One student participating in the concert, violinist Katie Hodel, said she has been to Washington before but never the White House. I showed her the invitation letter and she believed me after that. I don't think my parents imagined that one of their kids would perform at the White House. They're just really, really happy. The string school is an intensive weekend and after-school music education program for young people.
Students take private lessons with one of the teachers associated with the string school.
In addition, they typically join one of the school's six orchestras that give concerts four or more times a year. Community service is an instrumental part of the school's mission. Small groups of its members often perform at local churches, rest homes and civic organizations. This month alone, members will hold six free performances in Durham. One benefit of the string school's affiliation with the university music department is that Duke music professors at times offer master classes to students in the string school.