Bands
Applications for the 2026–27 academic year will open soon!
Meet the Rafael & Luisa DMH Foundation Director of Bands, Eleanor Núñez
Eleanor Núñez is a Spanish-American conductor, pianist, and educator currently based in Southern California. She had her international debut in August 2022 with the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Ciudad de Asunción in Asunción, Paraguay, where she conducted Piano Concerto No. 2 in f minor by F. Chopin with soloist Chiara D’Odorico as well as the debut of Symphony No. I by the prolific composer Daniel Luzko.
Eleanor programs unique concerts that bridge the gap between the audience and musicians on stage. Her belief that music should be accessible to all shines through her creative repertoire programming, enthusiastic rehearsals, and inviting concert environment. Musically, Eleanor loves exploring “the classics” and pairing them with new, modern works. Her conducting experience spans orchestral, wind ensemble, and choral repertoires since she enjoys working with musical groups of all disciplines and genres.
Eleanor holds the Rafael & Luisa DMH Foundation Director of Bands position. The Rafael and Luisa de Marchena-Huyke Foundation shares her belief that music should be accessible to all and applauds her creative repertoire programming, enthusiastic rehearsals, and inviting concert environment. Eleanor is also the Colburn Youth Sinfonietta and Colburn Youth Orchestra Director and conducting instructor for the Community School.
Ensembles
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
Schedule
Sundays, 9:30 am–12 pm
Colburn Youth Winds
The Colburn Youth Winds 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
Schedule
Sundays, 4:30–7 pm
Audition Information
Audition Requirements
New students must submit a complete application and perform a live audition on either April 4 or May 16-17, 2026. Returning students must submit a complete audition with a video recording of their audition. Returning students do not need to perform a live audition.
Please see the audition requirements below:
- Excerpt for your instrument
- Full range chromatic scale
- F, B-flat, E-flat, and A-flat Major in as many octaves as you can play
If you have any audition-related questions, please contact the Band Coordinator, Arnulfo Reyes, at areyes@colburnschool.edu.
Minimum Age Requirements
Colburn Youth Wind Ensemble: 6th grade (some age exceptions made)
Colburn Youth Winds: 9th grade (some age exceptions made)
Scholarships
The Colburn Community School of Performing Arts welcomes students of varying levels of experience and instruction. We recognize that some students may require financial support to cover the cost of their studies. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and foundations both locally and nationally, the Community School offers robust scholarships for students who are enrolled in private lessons, ensembles, and group classes.
For more information on how to apply visit our scholarship page.
Important Dates
Early Applicants
April 1: Early application deadline
April 4: New student live auditions
May 1: Results release
May 15: Deposit deadline
Regular Applicants
May 1: Application deadline
May 16–17: New student live auditions
June 2: Results release
June 15: Deposit deadline