percussion. No previous band experience is required. This ensemble emphasizes music reading, musicianship, and ensemble skills.

Duration
Rehearsals: Saturdays, 4:15–6:45 pm

View audition information

Wind Ensemble is an ensemble for high school wind and percussion students who demonstrate playing ability at the advanced level. Conducted by Eleanor Núñez, repertoire includes original and arranged works for winds, brass, and percussion. Previous band experience is highly encouraged. This ensemble emphasizes advanced music reading, musicianship, and ensemble skills.

Duration
Saturdays, 1:30–4 pm

View audition information

Choirs

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: 6-10 years

View Audition Information

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

View Audition Information

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

View Audition Information