FALL 2020: DUKE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & DUKE WIND SYMPHONY JOINT ENSEMBLE - MUS 210-7.01

The purpose of the joint Duke University Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and Duke University Wind Symphony (DUWS) Fall 2020 ensemble is to foster a community that continues to meet, inspire, and create through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ensemble is open to any Duke student by audition. No audition is required for returning members for either ensemble. Large ensembles are facing many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we want to ensure that our community stands strong and that we are finding creative ways to engage with all members of the ensembles.

We recognize that this does not replace music making in person as part of a large ensemble, but we can address certain aspects for which we might not have sufficient time and opportunity during a regular season, such as:

1)    Performance anxiety
2)    Stage presence
3)    Part and score study
4)    Bowings and fingerings
5)    Video and audio recording analysis
6)    Preparing for rehearsal
7)    Appreciating the conductor’s perspective
8)    Preparing for auditions 

FOCUS
DSO and DUWS Celebrate LvB: “The 9 Symphonies: Preparation, Perspective, and Performance Practice”

In 2020, the world of music has been celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of the quintessential composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. While many concert presentations have been postponed or cancelled, we think it appropriate to incorporate a study of his 9 Symphonies into our course as these works constitute a cornerstone of the repertoire for symphonic ensembles. 

In addition to exploring and practicing examples of the 9 symphonies, each member will work on and participate in three virtual performance projects throughout the semester.

If you are interested in joining please contact: Prof. Harry Davidson and Dr. Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant.

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The Duke University Wind Symphony, directed by Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant, is composed largely of non-majors (both undergraduate and graduate) who wish to challenge themselves by performing the finest wind and percussion literature at a high level of artistry.

The Wind Symphony gives at least four formal concerts each year, exploring musical styles from the Medieval Period to the 21st Century. Programs feature chamber works and pieces that employ the lush sonorities of the large symphonic ensemble. Compositions by such composers as Susato, Bach, Mozart, Holst, Grainger, Sousa, Ives, Gershwin, Hindemith, and those writing for the medium today are performed.

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