top of page


Past Events
Capturing the Moments that Moved Us
Event 1


Theatre Department March for The Arts
Come to Duke Ellington School of the Arts for a wonderfully haunted Halloween season to support the Theatre Department!
Oct 24


DESA on the Vineyard - Thank You for Your Support
it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity, vision, and belief of our incredible sponsors.
Aug 18


Dave Chappelle Shouts Out David Letterman During Screening of His Unreleased Doc
Source: hollywoodreporter.com The documentary, 'Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life,' chronicles the comic's beloved cornfield comedy shows...
Aug 11


Screening of Films from DESA Student Artists
See how our students from the Cinematic Arts and Media Production (CAMP) department are shaping culture through film. Join us for a...
Aug 9


Dave Chappelle Returns to MVAAFF for Duke Ellington School of the Arts Benefit
Source: Ebony.com When Dave Chappelle has been asked about his Washington, D.C. high school, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, he...
Aug 8


From Student to Star: Dave Chappelle and Duke Ellington School of the Arts Shine together on Martha’s Vineyard
Duke Ellington School of the Arts is celebrating 50 years and The Ellington Fund —the philanthropic arm of the school—invites you to a meaningful series of events in support of this extraordinary institution. We would be honored to have you join us. At a time when the arts are under threat, your presence helps ensure that the next generation of cultural leaders has the stage, the spotlight, and the support they deserve.
Aug 8


Friends of Ellington Reception with Dave Chappelle and Lamman Rucker
Kick off the weekend with an intimate and inspiring gathering of the extended Ellington family, with special guests and distinguished Ellington Alumni Dave Chappelle and Lamman Rucker.
Aug 6


Dave Chappelle's Unreleased Film 'Dave Chappelle Live in Real Life' to Screen at MVAAFF
Source: www.cbs42.com Special Screening Benefits Duke Ellington School of the Arts Theatre Department Endowment and Cinematic Arts...
Aug 6


Remembering Charles Augins: A Legend, A Leader, A Legacy
Remembering Charles Augins: A Legend, A Leader, A Legacy
Aug 1


DESA on the Vineyard Sponsorship
At Duke Ellington School of the Arts, we believe in the power of community, creativity, and collaboration—and this year’s DESA on the Vineyard event is no exception. We’re honored to recognize the generous sponsors who make it all possible.
Aug 1


The Donal Leace Endowment for the Theater Department
Dave Chappelle is honoring his mentor and former teacher, Donal Leace, by contributing proceeds of his film screening on Martha's vineyard on Friday August 8th to The Donal Leace Endowment, originally established in January 2021 to honor the legacy of Donal Richard Leace and his long-time commitment to Duke Ellington School of the Arts and its students.
Jul 31


Memorial Service for our Beloved Mr. Charles Augins
Memorial Service for our Beloved Mr. Charles Augins
Jul 31


Instrumental Music Summer Intensive
Join us July 7 – July 31, Mondays–Thursdays, 10 AM – 2 PM for an inspiring summer of creativity!
Jul 7


Vocal Summer Intensive 2025
Join us at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts for our Vocal Music Summer Intensive , happening in July 2025 ! This dynamic program...
Jul 1


Theatre Department Summer Intensive 2025
Theatre Department is inviting you to this fun one or two-week theatre camp, designed to provide training for students in acting, musical theatre and theatre-making
Jun 23


Duality Presented by: Duke Ellington School of the Arts Cinematic Arts & Media Production Department & Photoville, in partnership with PhotoWings
Exciting news! Our DESA C.A.M.P students are taking their first photo exhibition “Duality” on the road — showing at Photoville NYC this...
Jun 7


DESA Prom 2025 – Masquerade Ball
DESA Presents... Prom 2025 – DESA Prom 2025 Masquerade Ball - Get ready for a night of elegance and mystery at this year’s Prom
Jun 6


“Pandora’s Box – Artist Talk” hosted by the DESA Visual Arts Department
Join us for a conversation at “Pandora’s Box – Artist Talk” hosted by the DESA Visual Arts Department!
Jun 4


Class of 2025 presents - Students vs Staff Basketball Game
Join us for the annual Student vs Staff Basket Ball Game June 3rd at 5:30pm
Jun 3


Magic Under the Stars: An Opera and Musical Theatre Performance
The Vocal Music Department Presents: Magic Under the Stars: An Opera and Musical Theatre Performance
May 30


"Arts as Activism"
Join us for the opening reception for our annual Arts as Activism Program where all eight arts departments come together
May 29


Senior Recitals @The Kennedy Center
✨ Let’s celebrate the incredible talent and hard work of our Duke Ellington School of the Arts instrumental music seniors as they...
May 24


Annual Spring Dance Concert
The DESA Dance Department proudly presents its Annual Spring Dance Concert
May 17


Where Passion Meets Purpose: Inside the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Student Exhibition
The Visual Arts Department recently showcased the incredible creativity of our freshman class during the 2025 Student Exhibition.
May 14


CAMP Spring 2025 Film Festival - "Homage"
The Cinematic Arts and Media Production Department at Duke Ellington is proudly presenting the Spring 2025 Showcase , titled "Homage...
May 9


CAMP students won the prestigious 43rd Annual Parkmont Poetry Festival
Several CAMP students won the prestigious 43rd Annual Parkmont Poetry Festival.
May 7


Featured in The New York Times
Check out her article, "4 Middle-Seat-Approved Films to Catch on Your Next Flight," featured as part of the My List Contest winners.
May 7


Alumnus Ben Williams Returns to Ellington with a Powerful Musical Message
Duke Ellington School of the Arts proudly welcomed award-winning jazz bassist and alum Ben Williams back to campus for a special residency during the launch week of his new album, Between Church & State.
May 6


Duke Ellington School of the Arts Instrumental Music Dept. Honors Recital
We are proud to present The Duke Ellington Instrumental Music Department Honors Senior Recitals! Join us in celebrating the incredible...
May 3


DESA Presents Ben Williams "Between Church & State" Album/Film Premiere
The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Instrumental Music Department is proud to present its very own esteemed alumnus and Grammy Award...
May 2


CAMP Class of 2025 Senior Showcase "Lost and Found"
The Cinematic Arts and Media Production Department at Duke Ellington is proudly presenting the class of 2025 Senior Showcase
May 2


DESA 2nd Annual TDP & CAMP Mock Show: Freshman Step-Up Ceremony
Join us for the 2nd Annual TDP & CAMP Mock Show: Freshman Step-Up Ceremony!
Apr 30


Instrumental Music Department presents Jazz City
Join us for Jazz City as the DESA Instrumental Music Department on April 25!
Apr 25


Arturo Sandoval Benefit Concert: Sponsorship
Become a sponsor of the Arturo Sandoval Benefit Concert today! Check out all the benefits for sponsors here.
Apr 23


Dance Summer Intensive July 7th - August 1st
Dance Summer Intensive July 7th - August 1st
Apr 22


DESA Enrollment Saturday - Enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year
Enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year is now open
Apr 16


DESA Visual Arts Student Art Show
Join us for the DESA Visual Arts Student Art Show on Friday, Apr 11, 2025, an evening celebrating the creativity
Apr 11


The Laramie Project
The Laramie Project: A Story That Must Be Told
Apr 11


Night of Ideas
Night of Ideas 2025 Is Almost Here!
Apr 6
bottom of page







