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Gunnison
Vocal &
Orchestral Academy

The Gunnison Orchestral and Vocal Academy (GOVA) is a premier summer program dedicated to cultivating artistry, collaboration, and excellence in music. Located in the breathtaking Colorado Rockies, GOVA provides young artists with world-class training in a supportive, inspiring environment.

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Led by Colorado Music Hall of Fame inductee bass-baritone Keith Miller and Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, GOVA combines rigorous instruction with a vibrant community, bringing together distinguished faculty and passionate students for unforgettable experiences in orchestral music, vocal performance, chamber music, and musical theatre.

Taylor Hall, Western Colorado University

GOVA 2026

Join us in Gunnison, Colorado, for ten days of intensive training, collaboration, and performance in a setting that inspires creativity.​

GOVA 2026 Program Features:

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​Depending on your discipline, participate in a variety of programs designed to take your talents to the next level.
 

  • Full Orchestral Program – All instrumentalists participate in both orchestral and chamber ensembles. Led by professional conductors such as Steven Aguiló-Arbues and Paul Schrage, alongside members of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra such as Concertmaster Yumi Hwang-Williams.
     

  • Chamber Music – Work in small groups to refine ensemble skills and artistry. Learn from accomplished chamber musicians with global experience and success.
     

  • Vocal Arts – Opera, art song, and musical theatre performing in an arias concert and a fully-staged scenes program. Scenes directed by Sarah Myers of the Metropolitan Opera. All performances will be recorded and live-streamed, then made available to all participants.
     

  • Special Events – Guest artist performances, masterclasses, and community concerts.
     

Gunnison, Colorado and Western Colorado University

Audition Information

 

We invite talented instrumentalists and vocalists to audition for GOVA 2026.

 

Audition Requirements:​

  • Orchestral/Chamber Auditions:

    • Concerto (first movement) of your choice, unaccompanied.

    • Three orchestral excerpts (specified by instrument).

    • One unaccompanied Bach selection or etude (String Instruments Only).

  • Vocal Program:

    • Live Auditions:

      • Selection of 5 arias (3 Languages recommended).​

      • Singers may choose their opening aria, and may be asked for 1-2 additional pieces by the panel.

      • Applicants are responsible to provide their own pianist. 

      • Depending on schedule, walk-in auditions may be available.

    • Video/Recorded Auditions:

      • ​2 selections at the applicant's discretion, the two selections must vary in language and style.

      • Musical Theater applicants will submit two selections in contrasting styles.
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Audition Types:

  • Live audition dates (subject to change):

    • Gunnison, CO - March 11, 2026

    • Boulder, CO - March 12, 2026

    • New York, NY - Pearl Studios - March 14-15 2026

    • Los Angeles, CA - March 14-15 2026 (Vocal Programs Only)

  • Digital submissions: accepted at any time via the applications on YAPTracker.

 

Submission Details:

  • Applications are open now and will close at the end of January 2026.

  • Program applicants will be notified of their admission decision after auditions are completed in March 2026.

    • In the case of non-attendance, waitlisted applicants will be notified by April 1, 2026.

  • For full submission requirements, see the GOVA '26 YAPTracker page (links below). 

Tuition & Financial Information:​

  • Application fees:

    • Vocal Program: $40 (non-refundable)

    • Orchestral/Chamber Program: $40

      • Applied to tuition balance upon acceptance.​

  • Tuition details, deposit deadlines, and room & board options will be provided on the GOVA '26 YAPTracker page.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Everyone working on this program is generous of time and knowledge. They want you to succeed and will take steps to support you even after you have left the beauty of the mountains.”

GOVA '25 Participant Carly Cummings

“The atmosphere was—seriously—super friendly, accepting, comforting, inspiring, exciting, and fun. That’s what makes me want to fulfill my dreams.”

GOVA '25 Participant Julien Klingsmith

Join Us in Gunnison

As a part of the Imagine 212 mission, GOVA is more than a program—it’s a movement to make high-level artistic training accessible to all. With support from Western Colorado University and the broader arts community, we are building a program that serves students and enriches the cultural life of the Rockies.

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Be part of something extraordinary. Experience world-class training, breathtaking surroundings, and the joy of music-making at GOVA 2026.

GOVA 2025 – Our First Year

In 2025, we launched the Gunnison Orchestral and Vocal Academy with a vision: to create an immersive, artist-driven community where young musicians could thrive.

Our inaugural year brought together faculty artists, students, and the Gunnison community for a week of unforgettable performances and training.

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Highlights included:

  • Chamber music performances with guest artists

  • Vocal showcases featuring emerging singers

  • Community engagement events, such as performances by members of the Colorado Symphony and Grammy-winning vocalist Michelle DeYoung.

  • The first steps toward building a lasting tradition of excellence in the Colorado Rockies

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To learn more about GOVA '25, check out the following resources:

Join our mailing list

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