The Duke Department of Music invites you to join us for the inaugural Biddle Community Day on Saturday, September 19, 2026!
This free, family-friendly celebration opens the doors of the Mary Duke Biddle Music Building to the broader Triangle and Duke communities for a day of creating, exploring, and connecting through music. Experience open rehearsals, live performances, interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and behind-the-scenes access to the people, programs, collections, and spaces that make Duke Music unique.
Whether you're creating art inspired by live music, learning about educational opportunities, exploring our facilities, or simply enjoying performances alongside friends and neighbors, Biddle Community Day offers something for every age and experience level. Throughout the day, visitors will have opportunities to meet students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners while discovering the many ways music enriches life at Duke and beyond.
The celebration concludes with the 2026 Faculty & Student Gala Concert at 7:30 PM in Baldwin Auditorium, honoring the extraordinary career and legacy of Dr. Larry Todd, followed by a community reception in the Biddle Music Building. RSVP for the Gala and Reception here.
We hope you'll join us for this special day of music, discovery, and community!
Mary Duke Biddle Music Building
9 Brodie Gym Drive
Durham, NC 27708
Parking Information
Street parking is available along the streets directly behind the Mary Duke Biddle Music Building.
Additional parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Asbury Church parking lot, located at the corner of West Markham Avenue and Sedgefield Street. Visitors may park in any space that is not marked as reserved.
Note: As we get closer to the event date, more details will be available.
Duke University String School Open Rehearsals
Step inside a Saturday rehearsal and experience the Duke University String School in action. Throughout the morning, visitors are invited to observe ensembles in their second week of rehearsals as young musicians develop their skills under the guidance of Duke String School instructors.
All rehearsal rooms will be open, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how students learn, collaborate, and grow through music. Whether you're a parent considering music education opportunities, a young aspiring musician, or simply curious about the rehearsal process, this is a unique chance to explore the program, meet members of the String School community, and witness the joy of music-making firsthand.
Come and go as you please—listen, learn, ask questions, and discover how the Duke University String School inspires the next generation of musicians.
Featured Events
Join us throughout the day for a series of interactive experiences designed to bring people together through music. From hands-on Bucket Band sessions and collaborative improvisation to community dancing, live performances, and food on the patio, these featured events invite visitors of all ages to create, explore, and connect. Whether you're an experienced musician or simply looking to try something new, there's a place for you to participate.
2:00–4:00 PM (Ages 4–10)
- 2:30 PM — Bucket Band Session 1*
- 3:30 PM — Bucket Band Session 2*
4:00–6:00 PM (Ages 10+, Undergraduates, Families)
- 4:30 PM — Bucket Band Session 3*
- 5:00–5:45 PM — Community Improv (no sign-up required; bring your instrument or participate using your voice or body. You are also welcome to observe.)
- 5:45–6:00 PM — Zillertaler Hochzeitsmarsch Community Dance
Throughout the Day
- Food Options
- Live Music on the Patio
*Registration is required - registration information will be available in August.
Create, Explore, and Connect
The Biddle Community Day brings the Duke Music community's core values of Creating, Exploring, and Connecting to life through a full day of discovery and engagement. Create through hands-on activities, collaborative music-making, and interactive experiences. Explore the people, programs, collections, and spaces that make the Department of Music a vibrant center for artistic and academic inquiry. Connect with students, faculty, alumni, community partners, and fellow music lovers while discovering the many ways music brings people together. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning as part of the Duke community, you'll find opportunities throughout the day to learn, participate, and be inspired.
Create with Duke Music
Paint to Live Music
Karaoke Room
Build Your Own Instrument
Origami With Sheet Music
Explore Duke Music
Duke University Musical Instrument Collections
Duke Music Library
Tours of the Mary Duke Biddle Music Building
Instrument Petting Zoo
Connect with Duke Music
Curious about studying music at Duke or getting involved in the arts? Representatives from Duke Music programs and community partners will be available throughout the day to answer questions, share resources, and introduce visitors to the many opportunities available both on campus and throughout the Durham community.
Whether you're a prospective student, a parent, an educator, or simply interested in learning more, these information tables offer a chance to connect directly with the people behind the programs and discover pathways for musical growth, learning, and engagement.
Participating organizations include:
Undergraduate Experience
Graduate Student Experience
Duke Arts
Duke University String School
Kidznotes
Duke Community Affairs
And More...
Cap off Biddle Community Day with a special evening celebrating the remarkable career and legacy of Dr. Larry Todd. The 2026 Faculty & Student Gala Concert will bring together students, faculty, alumni, and friends for an all-Mendelssohn performance honoring Professor Todd's decades of scholarship, mentorship, and service to Duke Music. Following the concert, guests are invited to continue the celebration at a reception next door in the Mary Duke Biddle Music Building.
No tickets required for this free event.
About Our Sponsors and Community Partners
Biddle Community Day is made possible through the generosity and support of our sponsors and community partners. Their commitment to arts education, community engagement, and creative exploration helps transform this day into a welcoming celebration for visitors of all ages. Through their partnership, we are able to offer free performances, hands-on activities, interactive experiences, and opportunities for meaningful connection throughout the Mary Duke Biddle Music Building. We invite you to learn more about the organizations and businesses that help make Biddle Community Day possible and join us in thanking them for their support.