Welcome to the Durham School of the Arts String Orchestra program.
The award-winning DSA String Orchestra program provides students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to learn violin, viola, cello and concert bass. Our mission is to unlock the creativity in each student and help them grow as musicians. Playing a string instrument and learning to read music takes hard work and practice, but the rewards last a lifetime. Students can enter the program as beginners or audition into higher-level classes, and they can learn for fun or make it their arts pathway. The orchestra performs regularly at DSA, around Durham, NC, and at in-state and out-of-state competitions. Additionally, individual students are encouraged to audition for regional and state-wide orchestras. We schedule a lot of performances because we believe all that hard work should be heard. We are a self-supporting organization with a dedicated booster club and we encourage all families to join us in supporting our students in their musical journey. May Concert Dates Tickets will be available to order online soon:
Announcement:
NEW FOR MAY 1! Sign up for May Concert support: Link to Sign Up for High School Concert: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4AACAB22ABFF2-mayconcert Link to Sign Up for Middle School Concert: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4AACAB22ABFF2-middle3 APRIL 2019 The Orchestra Booster Program cannot be successful in supporting our students without the help of parent volunteers. The Boosters need parents willing to serve on the Orchestra Board for the '19-'20 school year. Our office roles include President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. If you are willing to serve in one of these roles or if you have questions about one of the roles, please email the Booster Club at [email protected] by April 8th. Recent News: DSA String Technique Class Receives Superior Rating at Musicale Music Festival The DSA Orchestra String Tech. class received a Superior rating and took 2nd place at the Musicale Music Festival in Williamsburg, Virginia on May 11th. Crafford Awarded 2018 North Carolina Music Educator of the Year The DSA Orchestra Booster Club would like to recognize Jody Crafford, for the following achievement. She received the award for the 2018 North Carolina Music Educator of the Year, given by the North Carolina Music Educators Association at their 2018 NCMEA Professional Development Conference, Nov. 10-13 in Winston-Salem. Mrs. Crafford was nominated by a fellow orchestra teacher from another county. Congratulations Mrs. Crafford. You have worked very hard for the students of DSA, and we are so glad that your work was recognized. Receive DSA Orchestra Notifications! Please sign up to receive REMIND messages from the DSA Orchestra. TEXT @4ahc9k to 81010 also please SIGN UP to be added to the DSA Orchestra directory for 2018-2019. |
2018-2019 Students
Please read the Program Handbook before school begins, DSA String Program Handbook DSA String Orchestra Faculty
Jody Crafford is proud of the way the orchestra program has grown at DSA since she has been here.
The orchestras have received superior ratings at the NC MPA as well as festivals in Virginia and Atlanta. Many orchestra students have been selected to participate in local, regional and state Honor’s orchestras. In addition to teaching orchestra at DSA, Mrs. Crafford plays the violin professionally with the Durham Symphony, Triangle youth ballet, Chapel Hill Philharmonia, Lee County Symphony and plays many gigs and community theater productions. Mrs. Crafford grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attended Pittsburgh Public Schools. She received her music degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She received her National Board Certification and renewal. She was awarded the Maxine Swalin award from the NC Symphony for outstanding music educator. In her free time, Mrs Crafford enjoys playing golf with her husband and watching all Pittsburgh sports teams. 
Joseph Walker is in his first year serving as an Orchestra Director at Durham School of the Arts, but has been teaching orchestra for 10 years, previously in Onslow County at Southwest Middle School and Southwest High School.
He is an active clinician across North Carolina, having had the honor to conduct student orchestras from across our state. Mr. Walker holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from East Carolina University, where he is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music Education. |
