Charlotte Youth Wind Ensembles

The Charlotte Youth Wind Ensembles (CYWE), now in its 34th 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

Fall 2026 auditions will be announced soon!

The Audition Score Sheet is broken down into three scored categories, totaling 100 points: SOLO (80 points), SCALES (10 points) and SIGHT-READING (10 points).

SOLO (80 points): Each student should prepare the All-State Solo for his/her instrument. Students should use their district cuts for the solo.

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

• TONE 20 pts
• INTONATION 10 pts
• TECHNIQUE 10 pts
• RHYTHM 10 pts
• ARTICULATION 10 pts
• DYNAMICS 10 pts
• INTERPRETATION/PHRASING 10 pts

Percussion uses a different scoring rubric, but the total score is still based on 100 points.

• SCALES (10 points): Scale requirements are the same for all students regardless of grade level and are as follows:

Chromatic — A full range chromatic scale, within the practical range of the instrument.

Major Scales — Students should be prepared to play major scales up to four sharps or flats, although the judge will ask for only two (one flat key and one sharp key) due to time restrictions.

**Percussion should be prepared to play basic rudiments and required scales for mallet instruments.

• SIGHT-READING (10 points): A brief sight-reading example will be selected by the judge and the student will have one minute to study the music before being asked to play.

REHEARSALS/CONCERTS

NEW THIS YEAR! Full band and chamber music will be split with the first half of the semester devoted to full band and the second half of the semester focusing on chamber music.

Rehearsals will be held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 6:15-9:15 p.m beginning on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Full Band Rehearsals:

• Tuesday, January 6
• Tuesday, January 13
• Tuesday, January 20
• Tuesday, January 27
• Tuesday, February 3
• Tuesday, February 10
• Tuesday, February 17
• Dress Rehearsal, Sunday, February 22

Concert:

Tuesday, February 24, 7:30pm UNC Charlotte – Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts

Chamber Ensemble Rehearsals:

• Tuesday, March 3
• Tuesday, March 17
• Tuesday, March 24
• Tuesday, March 31
• Tuesday, April 7
• Tuesday, April 14
• Tuesday, April 21
• Tuesday, April 28

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 $145 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.

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