The Contemporary Directions Ensemble performs works by Alyssa Morris, Julia Perry, Jennifer Higdon, and Schoenberg.

Jayce Ogren, conductor
Roshanne Etezady, artistic advisor

This ensemble, composed exclusively of graduate music students, performs contemporary classical music in a variety of instrumentations, from solo works to chamber orchestra. The CDE frequently commissions and performs new works and hosts renowned guest artists and composer residencies.