Chamber Music Institute (CHMI)

The Chamber program at colburn has changed my life for the better. Having the opportunity to work with such wonderful coaches and musicians is a blessing in it of itself. It's not just about music you're playing; it is about the bond you create with your chamber mates and the journey you embark on as one. Sam G.

Program Overview

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. 

Brass students in the CHMI program will be grouped exclusively into Brass Trio, Quartets and Quintets. Woodwinds generally will be placed in woodwind only groups but can be grouped with strings and piano as well. 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 CHMI students are encouraged to re-audition to ensure the suitability of levels among group members.  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.  

Brass students in the CHMI program will be grouped exclusively into Brass Trio, Quartets and Quintets. Woodwinds generally will be placed in woodwind only groups but can be grouped with strings and piano as well.  

Recommended Ages: 9–18 years old

Important Deadlines

Deadline extended! Applications are due by July 1.
Students will be informed of chamber ensemble decisions by August 1.
Students will be required to accept by submitting registration and payment by August 15. Late additions/alternates may be accepted up until the end of September, space permitting. 

2024–25 CHMI Application Form

Audition Requirements

Video submissions will be accepted in lieu of a live audition. These students may submit a video audition for the Chamber Music Institute but note that they are still required to perform a live audition for the Advanced Orchestras. 

Please prepare two contrasting solo pieces (e.g. concerto, etude, or showpiece) – with or without an accompanist – that demonstrates technical and interpretive accomplishment. Students auditioning for the Advanced Orchestras may use their live audition in June in lieu of a video audition. These students must prepare one solo piece as well as the excerpts for their instrument which are linked below. 

2024–25  Audition Excerpts

  • First, please record yourself playing the required repertoire, then upload the video to YouTube. 
  • Start your video by stating your full name and for which program(s) (Advanced Orchestras, Chamber Music, both) you are auditioning. 
  • Please name the file by the following format: First name Last Name.Instrument (for example, John Smith.Violin). 
  • When uploading the video to YouTube, make sure the video is marked unlisted or public. If you do not want the video to be public, marking it unlisted will not allow people to find the video, but will allow you to share the link with the Community School. 
  • The audition recording must be made continuously and without cuts. We want to see a true depiction of how well you can play. 
  • The video must be completed before you begin the application form, otherwise you will not be able to submit. 
  • Once you have completed your video, please fill out the application form. You will need the link to your YouTube video to complete the application form. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Group Assignment 

Chamber groups are formed after auditions on the basis of performance level, age, and compatibility of personality and schedules. Chamber Music is a yearlong commitment and changes to any grouping is the prerogative of the director. Note that the number of students enrolled in the Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute is limited; students studying privately at the Community School are given priority in assignments. Those admitted into the Chamber Music program will be required to attend a short orientation meeting at the beginning of the fall semester. 

Back To Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute