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. 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; and 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. 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.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year.

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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.

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Choral Ensembles

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

Duration
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

Duration
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

Duration
Saturdays, 3–5 pm
Sectionals on Thursdays, 6:30–8 pm

The Colburn Concert Choir 2025 Tour

The Colburn Concert Choir is honored to participate in the National Memorial Day Choral Festival, a prestigious event held from May 22 to May 26, 2025. This four-night, five-day tour will provide students with the opportunity to perform in iconic venues, explore historic landmarks, and partake in enriching cultural experiences.

Itinerary Highlights:

  • Day 1: Depart from Los Angeles and arrive in Washington, D.C. Sightseeing tour of historic D.C. landmarks, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and more.
  • Day 2: Visit Capitol Hill, National Archives, Jefferson Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. Evening Festival Chorus rehearsal.
  • Day 3: Morning Festival Chorus rehearsal, followed by tours of Smithsonian Museums. Evening Festival Chorus rehearsal.
  • Day 4: Dress rehearsal and performance at the Kennedy Center, followed by attending the National Memorial Day Concert.
  • Day 5: Sound-check and performance at the National Archives Building for the Memorial Day Parade Opening Ceremonies. Attend the parade before departing for home.

For more information, please visit Colburn Concert Choir 2025 Tour 

Audition Information

Application Deadline
  • We are no longer accepting applications for Spring 2025, but we are accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year.
  • Students will be informed of ensemble placement decisions after the application closes on June 1.
  • Students who are accepted into the Choirs at Colburn will be able to register in July. 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.

2025-26 Choral Application Form