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Charlotte Youth Wind Ensembles

The Charlotte Youth Wind Ensembles (CYWE), now in its 35th season, has established itself as one of the Carolinas’ premier student musical organizations. The season is divided into two parts: following a weekly series of seven rehearsals (January-February), the band will present a concert featuring the students performing full band repertoire. The second half of the season (March-May) will provide chamber music opportunities for students to work with our faculty and current music students. Noted for excellence and a long history of music education, members of CYWE have been accepted into many of the finest music schools in the United States and have gone on to win major orchestral and military band positions, university teaching positions, and have performed across the world.

MISSION

The mission of CYWE is to provide the ultimate concert band experience for highly talented high school students as a musical enrichment program. High performance standards and punctual attendance are expected of all CYWE musicians. Our aim is to present the highest caliber band music in a university-level rehearsal and performance atmosphere. Students receive instruction and perform in both large ensemble and chamber music, working with UNC Charlotte band and applied faculty in rehearsals, masterclasses, and chamber music coachings.

ELIGIBILITY

CYWE auditions and membership are open to all North and South Carolina band students in grades 9-12. All CYWE musicians must be enrolled in their school band or orchestra program. Home-schooled musicians are also eligible.

AUDITIONS

Auditions will be held virtually. Students should register for their audition and submit a video recording using the links below no later than 2:00pm on Saturday, November 21.

Online audition registration payment

Audition Video Submission

On the video, students should be visible and introduce themselves by name.

Each student should prepare the All-State Solo for their instrument. Students should use their district cuts for the solo.  

Scoring for the solo is broken down into seven categories scored as follows:

Percussionists should plan to audition using their school’s percussion equipment if possible. 

If there is any issue completing a video audition, please let Dr. Kopczynski know and we will work with you. 

REHEARSALS/CONCERTS

Rehearsals will be held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:15 pm to 9:00 p.m. beginning on Tuesday, January 5, 2027.

Full Band Rehearsals:

CYWE Concert:

Tuesday, February 23, 7:30pm at UNC Charlotte – Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts

Chamber Ensemble Rehearsals:

​Chamber Ensembles will be scheduled based on student and faculty availability, starting the week of March 15. It is advised to keep Tuesday evenings open, though scheduling will be finalized by faculty for each chamber group.

Chamber Concert:

Tuesday, May 5, 7:30pm UNC Charlotte – Rowe Recital Hall

All rehearsals are held at UNC Charlotte’s Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts. This site is easily accessible for students traveling from any part of the region.

Students accepted into CYWE will receive music in advance of the first rehearsal and, similar to an All-State band or orchestra experience, will be expected to come to the first rehearsal with the music technically prepared.

​CYWE APPLICATION/FEES

CYWE online registration and payment are available at the link below. A $15 non-refundable registration fee (payable online) is due at the time of registration.

Upon receipt of notification that a student is accepted as a member of CYWE, they will receive a rehearsal schedule and a contract for membership, which must be signed by the student and parent and returned to CYWE at the first rehearsal. The tuition for CYWE membership (once selected through audition) is $150 for the season, payable online. These funds are used to purchase sheet music, commission new music, reserve performance facilities, faculty masterclass and chamber music coaches, and for staffing needs.

register here

For further information, please contact the UNC Charlotte Director of Bands Hunter Kopczynski, at hkopczyn@charlotte.edu