Children’s, Youth, and Concert Choirs
Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are open now!
Watch the Choirs at Colburn on KTLA’s School Spirit Spotlight
About the Choirs at Colburn
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.
Program highlights:
- Performance opportunities:
Recent highlights include Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 at Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Colburn Orchestra and Los Angeles Master Chorale; the world premiere of Emancipation Parts I & II with the Adrian Dunn Singers and RIZE Orchestra; participation in the Master Chorale’s Big Sing; USC’s Community Choir Festival, and upcoming community performances at The Bloc, Grand Performances, Cal Plaza, and Grand Central Market. We also present Winter and Spring concerts in Zipper Hall, and regularly perform at Colburn School events, recently opening the Colburn Gala and performing at Grand Avenue Arts All Access. - Tours:
In May 2027 a choral tour is planned to New York City, culminating in a performance at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium. Our singers will perform the world premiere of Stacey Gibbs’ Testify with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, conducted by the composer. In 2025 the Colburn Concert Choir took a national tour to Washington, D.C. as part of the 2025 National Memorial Day Choral Festival, with performances at the Kennedy Center and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.Learn More - Workshops and master classes:
Students get to participate in workshops and master classes with guest artists, and we have recently welcomed Grammy-winning vocal group Chanticleer, the USC Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Cristian Grases, and Kirk Averitt from California School of the Arts–San Gabriel Valley. - Collaborations and Performance Opportunities:
As part of the Colburn School community, choral students have opportunities to collaborate with musicians and artists across Colburn’s programs as well as with leading arts and cultural organizations throughout Los Angeles. These experiences have included performances with the Colburn Youth Orchestra and Composition students, as well as appearances at Walt Disney Concert Hall and collaborations with organizations such as LA Opera Connects. Through these opportunities, students gain valuable performance experience, work alongside other young and professional artists, and expand their musical education beyond the rehearsal room.
Meet the Director of Choral Programs, Adrian Dunn
Emmy-winner Adrian Dunn is an accomplished singer, composer, and conductor. Mr. Dunn holds a Bachelor and Master of Music degree in Voice from The Music Conservatory at Roosevelt University with additional musical studies in opera at The Sibelius Academy of Music in Finland.
Mr. Dunn is a MacArthur grant recipient for this original work, Hopera: A Hip Hop Opera. He has opened for international Hip Hop Recording Artist, The Roots, at Indiana University, and he served as principle vocal coach for Kanye West’s artist development program, Donda’s House. He was a featured artist and vocal coach for the live DVD recording of the Higher Ground Gospel Choir in Helsinki, Finland. He has toured throughout the United States, South Africa, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia.
Adrian Dunn brings a nationally recognized artistic voice to the program, with degrees from Roosevelt University, additional opera study at the Sibelius Academy, and a portfolio that spans classical, gospel, and film music. He has conducted major symphonies, written award-winning compositions, collaborated with leading artists, and mentored Broadway and touring performers. Under his leadership, the Choirs at Colburn cultivate exceptional musicianship, collaboration, and a lifelong love of singing.
Choral Ensembles
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
Duration
Saturdays, 12–12:50 pm
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
Duration
Saturdays, 1–2:30 pm
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
Duration
Saturdays, 3–6 pm
Led by Adrian Dunn, Director of Colburn’s Choral Program, the Choral Festival will bring together choirs from across the region for a day of collaborative music-making, culminating in a public evening performances in Zipper Hall.
When: Saturday, March 20, 2027
Time: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Where: Colburn School, 200 South Grand Avenue
Who: Open to Choirs in Southern California and Community Singers
Schedule for the Day
-
- 10am – 12pm: Morning Workshop
- 12pm – 1pm: Lunch
- 1pm – 2:30pm: Full Choral Rehearsal
- 2:30pm – 3pm: Short Break
- 3pm – 5:30pm: Individual Rehearsals
Performances will be recorded!
The Colburn Community Chorus brings together singers ages 13 and up from across Los Angeles to make music, build community, and share in meaningful choral experiences. As part of Colburn’s broader choral program, participants perform alongside school-aged singers in concerts, workshops, and special events, creating an intergenerational musical community that connects singers of different ages and backgrounds through a shared love of choral music.
Eligibility
Open to all voice types, ages 13 and up. Prior choral experience is recommended but not required; singers should be comfortable preparing music independently in advance using scores provided before rehearsals.
Audition and Cost
Participation is by audition and is completed entirely online through a short application and video submission prior to registration. A non-refundable participation fee of $50 is charged per semester to help cover rehearsal and performance costs, and any additional costs will be communicated in advance.
Registration
Once your audition has been approved, registration may be completed online through our registration portal or in person at the CSPA Registration Office.
Attendance and Participation
Singers are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances scheduled for the semester. We understand that unavoidable conflicts may arise; in cases of significant or repeated absences, performance participation is subject to approval by the Choral Coordinator and/or Director.
Concert Attire
Concert attire is concert black (all-black, formal or semi-formal attire with black shoes and no prominent logos, patterns, or bright accessories) for all participants. Specific guidelines or exceptions, if applicable, will be communicated in advance of each performance.
Contact
Any questions should be directed to the Choral Coordinator, Ron Mitchell, at rmitchell@colburnschool.edu.
Audition Information
Audition Requirements
- Applicants must upload a short video of them singing a designated song along with their application (Happy Birthday for Children’s Chorus and Youth Chorus; America the Beautiful or The Star-Spangled Banner for Concert Choir).
- (Optional) Applicants may sing an additional song that they have prepared along with the required song above. This song can be from any genre.
Application Deadline
- We are currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year.
- Applications are due online by 11:59 PM on September 30, 2026.
- Students who are accepted into the Choirs at Colburn will be able to register in July and August. Late additions/alternates may be accepted up until the end of September, space permitting.
- Section placement will be determined during the student’s first rehearsal with the choirs.
2026–27 Choral Application Form
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.