In 2000, DA’s Piano program was recognized as the best music program in Northeast Florida and was awarded the Jacksonville Symphony Association’s Harmony Grant. The Piano Department offers serious young pianists a unique opportunity to be in an intensive and varied program and to work with internationally acclaimed guest artists. Many of the guest artist opportunities result from grants received. For example, the Surdna grant has provided for a visit from Dr. Laitz, Eastman School of Music in New York, who will visit in September to give master classes and lessons to piano majors. He will demonstrate music analysis as the key to unique interpretations at the piano and how this organic way of looking at pieces is applicable to tonal works ranging from Bach to Debussy.

Our students will attend the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra rehearsals as well as a piano weekend at North Carolina School of the Arts. The Chamber Music Institute of the North Carolina School of the Arts is a rigorous program in which students quickly grow and mature in their performance abilities. Performing chamber music begins with the blending of several instruments and musicality of several musicians working together to produce an intimate portrayal of the music.

Each year, Douglas Anderson hosts a competition to represent the school in the UNF Sonata Marathon, which takes place each Spring. Below is the information for the 2025-2026 school year.

DA PIANO SONATA MARATHON

The DA Piano Sonata Marathon is an annual event. While this is a competition, it is also a great time to admire the works of great composers. The participants are divided into five divisions: Middle School (from any school in the Jacksonville area), DA Freshmen, DA Sophomores, DA Juniors, and DA Seniors.

Expectations

The students are expected to play one movement of a classical Sonata or Sonatina by any composer. Memorization is required, and any repeats unnecessary to the development of the piece should be omitted. Finalists may play the whole sonata in the Final round if they wish.

Finalists

Three Middle School Finalists participating in their Preliminary Round via video submission will be selected and notified on November 12. The students in the four DA divisions will perform the Preliminary Round in the Recital Hall on the afternoon of November 20th. Three DA Finalists in each grade level division will be chosen by the audience. Each audience member will be asked to write down their top three favorite performers; after votes are counted, the DA Finalists will be announced. The Finalists in each division (including Middle School) will perform in the Final Round in the Dubow Theatre at 7:00 pm. One Winner from the Finalists in each of the five divisions will be determined by the judges. Participants must present the score of their sonata with numbered measures. Proper performance attire is required.

The audience members and performers are NOT allowed to leave the Recital Hall or the Dubow Theatre during a grade-level performance. Audience members will be allowed to exit the Hall/Theatre only after ALL students from a particular grade level have performed. Otherwise, it disrupts the pianists and could jeopardize their chances in the competition.

Schedule for Events

Schedule for Events

• November 1, 2025: Video submission for the Middle School division is due

• November 12, 2025: Middle School Finalists will be chosen and notified

• November 20, 2025: Preliminary Round for DA divisions will be held in the Recital Hall at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

The public is invited to attend the Sonata Marathon event. Tickets are available online at www.onthestage.tickets/douglas-anderson-school-of-the-arts

2:30 pm Seniors I 4:00 pm Freshmen I 4:30 pm Sophomores I 5:00 pm Juniors:

• November 20, 2025, at 7:00 pm: Final Round for all divisions in Dubow Theatre at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

Please contact the DA Piano Director, Mrs. Watson, at watsonv@duvalschools.org with any questions or concerns.