Dear Friends,
Each year, students have life-changing experiences at Colburn. For many, this is made possible through scholarships. Thanks to this financial support, a fifth grader who discovers a love of music through our community engagement programs can continue their explorations in the Community School. High school students ready to devote themselves to intensive study can audition for the Music Academy or Dance Academy. Conservatory students preparing for professional careers can dedicate themselves exclusively to refining their craft—and graduate debt-free.
Our commitment to “access to excellence” ensures there are no financial barriers to music and dance education at Colburn. The School’s founding philanthropist, Richard D. Colburn, believed that the highest quality performing arts education should be available to all. Today, our donor community carries forward his intention and spirit.
In this issue of the Colburn Society newsletter, you’ll read about how your generosity makes a difference. The accomplishments of our students, the mentorship from our extraordinary faculty, and the interactions with celebrated guest artists would not be possible without you. I extend my deepest appreciation for your essential support, which nurtures the talent and passion of the next generation of musicians and dancers.
Thank you,
Sel Kardan President and Chief Executive Officer
It’s a Thursday afternoon at the Colburn School, and a large audience is seen excitedly exiting Thayer Hall and spilling onto the plaza. Performance Forum, a cornerstone of Conservatory life, has just ended for the day, and students are greeting each other, congratulating their fellow performers, and exchanging pleasantries with other familiar faces in the crowd.
One of those familiar faces is Mimi Rotter, known as the unofficial “Mayor of Colburn” and “Conservatory Grandma.” Warm and welcoming, she attracts an abundance of “hellos” and “how are yous” from both Colburn faculty members and students alike, as she patiently stands in line to hug and dote upon the Forum artists. For Mimi, 200 South Grand feels like home, and her time in the Colburn community has felt like nothing short of spending time with family.
Prior to her active involvement in the Los Angeles performing arts scene, Mimi worked as a legal administrator on the Westside for 25 years. Even though she had grown up listening to music as a child, had attended her first opera at the age of 16, and had been a subscriber at the LA Philharmonic since 1965, it was not until her retirement that Mimi began to consider the arts as her next full-time commitment.
“ Everything I’ve given to the Colburn School I’ve gotten back tenfold.”
—Mimi RotterMimi Rotter captured in the Colburn plaza following Performance Forum
When asked how she first stumbled across Colburn, Mimi recalls that the details are fuzzy—it was over a decade ago, after all. However, one memory that remains clear is an important invitation from former Colburn philanthropy staff member Michael Fuller. Mimi remembers receiving a call from Michael who wanted to invite her to have dinner with longtime Colburn supporter Alice Coulombe. During the dinner, Alice invited Mimi to become a member of the Colburn Society by making her first gift to the School.
Ten years after this initial gift, Mimi’s support of the School remains strong and has even expanded to underwriting full scholarships in the Conservatory of Music. “Everything I’ve given to the Colburn School I’ve gotten back tenfold,” says Mimi, as she recounts how her relationships have deepened with the students over the years. “So many of the [Conservatory] students are far from home and their families, and so I take it upon myself to spend time getting to know them outside of their artistic pursuits.”
As a result, Mimi has become a nurturing presence on campus for all students who know her, whether she’s attending one of their recitals, cheering them on at commencement, or even if she’s meeting them for the first time.
We are grateful for Mimi’s friendship and support of our students at Colburn as they continue on their artistic journeys, and we invite you to join us in becoming part of this wonderful community.
To learn more about how you, too, can support scholarships and bring lasting impact to the Colburn School, please contact philanthropy@colburnschool.edu
Mimi Rotter celebrating with a Colburn Conservatory graduateHow exactly does one land a coveted spot at one of the top conservatories in the country? The answer is more complex than you might expect.
Just like any other college application, the first step in getting to Colburn is knowing your odds. With approximately 30 students in the Dance Academy, 40 students in the Music Academy, and 130 in the Conservatory of Music, there are always significantly fewer openings than there are applicants. To help prospective students determine if an opportunity is available, the Colburn staff keeps a close eye on enrollment and posts which studios have openings in any given year. For example, a prospective student might see that there are six violin openings this year, but no openings in the oboe studio. If they play violin, they’re in luck, but if they play oboe, they may opt to defer applying until an opening is announced.
The next step for those with their eye on pre-collegiate or collegiate level music programs involves submitting application materials during the fall. The required materials for rigorous programs like Colburn’s Music Academy and Conservatory are nothing if not demanding: not only does a student need to fill out an application form, but they also need to showcase their
artistry in a way that sets them apart from the rest of the competitive applicant pool. As such, they need to provide letters of recommendation (typically from former private lesson teachers and coaches), an essay, and prescreening videos which are painstakingly recorded and perfected.
For current students who already have access to Colburn’s plethora of resources, the prescreening stage has fewer stressors. If a student is worried that the quality of their instrument is holding them back, they can opt to borrow a loaned instrument that allows them to put extra dimension into their playing.
If they’re unable to afford the latest and greatest in recording technology, they can use the School’s Zoom audio recorders and even reserve time in the beautifully resonant Thayer or Zipper Halls to achieve the best possible final product.
Flute faculty member Jim Walker guiding a Conservatory student
Once December hits and the application window closes, our faculty begin to review submissions. It can be challenging to visualize the incoming class of students when they haven’t met or heard any of the applicants in person, but fortunately our faculty are well attuned to this process. Depending on the number of openings in each studio, they will invite a select number of applicants to move on to the live audition round, which takes place in the middle of the spring semester. Notices are sent out before winter break so prospective students have plenty of time to prepare the audition repertoire required.
For Dance Academy prospective students, the process begins in January, which is typical of pre-professional dance training programs. The application form includes an introspective essay question: “Why do you want to be involved in Colburn dance?” Thoughtful answers, of course, pique the selection committee’s interest with special preference given to those who have done their research and possess a deep knowledge of what makes dance at the School so special.
With covid necessitating new ways of doing things, the Colburn audition process has looked slightly different in recent years. Typically, students would fly from all over the world to Los Angeles to complete their live auditions here on our campus. Instead, we have opted to offer pre-recorded video submissions (specific to the Dance Academy) or live auditions conducted virtually via Zoom. We’re pleased to report that both students and faculty have learned to adapt to this medium: students have invested in higher quality equipment to project the best possible sound and picture in their auditions, while faculty have begun to watch and listen differently, understanding that the virtual process is not quite as transparent as being in the same room with the auditionee.
But such challenges also have their benefits. While virtual auditions aren’t a permanent replacement for the “real thing,” they have eliminated a significant portion of the financial barriers that come with auditioning and have offered prospective students access to a world-renowned institution from the comfort of their own homes.
So, after considering the demands of the audition process, one might ask, “Why Colburn?”
We’ve been committed to providing the best possible performing arts education to our students for nearly 70 years. This includes access to not only our world-renowned faculty and beautiful rehearsal and performance spaces, but also one-of-a-kind performance opportunities and tailored resources that support our students in achieving their highest potential.
Thanks to you, our generous donor community, we are able to offer these experiences to all of our young artists, regardless of their ability to pay. Through a combination of need- and merit-based awards in the Dance and Music Academies, and the unparalleled full scholarship program model in the Conservatory, we can ensure that students enjoy the complete Colburn experience without financial barriers.
To learn more about how you can support Colburn students, please contact philanthropy@colburnschool.edu
At Colburn, we like to say that our students are part of our community for life, from the moment they step onto campus for the first time to beyond graduation. Regardless of where they are in their artistic journey, our students have the School’s full support with the ability to utilize all its tools and resources to make it into a budding young artist’s utopia.
It is said that a good teacher can make all the difference in a student’s development. That’s why we’ve carefully invested in only the top performerpedagogues to join our faculty. Our instructors are united in one common goal: to help our students achieve their highest potential. Their focus in preparing the next generation of leaders through a well-rounded curriculum paves the way for not only artistic excellence, but also collaboration, critical thinking, and empowerment.
“I want [my students] to achieve musical independence—musical thought that is their own—to be able to walk away feeling empowered like they’ve learned something. I hope that students are able to come away feeling like they’ve truly had a life experience, something that has changed them for the better.”
—Adrian Dunn, Director of Choral Programs
While our miracle-working faculty serve multiple roles in their students’ lives—teacher, mentor, friend— one’s artistic growth equally benefits from absorbing multiple perspectives. Master classes at Colburn are a unique opportunity for students to work sideby-side with the world’s most in-demand musicians and dancers and for the audience to get an intimate glimpse into how the working mind of an artist operates. With sessions covering topics ranging from performance preparation to working with an orchestra, Colburn students are able to dive deeply into their repertoire to excavate the aspects of their artistry that set them apart from everyone else.
Participating in master classes with esteemed artists is an excellent resume booster for students. Colburn is proud to have welcomed household names like James Conlon, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Sam Weber, and Lang Lang to work with our talent, and we are excited to have Alonzo King, Tessa Lark, and many others with us this season!
A prospective student explores instruments at the Community School open house
Adrian Dunn, Director of Choral Programs, Community School
Margaret Batjer, violin faculty, oversees the Academy Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra
Another important facet of preparing for one’s future has to do with making connections in the music and dance industries. As one of the foremost performing arts schools in the world, Colburn is distinctly positioned to help our young artists make connections while they’re still students. The Colburn Orchestra, for example, regularly hosts five to six guest conductors in a season, all of whom are performing at the top of
their field. As a result, Conservatory students have the opportunity to rehearse and perform under conductors who may eventually be in a position to hire them for soloist or section positions in each’s respective orchestras. By showing up to rehearsal prepared with a willingness to play and explore, our students make lasting first impressions upon all those who touch the Colburn campus.
“ The opportunity for me to play for Lang Lang was truly once-in-a-lifetime, not only being able to meet but also receive feedback from one of the first pianists I was exposed to. This moment will be, without a doubt, one that I will remember for the rest of my performing arts career, and I greatly thank the Colburn School for making it happen.” —Daniel Wang, Piano, Music Academy
Visiting pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason in dialogue with Colburn School provost Adrian Daly
Master class with Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Colburn Artist in Residence
Ray Chen performs with Music Academy students in Zipper Hall
And finally, what better professional preparation exists than performing? While it’s true that hours of rehearsal are crucial to doing one’s best on stage, nothing quite replaces the adrenaline rush that accompanies a live performance and puts the hours of preparation to the test. With over 350+ performances happening at Colburn every year, each student has a wide variety of performance opportunities to engage in, whether it’s the Dance Institute’s mock auditions, the Community School’s Friday Night Recitals, the Music Academy Young Artist Performances, or the Conservatory’s Performance Forum—just to name a few. And thanks to the support of our incredible production staff, our students receive the most seamless, stress-free performance experience possible.
For those extra ambitious learners, Colburn has an entire department dedicated to providing additional career-enhancing resources: the Center for Innovation and Community Impact. Led by Dean Nathaniel Zeisler, the Center was established in 2018 and serves all units of the School through scholarships and more. Its mission is to empower future leaders by equipping them with the tools needed to build creative careers that are sustainable and relevant in our rapidly shifting cultural landscape. Resources emerging from the Center include coursework centered on entrepreneurship, workshops on building compelling artist biographies and resumes, and teaching fellowships with local partner schools.
Dancers from the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute perform in Strayhorn Suite
For all that Colburn has to offer to set our students up for success, we are grateful to Gaylord “Nick” Nichols for his endowing of the Nichols Chair for the Center for Innovation and Community Impact, and to our generous foundations, corporations, and individual donors whose annual giving makes these unique Colburn resources available.
To learn more about where your support is needed most, please contact philanthropy@colburnschool.edu
We invite you to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our students and alumni as they traverse their performing arts journeys. It is your support that enables us to continue providing exceptional educational experiences for such dedicated and talented individuals.
Please enjoy reading the accolade highlights below.
Community School students
Qiao (Tiger) Zhang, piano; Holly Lacey, violin; and Nathaniel Yue, cello; earned First Prize and the Judge’s Pick at the VIVO International Music Competition, First Prize at the Camerata Artists International Competition, and First Prize at the Enkor Competition, and received live round (semi-final) placement in the Fischoff National Competition.
Conservatory student
Arin Sarkissian, flute, MM ’23, won Principal Flute in the Victoria (Canada) Symphony as well as multiple other recognitions; here are a few: Naftzger Young Artist Competition, First Prize (Winds/Brass/Percussion Category); Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition, First Prize; Nancy Clew Eller Young Artist Competition, First Place; Flute Society of Washington— Young Artist Competition, Top Prize Winner; Montreal Symphony— “Classical Spree” 2022 Guest Artist Invitation, August 2022; National Arts Center Orchestra (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) invitation to perform in the inaugural “NACO Mentorship Program” June 2022.
Conservatory student
Sam Glicklich, piano, BM ’23, performs at the Festival Musique et Vin au Clos Vougeot in Burgundy, France, as guest artist in June 2022, having also received the Festival’s Young Talent scholarship.
Conservatory students
Martha Chan, flute; Eder Rivera, oboe; Victor Diaz Guerra, clarinet; Chris Chung, bassoon; Bogang Hwang, piano; won the Bronze Medal, Senior Wind Division at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition as the Sonarsix Sextet.
Music Academy students
Anaïs Feller, violin; Mira Kardan, cello; and Daniel Wang, piano; were Gold Medal Winners in the Junior String Division at the 2022 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition as The Olive Trio.
Trudl Zipper Dance Institute alumna Destiny Wimpye ’20 is part of the Hourglass Cosmetics campaign with Twyla Tharp.
Visit colburnschool.edu/calendar for complete details on all of our winter performances.
Colburn Chamber Music Society*
Cleveland Orchestra principal clarinet and Colburn alumnus Afendi Yusuf returns to the Colburn stage for an intimate performance of works by Villa-Lobos, Penderecki, Alberga, and Messiaen with students from the Conservatory.
December 4 at 3 pm
Grammy Museum
Amplify Artist and Colburn alumnus Marlon Martinez appears at the Grammy Museum with the Marlonius Jazz Orchestra for a program dedicated to the music of Billy Strayhorn.
December 7
Academy Virtuosi
This elite conductorless chamber orchestra comprised of talented young musicians brings to life rich programs of orchestral works.
December 18 at 6 pm
**
Community
Top students from the Community School take the stage in a recital showcasing solo and chamber music for these eagerly anticipated end-of-semester performances.
Honors Chamber Recital
December 10 at 7 pm
Honors Recital December 11 at 1 pm
Colburn Orchestra**
The velvety sound of the bassoon is on full display in this evening of virtuosity and vigor. B.H. Crussell’s bassoon concertino is bookended by a boisterous Brazilian work and the richly orchestrated struggle against fate depicted in Tchaikovsky’s fifth symphony. Led by Simone Menezes with bassoon soloist Elena Mateo Sáez.
January 28 at 7 pm
Using the music of Dimitri Shostakovich and Mieczysław Weinberg, this concert paints a picture of the composers’ friendship and life at the end of World War II.
January 29 at 3 pm
Discovering Debussy
Evocative and ethereal, the music of Claude Debussy conjures stories and landscapes with every phrase. Curated by LA Opera Music Director Maestro James Conlon, this celebration of Debussy examines his solo and chamber compositions in depth.
March 1, 3, and 8 at 7 pm
Celebrate Colburn Gala
Please join us for this festive evening, during which we will honor Maestro Stéphane Denève with the Colburn School’s distinguished Richard D. Colburn Award. This year’s annual Celebrate Colburn Gala performance will take place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with a Sunday supper celebration on our beloved campus across Grand Avenue.
April 23
* The Colburn Chamber Music Society series is generously supported by the Henry Family. The Colburn Orchestra is generously underwritten by Eva and Marc Stern.
Join us this winter for a holiday party on the Colburn campus, your home away from home. This festive fundraiser featuring tap, modern, and ballet will solely support the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute. Take your seat in our beloved Zipper Hall and be the first to see newly created choreography by Dean Silas Farley and dance faculty members performed by Colburn students. Afterward, mix and mingle and experience the amazing inner workings of the School with artists, faculty, and families.
To learn more about Joy! and to reserve your seats for this special event, scan the QR code or contact Tara Grand directly at 310-279-6430 or tgrand@colburnschool.edu.
Thank you for your unwavering support of world-class performing arts education in Los Angeles. We look forward to seeing you at a performance this season!
To learn more, contact the Philanthropy Office at Philanthropy@colburnschool.edu .
200 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, California 90012 colburnschool.edu
Photos: Philip Pirolo, Abby Mahler, Bruce F. Cramer, Greg Grudt/Mathew Imaging, Brian Feinzimer, Craig Matthews, Skye Schmidt, and Curtis Perry