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Though I admit that I myself have no musical talent whatsoever, I have always loved music. I am a huge fan of the numerous symphonies and music groups on Duke’s campus. We have a very diverse department; you can check out their website here.

One of my favorites, the Duke Wind Symphony, hosts an annual Viennese ball that is always a blast! Ladies and gents dress up in their fanciest attire and head our to the Durham Armory for an evening of dancing and music. The Waltz Orchestra plays beautiful music, the polka band contributes some spunkier tunes, and a group of students even performs a traditional Viennese promenade. There are even real instructors there who teach traditional call dances! It feels like a scene right out of Pride and Prejudice.

Though I am a dancer, I will admit that my ballet penchant doesn’t necessarily translate to the ballroom floor… Lucky I had a good partner to help me out!

Speaking of the music department, I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with them in my choreographic work. Last year, I set a work titled On the Isle of the Sirens for the Dance Program’s main stage spring concert, ChoreoLab. The music, played by Duke musicians, was an original work composed by senior music major Mark Thysell. Check it out!

Many of the musicians here are majoring in engineering, physics, cultural anthropology, and more — but at Duke they can still feed their passion for music. I am constantly amazed by the talent, passion, and diversity in our student body!