The application for the 2025–26 academic year is live. Apply Now!
We are currently accepting applications for all instruments for the 2025–26 academic year. Scholarships are also available for the following instruments:
Auditions will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
Apply below!
Audition Requirements We are doing prescreens this year and then inviting in-person for placements. Please see the audition requirements below:
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)
2025–2026 Band Application Form
2025–26 Audition Excerpts
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.
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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, 4:30–7 pm
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, 10am–12 pm
All ensembles meet for 16 weeks each semester.