"Now Embarking on 10 Years and Growing Stronger"
The DYO was formed by Florian Popescu in the Fall of 1998 under the auspices of the Durham Public School's Office of Instructional Services. The DYO was created to provide an outstanding orchestral opportunity for students in the Durham area schools and to develop, in the students and the greater Durham community, an awareness of, and an appreciation for symphonic music.
Membership in the DYO is open to all Durham area students from 3rd through 12th grades who play an orchestral instrument. An auditioning committee determines the selection of students in the DYO. The DYO performs under the musical direction of Mr. Florian Popescu.
But, most importantly, DYO is fun!
- Weekly rehearsals on Thursday evenings
- Several concerts each season
- Sectionals and coaching with our own professionals
- Performances with and by talented guest artists
- Musical tours
- Senior Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble
- An annual concerto competition, and much more!
The DYO schedules several major performances every year which are open to the general public at a large variety of venues. Previous performances have been heard at Trinity Park, Durham Central Park and Old Durham Athletic Park in support of various public events. In addition, the DYO has "adopted" our senior citizens for special treatment; the DYO aims to schedule several performances a year at "retirement" villages in the greater Durham community. The DYO also has a Chamber Ensemble that performs at special events in the area.