Orchestras
About the Advanced Orchestra
About the Director
We are happy to welcome Camilo Téllez as the new Director of Orchestras. Camilo is a Colombian-American conductor whose work focuses on orchestral programming, sound, and the relationship between repertoire and context.
His artistic development was shaped within the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Dudamel Fellowship (2021–2022), where he worked closely with Gustavo Dudamel, collaborating with artists such as Zubin Mehta, Michael Tilson Thomas, Elim Chan, Hilary Hahn, Beatrice Rana, Emanuel Ax, and María Dueñas.
During his career, Téllez has developed a deep passion for inspiring and mentoring younger generations of musicians through orchestral training and music education. He believes that orchestras are a reflection of a complex society, where discipline, empathy, collaboration, and mutual respect can shape not only better musicians, but also better human beings. Drawing from his own experience in “El Sistema” in Venezuela, Téllez has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music to connect communities and create meaningful social impact through collective artistic work..
2026–27 Orchestra Application Form
Colburn Youth Philharmonic
We are still accepting applications for Bassoon, Clarinet, Double Bass, Percussion, Trombone, Trumpet, and Tuba.
Full orchestra with strings, winds, brass, percussion, piano, and harp
The Colburn Youth Philharmonic will replace the Colburn Youth Orchestra as the premiere orchestral ensemble of the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts (CSPA). In its inaugural year, it will be a comprehensive addition to Colburn’s NEW Advanced Musicians Performance Program. Colburn’s top orchestra is renowned for its high level of artistry and musical excellence. This ensemble is dedicated to performing a diverse repertoire that spans from standard and contemporary symphonic literature to newly commissioned works and unique arrangements created specifically for the orchestra.
The Colburn Youth Philharmonic’s dynamic programming is designed to challenge and inspire its young musicians, highlight the technical skill and artistic maturity of the ensemble, and contributing to the evolution of orchestral music. This ensemble performs at some of the most prestigious venues in Los Angeles, including the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Alex Theatre in Glendale, the Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and soon at Colburn’s new concert hall, Kohl Hall.
Duration
Sundays, 1–4 pm
Audition Information
Minimum Age Requirements: must be 13 years old by September 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
We are doing prescreens this year for continuing students and inviting new student for in-person auditions. Please complete the application and prepare the audition requirements listed below.
- Solo concerto, etude, or showpiece (without accompaniment) that demonstrates technical and interpretive accomplishment.
- Two excerpts for your instrument – excerpts are listed by instrument family in the file linked below.
Details regarding live auditions will be sent to all applicants in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, please contact the Coordinator, Josiah Vietti, for more information.
Colburn Youth Orchestra
We are still accepting applications for Bassoon, Clarinet, Double Bass, Percussion, Trombone, Trumpet, and Tuba.
Full orchestra with strings, winds, brass, percussion, piano, and harp
The Colburn Youth Orchestra (CYO) is the 2nd orchestral ensemble at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts (CSPA), dedicated to providing young musicians with the experience of performing large-scale symphonic works throughout the academic year. This ensemble offers students a comprehensive introduction to the demands and rewards of performing in a full orchestral setting and focuses on developing essential skills like playing in a variety of styles with a high-level expressive musicianship.
The CYO fosters an environment where students can grow as musicians, learning the importance of musical teamwork, and the intricacies of orchestral balance and interpretation. This experience not only enhances their technical abilities but also instills a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of orchestral music.
Duration
Sundays, 5:30–8:30 pm
Audition Information
Minimum Age Requirements: must be 13 years old by September 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
We are doing prescreens this year for continuing students and inviting new student for in-person auditions. Please complete the application and prepare the audition requirements listed below.
- Solo concerto, etude, or showpiece (without accompaniment) that demonstrates technical and interpretive accomplishment.
- Two excerpts for your instrument – excerpts are listed by instrument family in the file linked below.
Details regarding live auditions will be sent to all applicants in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, please contact the Coordinator, Josiah Vietti, for more information.
Apply Now
Colburn Youth Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra includes violin, viola, cello, double bass, and flute
The Colburn Youth Chamber Orchestra is the 3rd Advanced orchestral ensemble dedicated to providing string and flute students with the experience of performing challenging chamber repertoire under the direction of Colburn’s new Director of Orchestras, Camilo Téllez, who has a deep passion for inspiring and mentoring younger musicians.
This ensemble will focus on the delicate blending of sounds working on musical nuances, expressiveness, and ensemble preparedness. This ensemble offers students an introduction to the demands and rewards of an orchestral experience that will foster their growth in a group setting by learning important ensemble playing skills such as balance, intonation, blend, and interpretation. This experience will elevate young musicians to grow through Colburn’s Advanced Orchestral Program and inspire them on their musical journey.
Duration
Saturdays, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Audition Information
Minimum Age Requirements: must be 13 years old by September 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
Please complete the application and prepare the audition requirements listed below.
- Solo concerto, etude, or showpiece (without accompaniment) that demonstrates technical and interpretive accomplishment.
- Two excerpts for your instrument – excerpts are listed by instrument family in the file linked below.
If you have any questions, please contact the Orchestra Coordinator, Josiah Vietti, for more information.
- Change Audition Requirements for the top 3 Advanced Orchestras to the following:
Please complete the application and prepare and submit a video audition with the requirements listed below.
- Solo concerto, etude, or showpiece (without accompaniment) that demonstrates technical and interpretive accomplishment.
- Two excerpts for your instrument – excerpts are listed by instrument family in the file linked below.
If you have any questions, please contact the Orchestra Coordinator, Josiah Vietti, for more information.
- Please update the needs for the Philharmonic to reflect the following instruments:
We are still accepting applications for Bassoon, Clarinet, Double Bass, Percussion, and Trumpet
- Please update the needs for the CYO to reflect the following instruments:
We are still accepting applications for Bassoon, Clarinet, Double Bass, French Horn, Percussion, Trombone, Trumpet, and Tuba.
About the Intermediate Orchestra
About the Director
Rebecca Frazier is Assistant Conductor of the String Ensemble and String Orchestra at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts. She received her Master of Music in music education with an emphasis in orchestral conducting from Wichita State University, where she was a teaching fellow and a member of the WSU Graduate String Quartet. After graduation, she studied conducting with Paul Vermel at the Aspen Music Festival and School. Her Bachelor of Arts in violin performance is from the University of Kansas. Before moving to California, she worked with orchestras in private and public schools in the Midwest. In addition to her work with students at the Colburn School, she is an editor and publications manager at UCLA.
String Ensemble
About the Ensemble
The String Ensemble includes violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Students in the ensemble will focus on development of orchestral performance techniques, musicianship, sight-reading, and ensemble skills. Repertoire is in the intermediate range.
Approximately 30 student musicians are accepted each year; selection is based primarily on demonstrated ability and musicianship, but orchestral balance is also considered.
All new and returning students must audition for placement.
Duration
Weekly on Wednesdays, 6–6:50 pm
Prerequisites
Participants must study privately and have good intermediate sight-reading skills. Previous orchestral experience is encouraged.
Minimum Age Requirement
5th grade; must be 10 years old by September 1, 2026
Recommended Minimum Level of Playing
Violin: Concerto in A Minor, A. Vivaldi
Viola: Bourrée, J.S. Bach
Cello: Sonata in C Major, J.B. Breval
Bass: Gavotte, J.B. Lully
Audition Information
The application deadline has passed. If you are still interested in applying for this ensemble, please contact Rebecca Frazier at rfrazier@colburnschool.edu
In-person auditions for the 2027-27 academic year will be held on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Colburn School. Upon completion of the application form, a link will be provided to schedule an audition time. Please note that written approval from the student’s private teacher is required for participation.
Audition results will be sent to the email address given for the student’s primary contact (Parent/Guardian #1) by midnight on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Audition Requirements
All applicants must prepare the following:
- Two- or three-octave scale (scale requirement varies by instrument and desired ensemble placement)
- Polished solo piece, 2-3 minutes in length, that represents your technical skill and musicianship.
- Audition excerpts (excerpts vary by instrument)
- In addition, applicants will be asked to sight-read a short passage that will be presented at the audition.
Audition Materials by Instrument
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
String Ensemble Application Form
String Orchestra
About the Ensemble
The String Orchestra includes violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Musicians in the String Orchestra have achieved a level of intermediate or advanced musicianship and can tackle the challenge of a more advanced repertoire. Each year the String Orchestra performs a Baroque-era concerto grosso that features soloists from the ensemble.
Approximately 35 student musicians are accepted each year; selection is based primarily on demonstrated ability and musicianship, but orchestral balance is also considered.
All new and returning students must audition for placement.
Duration
Weekly on Wednesdays, 7–8:30 pm
Prerequisites
Participants must study privately, and previous orchestral experience is recommended.
Minimum Age Requirement
6th grade; must be 11 years old by September 1, 2026
Recommended Minimum Level of Playing
Violin: Sonata in F Major, G.F. Handel
Viola: Concerto in G Major, G.P. Telemann
Cello: Danse Rustique, W.H. Squire
Bass: Sonata, B. Marcello
Audition Information
The application deadline has passed. If you are still interested in applying for this ensemble, please contact Rebecca Frazier at rfrazier@colburnschool.edu
In-person auditions for the 2027-27 academic year will be held on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Colburn School. Upon completion of the application form, a link will be provided to schedule an audition time. Please note that written approval from the student’s private teacher is required for participation.
Audition results will be sent to the email address given for the student’s primary contact (Parent/Guardian #1) by midnight on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Audition Requirements
All applicants must prepare the following:
- Two- or three-octave scale (scale requirement varies by instrument and desired ensemble placement)
- Polished solo piece, 2-3 minutes in length, that represents your technical skill and musicianship.
- Audition excerpts (excerpts vary by instrument)
- In addition, applicants will be asked to sight-read a short passage that will be presented at the audition.
Audition Materials by Instrument
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
String Orchestra 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.