Notes from the Director, Issue 78

Dear Dewberry School of Music Family,

Please join us for our Black Artists Series this week with three stellar masterclasses/discussions: Aundi Marie Moore Vocal Masterclass (December 1st at 3 pm), Dr. Michael Nickens (December 1st at 4.30 pm), and Prof. Marcellus Brown (December 3rd at 4.30 pm). The Black Artist Series launched this fall, upholding George Mason University's mission to be an "inclusive academic community committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world."

The new series features 13 extraordinary guest artists in various formats during the current semester. From composers and conductors to singers and instrumentalists, a broad array of musical disciplines at the Dewberry School of Music are being spotlighted through this Black Artist Series.

Be sure to mark your calendar for our Dewberry School of Music Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 12 at 8 pm. We are thrilled to feature our Mason Symphony Orchestra, University Singers, Mason Chorale, Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Clarinet Choir in a virtual Holiday Concert that will uplift your spirits with holiday joy! Our Mason Music student performers and music technology area experts worked together to create a memorable and exciting virtual Holiday Concert to share with you.

Thank you for your continued support of our marvelous Mason music students and faculty. We are excited to share our special musical moments with you via live-stream and video performances during this challenging time of a global pandemic. We pray for health and safety for each of you and we give thanks for the gift of music.

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season,

Dr. Linda A. Monson, Director

Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music

Black Artist Series

Article: Mason’s School of Music Spotlights

Black Artists in New Series

Read full article here

Upcoming Concerts, Masterclasses, and Lectures

Aundi Marie Moore Vocal Masterclass

Tuesday, December 1st, 3:00 PM

Watch Masterclass

Meeting ID: 943 3450 0877

Passcode: 034062

Award Winning Soprano Aundi Marie Moore is a proud native of Chesapeake, Virginia and quickly establishing herself as one of America's leading young sopranos, receiving accolades from audience and critics alike. Past opera experiences include the Domingo-Cafritz Washington National Opera Young Artist Program, Washington National Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera.

Band Masterclass with Dr. Michael Nickens

Tuesday, December 1st, 4:30 PM

Join Discussion

Meeting ID: 949 6868 9029

Passcode: 910084

Serving as Director of Campus Life Ensembles and Collaborative Arts, and as an Associate Professor of Music, Dr. Michael W. Nickens (a.k.a. Doc Nix) is most recognized as the leader of the “Green Machine”, which in 2015 was named the #1 pep band in college basketball by the NCAA and commended by the Senate and House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, Dr. Nickens launched Mason’s fife and drum corps and WGI world-champion drumline, and oversees Mason’s winterguard. This collection of performing units, known as the “Green Machine Ensembles”, are internationally known for their thrilling, high-energy performances.

Band Masterclass with Prof. Marcellus Brown

Thursday, December 3rd, 4:30 PM

Join Discussion

Meeting ID: 949 6868 9029

Passcode: 910084

Marcellus Brown is the Director of Bands at Boise State University and conducts the University Symphonic Winds and the Treasure Valley Concert Band. Under his direction the University Symphonic Winds has been recognized as one of the outstanding large wind ensembles in the Northwest. They have presented concerts at numerous Idaho State Music Educators Conferences, the Western/Northwestern College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Regional Conference and the 2011 CBDNA National Conference held in Seattle, Washington.

Dewberry School of Music

Holiday Concert