2025-2026
August
- August 23/24: Auditions (in person) for new students, students wishing to move to next ensemble, leadership positions in ISO, CSO and YS orchestras, and the DUSS Ciompi Collective (DCC).
- Saturday, August 23: Orientation @ 3:00pm in Nelson Music Room
September
- Week of September 1: Fall Semester Begins (check with your private teacher to see if they teach on Labor Day)
- Saturday, September 6: First Ensemble Rehearsals of Fall Semester
- Saturday, September 20: Ensemble Socials- 30 minute shared sip and snack time with conductors and class directly before or after ensemble rehearsals
October
- Saturday, October 18, Concerto Competition, Nelson Music Room (Applications due 9/27)
November
- Saturday, November 15: Violin and Cello Choir Concert, @ 4pm, Nelson Music Room
- Sunday, November 16: ISO/CSO/YS Orchestra Concert @ 4:30pm, Baldwin Auditorium
- Saturday, November 22: Solo recitals, ~1-8pm, Nelson Music Room
- Dress Rehearsals Saturday, November 15
- Thanksgiving break: November 27 - 30, 2025 (no classes, rehearsals, lessons)
December
- Tuesday, December 2: Holiday Concert and Book Harvest Fundraiser with Duke Chorale & Durham School of the Arts for YS students, Duke Chapel (Dress @6pm), optional event.
- Saturday, December 6: Last large ensemble rehearsals before winter break (Sectionals)
- Saturday, December 6: Chamber Music Concert, @ 5pm, Nelson Music Room.
- Fall Semester ends: December 12.
January
- Saturday, January 10: First ensemble rehearsals of Spring Semester (check with your private teacher about when their lessons resume)
February
- Saturday, February 21: Violin and Cello Choir Concert, @4:00pm, Nelson Music Room
- Sunday, February 22: ISO/CSO/YS Orchestra Concert, @ 4:30pm, Baldwin Auditorium
March
- Saturday, March 14: Solo recitals, 3-8pm, Nelson Music Room (Dress rehearsals 3/7)
April
- Spring Break: March 30 - April 4 (no classes, rehearsals, lessons)
- Saturday, April 18: Ensemble Socials- 30 minute shared sip and snack time with conductors and class directly before or after ensemble rehearsals
- Wednesday, April 22: Chamber Music Concert @ 6:30, Nelson Music Room
- Saturday, April 25: Violin and Cello Choir Concert, @ 4pm, Nelson Music Room, Theme: "Dance Music"
- Sunday, April 26: ISO/CSO/YS Orchestra Concert, @ 4:30, Baldwin Auditorium, Theme "Dance Music"
- Spring Semester Ends: April 26.