Dear Dewberry School of Music Family,

We invite you to join us this Saturday, May 8th at 8:00 pm for "A Song of Freedom" virtual concert featuring world premieres by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton and Michael W. Nickens. This magnificent concert is a true collaboration across our Dewberry School of Music and is a celebratory finale to an unparalleled year. I am so proud of the performances by our students and honored for the opportunity for the Dewberry School of Music to commission two amazing compositions. Showcasing our student ensembles, this "Song of Freedom" concert highlights students from the Mason Symphony Orchestra, University Choirs, Wind Symphony, Green Machine, Trombone Choir, Percussion Ensemble, and Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble.

Please also join our Friends of Music at Mason and our Dewberry School of Music faculty and students for a pre-concert discussion and celebratory reception at 7:15 pm this Saturday. We look forward to celebrating "A Song of Freedom" with you!

Warmest regards,

Dr. Linda A. Monson, Director

Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music

The Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music closes the semester with a program that celebrates unity and resilience in the face of division and uncertainty. The concert showcases works by Black composers and/or inspired by the African-American experience. The program features two world premieres commissioned by the Dewberry School of Music from renowned composer Evelyn Simpson-Curenton and Mason’s own Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Green Machine Ensembles Michael W. Nickens (Doc Nix). 

Simpson-Curenton’s world premiere of Passages will feature current students from across the University Choirs, and a guest appearance by School of Music alumna Metropolitan Opera singer Aundi Marie Moore. Under the direction of the Director of Choral Studies, Stanley Engebretson, Passages, is a moving choral work that powerfully proclaims, “Sing a song of freedom.” 

Nickens’ original work, titled The Orator, The Abolitionist, The Man: Frederick Douglass is based on the 1893 biography written by his great-great grandfather James Monroe Gregory, a contemporary of Douglass. His piece features Mason Wind Symphony, members of the Green Machine, and spoken word narration by himself which is solely derived from the biography and Douglass’ speeches. 

Registration for the event is not required, but if you register you will be sent a reminder with details for how to watch prior to the event. Register now.

View the full recital calendar here!

Our Mason Flute Choir, directed by Prof. Julianna Nickel, recently met for a socially-distant recording session of Ian Clarke's piece Within. Watch the full performance by clicking the image above or clicking this link!

Mason Music alumna Dr. LaToya Webb (MM Conducting) has recently joined the faculty of the Butler School of Music at UT Austin as the Assistant Director of the Longhorn Band and Assistant Professor of Practice in Conducting! Dr. Webb is an active presenter and writer on topics of bias, diversity, equity, and inclusion in music education. She has appeared as a speaker at meetings of NAfME, the College Music Society, and the Midwest Clinic.