Duke University String School: Orchestra Concert

We are highlighting Dance Music during our final concert weekend of the year! Our orchestra concert begins at 4:30pm and includes performances by the Intermediate String Orchestra, Concert String Orchestra, and Youth Symphony. Conductors: Matt Stutzman, Rob Rempher, and Harry Davidson.

The program also features works by Tchaikovsky and one of our 2025 Concerto Competition winners performing the Viextemps Violin Concerto.

At the end of the concert, we will be honoring our wonderful seniors on stage.

Special Event: Pre-Concert Lecture @4:05-4:20

"Music and the Brain: how musical training cultivates coping behaviors" Given by Patrick J. Smith, PhD, MPH

Dr. Patrick Smith is a clinical psychologist and biostatistician with expertise in behavioral medicine and neuropsychology. He is a Chapel Hill native and was a scholarship music major at UNC-CH, as was his wife and older brother. He trained in trombone performance and continues to perform on both trombone and bass guitar.

After obtaining his PhD at Duke in 2010, he completed postdoctoral trainings in behavioral medicine and clinical neuropsychology, as well as an MPH in biostatistics at UNC-CH in parallel. His research is focused on using biobehavioral interventions to improve cognitive function and mental health outcomes among adults with chronic medical conditions. He serves as the co-lead for the UNC clinical core on the Duke-UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and is the sole UNC neuropsychologist.

He has previously performed with international touring groups, including KC and the Sunshine Band, Fishbone, Who's Bad, Darius Rucker, and members of the Avett Brothers and Bon Iver, among others. His recordings have been featured on NPR and local radio, during UNC sporting events (basketball and baseball), and at Carolina Hurricanes games.

Free and open to the public. All are welcome.