Chamber Music Series 2025-26

All-in-One Information on CMS

2025-26 Season CMS Concerts

  • Concert 1 : Sun. Oct. 5, 2025 5:00 PM at Thayer Hall —> cancelled
  • Concert 2: Sun. March 1, 2026 5:00 PM at Thayer Hall
  • Concert 3: May be added if an alternative venue becomes available

How to Register?

  • Click here for Registration Form
  • The deadline to register: Sat. Aug. 30, 2025 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)

Forms

  • Parent Volunteer Sign-Up Form: click here
  • Student Internship Application Form: click here
  • LAYP Online Academy: Click here to RSVP for the sessions.
  • Practice Video Submission Details: Click here to upload your practice video.
  • LAYP’s Official Letter to Request an Excuse from your school activities on Saturday: click here; Note: Some marching band activities at school require a full-day commitment on Saturdays. If this applies to you, please submit this letter to your band director.

Repertoire, Roster, and Attendance

  • 2025-26 CMS 1 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 2 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 3 – click here (in progress)

Rehearsal

Rehearsal: Online Rehearsal Zoom Link – Click Here

Rehearsal: Set-Up Guideline for Online Rehearsals – Click Here

Rehearsal Schedule (Breakdowns)

  • 2025-26 CMS 1 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 2 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 3 – click here (in progress)

Rehearsal: Reference Soundtrack/YouTube

  • 2025-26 CMS 1 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 2 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 3 – click here (in progress)

Rehearsal: Sheet Music PDF

  • Please note that due to copyright restrictions, we do not post the sheet music on our CMS homepage. Instead, we share it by email only for each section.

Performance/Concert

Performance: Concert Day Dress Code (Arrive Dressed) – Click Here

Performance: Music Binder or iPad/Tablet- Click Here

Performance: Parking at Colburn School on the Concert Day

  • Kindly use Walt Disney Concert Hall parking ($10 flat rate). Please note that parking on the Colburn campus is NOT available.
  • Walt Disney Concert Hall Address: 111 S Grand Ave. LA, CA 90012
  • Thayer Hall Colburn School Address: 200 S Grand Ave. LA, CA 90012

Performance: Check-In on the Concert Date (Thayer Hall)

  • If you are a first-time visitor, finding Thayer Hall at Colburn School may be challenging, so please plan to arrive early.
  • If you park your car at Disney Hall, cross the street, and walk up the stairs between two buildings of Colburn School.
  • If you see a cafe, turn left. Enter through the security entrance of the building.
  • Artist Entrance: Check in with the parent volunteers and proceed to the warm-up rooms. Parents will be admitted through the other entrance to Thayer Hall once the house doors are open.

Performance: Warm-Up Rooms

  • Green Room: Female Soloists
  • Room 320: Male Performers
  • Room 325: Female Performers

Performance: Concert Program

  • 2025-26 CMS 1 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 2 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 3 – click here (in progress)
  • 2023-24 CMS 1 – click here
  • 2023-24 CMS 2 – click here
  • 2023-24 CMS 3 – click here
  • If your child’s name is missing or misspelled on the roster or donation list, kindly inform us.

Performance Order: Print it out and insert it into your music binder

  • 2025-26 CMS 1 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 2 – click here (in progress)
  • 2025-26 CMS 3 – click here (in progress)

Performance: Concert Photo

  • 2025-26 CMS Concert Photo
  • 2023-24 CMS 2 Concert Photo Slideshow – click here

Performance: 2023-24 CMS 2 Concert Video – click here

Chamber Music Series 2025-26

Schedule

Common

  • Three Intensive Rehearsals prior to the tutti rehearsal
  • One Tutti Rehearsal the day before the concert
  • Dress Rehearsal & Performance

CMS 1

  • September 1-15: Concert repertoire selection draft
  • September 15-29:
    • Sheet music PDF sent
    • Thayer Hall Box Office open
    • Parent volunteer service sign-up
    • Student Internship application
    • Three-day donation drive

CMS 2

  • February 1-15: Concert repertoire selection draft
  • February 16-23:
    • Sheet music sent
    • Thayer Hall Box Office open
    • Parent volunteer service sign-up
    • Three-day donation drive

CMS 3

  • TBD: Concert repertoire selection draft
  • TBD:
    • Sheet music PDF sent
    • Thayer Hall Box Office open
    • Parent volunteer service sign-up
    • Student internship application
    • Three-day donation drive
Sun. Oct. 5
2025
5:00 PM		Chamber Music Series Concert 1
Venue: Thayer Hall, Colburn School
Rehearsal 1: Sun. Sept. 21, 3:00-7:00 PM online via Zoom
Rehearsal 2: Sun. Sept. 28, 3:00-7:00 PM online via Zoom
Rehearsal 3: Fri. Oct. 3, 4:30-9:00 PM in-person at Pasadena Christian School
Tutti Rehearsal: Sat. Oct. 4, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM in-person at Pasadena Christian School
Concert Day: Sun. Oct. 5 at Thayer Hall, Colburn School
1:00-2:00 PM Check-In & Warm-Up
2:00-4:30 PM Dress Rehearsal (in-person)
4:30 PM House Open
5:00 PM Performance
Sun. March 1,
2025
5:00 PM		Chamber Music Series Concert 2
Venue: Thayer Hall, Colburn School
Rehearsal 1: Sun. Feb. 8, 3:00-7:00 PM online via Zoom
Rehearsal 2: Sun. Feb. 22, 3:00-7:00 PM online via Zoom
Rehearsal 3: Fri. Feb. 27, 4:30-9:00 PM in-person at Pasadena Christian School
Tutti Rehearsal: Sat. Feb. 28, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM in-person at Pasadena Christian School
Concert Day: Sun. March 1 at Thayer Hall, Colburn School
1:00-1:30 PM Check-In & Warm-Up
1:30-4:30 PM Dress Rehearsal (in-person)
4:30-5:00 PM House Open
5:00-7:30 PM Performance
7:30-8:00 PM Delay or Load-Out

Rehearsal Location: The rehearsal location for CMS will be either First Baptist Church of Los Angeles or Pasadena Christian School.

  • Pasadena Christian School/Orchestra Room
  • Address: 1492 N Garfield Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104
  • First Baptist Church of Los Angeles
  • Address: 760 S Westmoreland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90005

Rehearsal Rule: Three intensive rehearsals and dress rehearsal are mandatory for all the qualified student performers, and there will be no excuse.

Makeup/Alternative for Online Rehearsals: If you have a scheduling conflict, you must submit your makeup or alternative rehearsal plan by the deadline for LAYP approval. For your plan, please select one or both of the alternative options listed below.

Makeup/Alternative Rehearsals (choose either or both options):

  1. Join LAYP Online Academy sessions to receive credit for makeup hours (for orchestra and band students only; see details below).
  2. Take extra private lessons: (updated) If you take an additional private lesson with your current teacher and focus on your concert repertoire, you may earn rehearsal credit. For every 1 hour of private lesson, followed by 1 hour of individual practice and 1 hour of video recording/submission, you may receive 3 hours of rehearsal credit. This option is available for orchestra, band, and choir students.

Video Submission Details: Please arrange additional lessons with your current private teacher to learn and practice all concert pieces. Record a video of your performance of all assigned pieces and submit it to us by the deadline—typically one week before each concert (see the posted deadlines). Once submitted and reviewed, you will receive credit on a case-by-case basis.

Notes: Practice video submission is required only for students who have time conflicts with rehearsals. If you are able to attend all rehearsals, you do not need to submit any practice videos.

Practice Video Submission Details: Click here to upload your practice video. Please arrange additional lessons with your current private teacher to learn and practice all concert pieces. Record a video of your performance of all assigned pieces and submit it to us by the deadline—typically one week before each concert (see the posted deadlines). Once submitted and reviewed, you will receive credit.

LAYP Online Academy: Click here to RSVP for the sessions.

If you sign up for and attend the Online Academy sessions, you will earn credits toward alternative or optional makeup lessons.

Tutti Rehearsal: Upon the completion of the tutti rehearsal, a qualified/registered performer becomes a finalist.

Notes: If you need to be excused from the tutti rehearsal due to an emergency or unavoidable situation, plan ahead and contact us to arrange make-up rehearsals.

Dress Rehearsal on the Concert Day: This day demands full attention and energy, with no room for excuses. Please ensure there are no conflicts with other events. Plan to conserve your energy and avoid attending other events such as recitals, competitions, festivals, or camps.

Notes: No excuses for the dress rehearsal.

LAYP Official Excuse Request Letter: If you want to submit an official LAYP letter to your school, organization, institute, or community, please take these steps:

  1. Click here to download an LAYP Official Letter.
  2. Click here to enter your child’s name on the LAYP Official Letter PDF, or you can use your preferred PDF editing program.

LAYP Finalists: The finalists mean the performers who completed all the required rehearsals. If you miss a rehearsal, you cannot be qualified as a finalist to perform at the concert hall.

The rehearsals for soloists/duet/trio/small ensemble performers will be arranged on other days with conductors and accompanists.

FAQ

Qualification

Q: I am a participant of Summer Concert this year. May I participate in this series?

A: Yes! If you are a finalist who completed all the intensive rehearsals and concert either online or in-person for this past Summer Concert, you are eligible to participate.

Q: Do I need to audition for CMS?

A: No! All the returning students who auditioned for the summer concert are eligible to participate without an additional audition.

Q: Do you accept a new student for this series?

A: Yes! New students need to take the online audition process. As the space is limited, the priority will go first to the returning students. If you are interested in the online audition for CMS, please email us at layouthphil@gmail.com so that we can open the audition window for you.

Registration

Q: When do you open the registration window?

A: Registration typically opens in August.

Q: When is the registration deadline?

A: The registration deadline is August 30.

Q: Can participants pick the date for their concert, or is it assigned to them?

A: In the first round of the process, participants can select their preferred dates. If there’s an imbalance in instrumentation, the LAYP team will offer suggestions for adjustments. Participants can then finalize the dates.

Q: Do I have to participate in all three concerts, or is there flexibility?

A: Participants can choose one, two, or all three concert series out of the three options available. While it’s recommended to participate in all three concerts, it’s not mandatory.

Q: Can I register for all three concerts?

A: Yes! It is highly recommended unless you have time conflicts with your school/community orchestra/choir concerts, exams, competitions, camps, workshops, family events, or any other engagements

Q: In case of schedule conflicts, can a student participate in one of the chamber series concerts?

A: Yes! As we offer three concerts, you have the option to switch to another one if the initially chosen concert does not work for you.

Q: Even if a student applies for one concert, they may not get in because the space is limited. Is this correct?

A: Yes, that is correct, but you can secure a space if you register as early as possible. If the spots are full, we plan to announce the closure.

Q: If we register for one concert, is it possible to add another at a later time?

A: Yes, that’s fine. Please note that, as capacity is limited, the openings may be filled early.

Q: I have discovered that there is a scheduling clash, such as conflicts involving school events, exams. Can I know what happens if I withdraw my registration?

A: If you are unable to uphold your commitment to participate, you will forfeit the fees you have paid and become ineligible for future LAYP participation for a period of three years.

Size of Chamber Ensemble

Q: What does a chamber music series orchestra look like?

A: It is a small or medium size ensemble which consists of 12 to 33 players. If there are more participants than this size, two or more groups of the chamber ensembles will be formed and their rehearsal time slots will be re-arranged.

  • 4-6 First Violins
  • 4-6 Second Violins
  • 2-3 Violas
  • 4-6 Cellos
  • 1 Harp
  • 1-2 Double Bass
  • 2-4 Flutes
  • 1-2 Oboes
  • 2-3 Clarinets
  • 2-3 French Horns
  • 2-3 Trumpets
  • 1-2 Trombone/Baritone/Euphonium/Tuba
  • 1 -2Percussion

The total openings are 20-33 instrumental students.

The openings for the SATB Chamber Singers:

  • 1-2 Nominated voice soloists only

Q: My child played in band. Is this for band too or just orchestra players? 

A: The Chamber Music Series is open to Orchestra, Band, and Choir students. This means that students who play in the Orchestra, Band, or Choir are all qualified to apply.

CMS Soloists

Q: How do you select the CMS Soloists?

A: The Concert Committee selects the CMS Soloists for each series based on participants’ this past summer concert audition results, experiences, engagements, and current school grade level etc.

Solo Repertoire

Q: What are the repertoire and time limit guidelines for solo pieces?
A: Orchestral concertos from the Baroque, Classical, Early Romantic, or Modern periods are recommended, as the piece should be suitable for a small chamber ensemble.

Note for vocal soloists: Musical theater repertoire may also be included.

Time limits are as follows (abridgement or cuts may be made if a piece exceeds the maximum duration):

  • Elementary school students: up to 5 minutes
  • Middle school students: up to 6 minutes
  • High school students: up to 7 minutes

Q: Does a solo piece have to be chamber music?

A: It is not limited to chamber music. Concertos with orchestra, duets with piano, trios with piano are acceptable. The LAYP Team will orchestrate them for solo/duet/trio and orchestra.

Q: I was wondering if I could choose the solo piece that I will play, because I am currently practicing Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1 first movement. If I cannot choose the piece, when will I know what the piece is?

A: Yes, you can choose your solo piece. CMS Soloists are typically asked to submit three solo repertoire choices by August 30, usually after the summer concert. You may prioritize the Weber Clarinet Concerto as your top choice in the repertoire submission. Once we receive all submissions, we will review and screen them to identify any repertoire conflicts or other issues. Due to potential conflicts and the need to accommodate a diverse range of performances, some students may be assigned a piece that is not their first choice. This is why we require the submission of three solo pieces (priority #1, #2, and #3) to help address any scheduling challenges or conflicts.

Q: My child is nominated to be a CMS soloist. Does a CMS soloist play in the chamber orchestra or perform a solo piece only?

A: CMS soloists are required to play both as soloists and orchestral players. This offers them a wonderful opportunity to excel in both capacities. By participating in the orchestra, soloists gain a better understanding of the relationship and cooperation between a soloist and the orchestra.

Q: My child was nominated as a soloist and registered for all CMS 1-2-3. Do the CMS soloists perform a solo piece in all of the concerts or just one?

A: It depends on availability. If there are enough openings, the soloists may have more than one solo performance. However, the number of solo opportunities for each soloist will depend on various factors, including the concert schedule and the availability of time slots for solo performances. Rest assured, we will do our best to provide soloists with as many opportunities as possible to showcase their talents.

Q: Is a soloist expected to play from memory?

A: It is highly recommended but not mandatory. A soloist can play either from memory or with music.

Dress Code

Q: What is the dress code?

A: Click here to see the LAYP Dress Code

Q: My child will be playing as a soloist and I’m trying to plan her outfit. If she’s also going to be playing with the ensemble, how should she dress? Should she wear the white top with black bottom, then she changes to a different color dress when she plays as soloist? Will I be able to help her change backstage? What do the soloists normally do?

A: She does not need to change clothes. Soloists will wear their own free-color/formal concert dress. Watch the concert video in which a piano soloist is playing the timpani wearing her soloist dress. A soloist may wear a white cardigan when playing as an orchestra member and put it off when playing as a soloist. In the 2022 summer concert, the flute soloist wore an additional white top in a cardigan type onto her existing soloist dress when she was playing as an orchestral player.

Rehearsal

Q: Are three intensive rehearsals mandatory?

A: Yes (see the rehearsal rule above).

Q: What should I do if I discover a scheduling conflict with my other commitments that overlap with rehearsal time? 

A: Unfortunately, missing any portion of the rehearsal is not an option. All students are required to attend rehearsals in their entirety. We maintain a high level of commitment and attendance to ensure the success of our rehearsals and performances.

Q: Are the rehearsals in-person or online?

A: Both (see the schedule above).

Q: May I receive the link for the Zoom meetings?

A: Click here for the link

Q: Is there a break during the rehearsals?

A: Yes, a pizza break is provided during rehearsals. The conductor allows students to take a break when a piece does not include their instrumental part in the rehearsal.

Q: Do the students need to bring snacks?

A: Snacks are not necessary, as a pizza break is included. If you do not like pizza, you may bring your own snacks.

Q: Do parents need to stay during the rehearsal?

A: Parents are NOT allowed to stay in rehearsals, except for parent volunteers. They are free to explore the rehearsal area during spare time. Suggestions for attractions can be found by searching, for example, “Pasadena attractions” on Google.

Q: Can students bring their own lunch if they don’t like pizza?

A: Yes, students have the option to bring a brown bag lunch if they prefer something other than pizza.

Tuition

Q: What tuition is involved?

A: There is a tuition fee. Each orchestral player pays $500 per concert. Beginning with the 2024–25 season, a tuition fee of $500 per CMS soloist has also been added. These tuitions, together with grant funding, help cover the production expenses.

Ticket Sale

Q: Do you sell concert tickets?

A: Yes! The Box Office will start selling tickets 2-6 weeks prior to the concerts. The ticket sale price will be $20 except F-101 to 106 & G-101 to 107. To see the seating chart, click here.

Q: Do parents need to purchase seats for the concert?

A: Yes, all audience members, including parents (mom and dad), need to purchase concert tickets.

Q: Where can I find detailed information about the concert and ticket purchase?

A: The Box Office link will be shared 2–3 weeks before each concert.

Donation

Q: Do you accept donations for this series?

A: Yes! We accept your donations for the Chamber Music Series.

More Questions?

Please email us at layouthphil@gmail.com