The Academy’s Violin Ensemble is kicking off their winter break with a special concert at the City of Fairfax Regional Library. Violin students from the studios of Claire Allen, Rachel Holloway, and Caitlin Renner will perform holiday and winter-themed music for the community!
WHAT: “Violin Concert: Music Celebrating the Holiday Season”
WHEN: Saturday, December 21, 2019 | 1 p.m.
WHERE: City of Fairfax Regional Library See Map
COST: FREE
Mason Community Arts Academy music students showcased their talents at Arts by George!, the biggest fundraising event for the arts community at George Mason University, on Saturday, September 28. More than 1,000 community guests and business partners attended this annual celebration, which was organized by the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
The showcases took place between 5-7:30 p.m. in the deLaski Performing Arts Building, featuring dozens of exhibitions and performances in music, theater, dance, film and video, visual art, and computer games. The performers and exhibitors included Mason Community Arts Academy, the Green Machine, and the college’s seven academic disciplines.
“It was a joy to watch our Academy students perform for the Arts By George! guests again this year and represent us so beautifully!” said Mary Lechter, Associate Director of the Academy, who directed the Saturday’s performances. “This opportunity helps build their confidence as performers and gives our community members a chance to see the strong work that the Academy does.”
Twenty-three students and their families represented the Academy to provide our guests with an incredible night of music. Leading by Teaching Artist Caitlin Renner, eight young violinists kicked off the celebration with a selection of pieces from the first volume of the “Suzuki Violin School.” Patriot Violins, the new intermediate violin ensemble, presented a diverse selection of music including works by Bartok and “Dear Theodosia” from the musical “Hamilton” to the audience. Student pianist Chloe Lewis performed a solo piece while the guests were bidding on items in the silent auction. Lastly, the Wolfe family concluded the evening with a performance of the original song “The Distant Shore” and Celtic folk songs.
We are grateful to our staff and faculty for their help coordinating and representing the Academy, and a special thank you to our students and their families who devoted their time to support art education and enrichment among the community. The benefit raised more than $200,000 for student scholarships and community arts programs throughout the University arts programs.
“Last year, we were fortunate to receive scholarship funds from the event, which has been incredibly helpful in our support of young artists who might not otherwise be able to attend classes, camps, or lessons,” said Lechter. “We are always grateful for the chance to take part in Arts By George! and contribute to the presentations of student work.”
Students who want to pursue college degrees in music will have the opportunity to meet Mason’s School of Music faculty and students during the annual Shadow Days on November 4 and 5.
Opens to all students regardless of the age, the Shadow Days provide prospective students and their families the opportunity to experience a day as a Mason music student. Participants will spend a day attending classes, taking part in ensemble rehearsals, and touring the School of Music facilities led by Mason’s music ambassadors. Parents and interested students will also meet faculty and current students to learn about the audition process, life as a music student, campus involvement, and future career pathways. To register or learn more about the Shadow Days, visit https://music.gmu.edu/visit-us/shadow-days/
Students who are interested in music performance degrees for horns, trumpets, tubas or euphonium may also attend a preview day to meet Mason’s brass faculty and notable guest artists. The day includes performances, masterclasses, clinics, and music vendors. These events are free and open to the public. Interested prospective students and families must register before the event. The preview days are:
Recognized nationally and internationally for its high-quality programs, George Mason University School of Music offers a variety of degree programs from music performance to music education, music technology, jazz studies, and composition. Admitted students will study with top-ranking faculty who are active performers, researchers, or educators. For more information on specific music degrees or admission process, visit https://music.gmu.edu/.
George Mason University’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music has announced the 2019-20 audition days for students who are interested in or have been accepted to the university. The 2019-20 audition dates are:
To be accepted into Mason’s music programs, prospective students must complete an audition for the School of Music in one of six categories: vocal; jazz studies (instrumental and vocal); winds, brass, strings, and keyboard; percussion; composition; and music technology. To register for an audition or learn more about the application process and requirements, visit: https://music.gmu.edu/auditions/undergraduate-auditions/
Interested high school students and their families may also attend a shadow day on November 4 or 5 to experience a day as a Mason music student and to meet faculty and admission ambassadors for questions. To learn more about the shadow days, visit: https://music.gmu.edu/visit-us/shadow-days/
