We are thrilled to announce that acclaimed recording artist Kersten Stevens will join us as a special guest for String Society 2026 (June 22–26).

Ms. Stevens brings a wealth of experience from the global stage and the recording studio, offering our students a rare window into the life of a professional jazz and classical musician. Beyond her technical expertise, Ms. Stevens is energized to collaborate with our outstanding String Society faculty and conductor—the dedicated mentors who have cultivated the heartbeat of music at D-E during the summer for years.

This week of immersive music-making will culminate in a Grand Finale Concert on June 26, featuring a special workshopped piece arranged by Kirsten herself.

In 2026, our String Society invites young musicians to become Musical Explorers — traveling through dances of the past while discovering how music resonates across today’s connected world.

This year’s theme, “Resonance: Music in a Connected World,” reflects the powerful ways music moves across cultures, genres, technology, and generations. From the courtly dances of earlier centuries to contemporary string works shaped by global rhythms and digital innovation, students will explore how tradition and imagination intertwine to create incredible performances. 

Throughout the week, participants will examine how dance forms — waltzes, reels, tangos, folk dances, and modern grooves — have evolved and reappeared across time and place culminating in a Grand Finale concert at the end of the week.

• Technique Boot Camps – Building agility, tone, articulation, and stylistic flexibility
• Chamber Orchestra Rehearsals – Collaborating across parts and perspectives
• Sectionals – Focused ensemble refinement
• Conducting Workshops – Understanding gesture, leadership, and musical architecture
• Sight Reading Labs – Strengthening fluency and adaptability
• Contemporary & Global String Repertoire – Exploring works influenced by diverse musical traditions
• Performance opportunities – stage presence and leadership
• Private Lessons – Individualized growth and artistic coaching
• Movement & Wellness Sessions – Connecting body awareness to expressive performance

Students will not only refine their technical skills, but also deepen their understanding of how music connects people — across continents, across eras, and across disciplines.

To capture this transformative journey, we will professionally film the 2026 String Society experience, documenting rehearsals, workshops, and our culminating performance. The final concert will feature a dynamic blend of contemporary works and timeless masterworks reimagined for today’s stage — a living expression of resonance in action.

In 2026, our musicians won’t simply play notes on a page. They will explore how music travels, transforms, and connects — discovering that when sound moves through time and across borders, it continues to resonate.

We invite your young string player to join us on this extraordinary journey.

Instrumentalists will also have the opportunity to perform a solo selection as part of the week’s artistic celebration.

Join us for a bold, collaborative, and future-focused week of music-making — where every voice matters and every string resonates.

Resonance – Music in a Connected World 

This year’s theme reflects the powerful ways music moves across cultures, genres, technology, and generations. From courtly dances of earlier centuries to contemporary works shaped by global rhythms and digital innovation, students will explore how tradition and imagination intertwine. Participants will examine how dance forms—waltzes, reels, tangos, and modern grooves—evolve across time and place.

Join the Ensemble: We are seeking budding performers in grades 3-12 to join us for this transformative week.

• Audition Deadline: May 15, 2026 (Video Audition Required)

• Program Dates: June 22–26

• The Experience: Masterclasses, faculty mentorship, and a world-class Grand Finale on Friday, June 26 at 1:00 PM.

Video submissions will be accepted up until May 1, 2026. You must register before submitting your video. Please email videos to de360info@d-e.org

1. scale (2-3 octaves)
2. arpeggio (2-3 octaves)
3. solo piece (piano accompaniment not required)

Open to violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists ages 10-18