News

Due to questionable weather conditions, all ensemble rehearsals (Orchestras and Violin and Cello choirs) and Theory classes are canceled. Please check with private lesson and chamber group teachers to see if they are holding normal lessons and coachings. As weather is looking better than expected, Solo Recitals will continue as scheduled @ 2:45, 4:00, 5:30, 7:00pm. All families with students performing in the Solo Recitals who do not have good driving conditions are excused from the solo recital. … read more about 12/9 Rehearsals Canceled- Solo Recitals as scheduled »

We would like to congratulate all students on their wonderful performances during the 2017 Concerto Competition.  Everyone's hard work and dedication were evident. Concerto Competition Winners to perform with the DUSS Youth Symphony as soloists on Sunday, March 4th, 2018 at 6:30pm in Baldwin Auditorium:   - Tim Rinehart, Dragonetti Double Bass Concerto in A Major, I. Allegro moderato - Neha Vangipurapu, Wieniawski Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, I. Allegro moderato   Concerto Competition Winner to perform… read more about 2017 Concerto Competition Winners Announced! »

We have an exciting line up for Workshops and Master Classes to celebrate 50 years! October 7th- Hal Grossman No Pain All Gain Workshop: ​Internationally acclaimed, the No Pain, ALL GAIN: a Healthy Way to Stretch and Play workshop takes participants through a series of stretches and breathing exercises specifically designed for musicians to help alleviate muscle tension and help prevent tendonitis, shaky bow arms for string players, and racing heart rates.  Techniques for relaxation, concentration and focus are… read more about 50th Anniversary Workshops and Master Classes »

Dear DUSS families,   We are excited to announce that our Fall Semester and our 50th Anniversary Year are just around the corner!  This post has lots of announcements about registration, auditions, and orientation.  Be sure to read all the way through!   Orientation:   Saturday, August 26th at 2 PM, Nelson Music Room in the East Duke Building.  Please note the location!  Meet old and new teachers; learn about ensembles and classes -- including Theory, Viola for Violinists, Master Classes;… read more about Fall Registration Open! Details here »

Auditions are for students new to DUSS ensembles, students wishing to move up ensembles, violin students wishing to move from 2nd violin to 1st violin within their current orchestra, and students wishing to be a leader in all sections of ISO, CSO or YS.       Students auditioning for ensembles should prepare an audition based on the guidelines listed on the webpage for each ensemble: http://stringschool.duke.edu/groups/ensembles.  This is generally a scale, prepared solo piece, and sight-reading… read more about Audition info for 2017-18 »

Our summer camp came to an end this past weekend with a fabulous concert.  We had 43 campers, a record number of cellists, 8 fantastic teen volunteers, and of course, our own wonderful teachers.  Several parent volunteers kept the camp fed and hydrated, and assisted campers and teachers throughout the day. We were also happy to welcome 5 students from Kidznotes to DUSS!     Every day was full of music and fun, and the success of the inspiring concert on Saturday reflected a lot of hard work all around.… read more about 2017 Summer Camp a Success! »

Concert Dates: Spring Semester 2017 Saturday, March 4, 2017, 4 PM:  Beginner  Groups and Violin/Cello Choirs, Nelson Music Room Sunday, March 5, 2017, 6:30 PM: YS, CSO, ISO,  Baldwin Auditorium Saturday, March 18th, 2017, 3,4,5,7 PM: Solo Recitals, Nelson Music Room Saturday, April 22, 2017, 7 PM: Chamber Music,  Nelson Music Room Saturday, April 29, 2017, 4 PM: Beginner  Groups and Violin/Cello Choirs,  Nelson Music Room Sunday, May 7,… read more about Concert Dates: Spring Semester 2017 »

Our Concerto Competition took place on Saturday Dec 10th, a program of well prepared and beautifully played music. We are proud to announce the results:  Concerto Competition Winners will perform as soloists with the DUSS Youth Symphony on Sunday, March 5th, 2017 at 6:30pm in Baldwin Auditorium: Jane Parris, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64, I. Allegro molto appassionato Nicholas Woodrum, Kabalevsky Violin Concerto in C Major op.… read more about Concerto Competition Winners »

Duke Medicine Orchestra Symposium:Prescription Music: A Concerted Effort to Bridge the Gap between the Arts and Medicine The Duke Medicine Orchestra presents a symposium on Saturday, November 8 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm to celebrate Arts & Health Month. Lisa Wong, MD, a nationally recognized musician, physician, and arts educator will deliver a keynote address, titled "Prescription Music: A Concerted Effort to Bridge the Gap between the Arts and Medicine".  The symposium will also… read more about Duke Medicine Orchestra Symposium: Prescription Music »

Beautiful review of our April 26, 2014 concert, in which we celebrated the 48 years of leadership under our director and founder, Mrs Dorothy Kitchen:   http://cvnc.org/article.cfm?articleId=6812 read more about Concert Review »

DUSS on the air!  In late 2013 Mrs Kitchen was interviewed by Lee Anne McClymont for the WCOM FM "Courage Cocktail Radio Show". The following link is the entire show and includes soloists Julia Ilana and Greg Scurtu's solos from March 2013 and our orchestra playing a movement of Brahms #4. It's a beautiful tribute to our program. Click here for a special treat! What does it take to lead a fulfilling life? Duke Todayasked faculty, staff and alumni to share advice with… read more about DUSS on the air! »