In October, students at Durham School of the Arts (DSA) took part in a masterclass with the British vocal ensemble The King’s Singers, in Durham for a public performance that evening from Duke Arts Presents. Focused on expression, connection, and confidence in performance, the session offered DSA’s choral students a chance to learn from one of the world’s most celebrated vocal groups.

The King’s Singers work with DSA reflected the shared commitment of artists, educators, and Duke Arts to nurture creativity, excellence, and access to the arts.

Throughout the fall semester, DSA’s choral students studied classical and renaissance vocal works in preparation for this visit. During the masterclass, the DSA Chamber Ensemble performed pieces by Mozart and Orlando di Lasso for The King’s Singers, receiving detailed feedback and guidance from each of the six members of The King’s Singers. Two additional chorus groups also attended the masterclass, observing the class and learning from the experience.

The King’s Singers broke down each piece section by section, offering insights on tone, phrasing, and ensemble unity. Exercises ranged from partner singing, meant to break comfort barriers and encourage eye contact, to exploring how to “feel” and physically express the emotions behind each song.

“Masterclasses give students the opportunity to see people who are doing professional music, but also show them different techniques for their own music-making, even if they don’t continue it as a profession”

Jeremy Nabors, Co-Director of Choirs at DSA

“Without partnerships with Duke Arts, we don’t always get the opportunity to bring in working musicians to help our students,” Nabors added. “The teachers here at DSA have a ton to offer, but anytime you can bring in a professional musician who is doing this for a living, their view and experience really benefit our students.”

“Anytime you can bring in a professional musician who is doing this for a living, their view and experience really benefit our students.”

Jeremy Nabors, Co-Director of Choirs at DSA

The visit continued the growing collaboration between Duke Arts and Durham School of the Arts. Recent partnerships have included visual artist Sergio Sánchez Santamaría for DSA’s Fall Art Festival and Día de los Muertos celebration, and dancer and choreographer Hope Boykin for a multi-school dance masterclass earlier this year.

Duke Arts also collaborates closely with Duke’s Department of Music to arrange masterclasses for Duke students with renowned performers from the Duke Arts Presents series. These masterclasses are free and open to any members of the public who wish to attend.

By connecting world-class artists with students and community members, Duke Arts continues to strengthen the network of creative opportunity and that links Duke and Durham.