Triforce Quartet, a traditional string quartet that plays video game music from across the ages (from Mario and Zelda to Overwatch, Final Fantasy, and everything in between!), will present a riveting performance and discussion at this year’s Ovations Summer Strings Academy.

The Ovations Summer Strings Academy is a summer string orchestra and chamber music program that brings around 80 high school and middle school students to the Mason campus each year. Along with daily rehearsals and two final performances, the students participate in master classes and guest artist presentations. During this year’s program (June 25-30, 2017), the Triforce Quartet will join the students on Thursday afternoon.

Triforce Quartet performs regularly for audiences across the U.S. and internationally, and has played in front of sold out shows at PAX Prime in Seattle, PAX East in Boston; MAGFest in Washington DC, the iDIG Music Festival in Ireland and with Video Games Live! Members include Christopher Ferrara (1st Violin), Jacob Roege (2nd Violin), Stanley Beckwith (Viola) and Chad Schwartz (Cello). They released their second studio album, Ultima Phantasia, in 2016.
triforcequartet.com

 

 

The Quartet will be joined by Brandon Harris, a graduate of George Mason University in Double Bass Performance, who also received his Masters degree from the Peabody Institute and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree at Catholic University. “Brandon will be presenting a very informative lecture/discussion with the  quartet about the history of video game music,” said Ovations Co-Director and Mason Professor Glenn Dewey. “This lecture was recently presented at the Peabody Bass Works camp and was a highlight of the entire event!”

Are you a High School or Middle School string player and want to get in on the action? There is still a chance to register for the Ovations program – don’t delay, or it’s “GAME OVER”!

 

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Children ages 5-8 will experience a fun-filled introduction to the world of music at the new Music Sampler Camp, where students will have hands on experience with the piano, the guitar, the cello, the violin, and voice!

Each day, an instructor specializing in each instrument area will guide students through engaging activities and games centered around that particular instrument, providing an immersive introductory experience.

“Music Sampler is the perfect opportunity for your music-loving child to explore the diverse array of instruments available to them,” said Faculty Coordinator Claire Allen. “Furthermore, students and parents will get introduced to the instructors who also teach group classes for the Academy in the Fall and Spring.”

 

DAY ONE – PIANO
Ms. Radina Dosseva, who recently earned her Master in Piano Pedagogy degree from Mason’s School of Music, will introduce students to the piano, utilizing the Academy’s Piano Lab. Radina teaches children’s piano classes and private piano lessons at the Academy.

 

DAY TWO – GUITAR
Ms. Suzanne Dorman, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Guitar Performance, will introduce students to the guitar, with child-size guitars provided in class. Suzanne teaches guitar classes and private guitar lessons at the Academy.

 

DAY THREE – CELLO
Mr. Zachary Whitaker, who recently earned his Master in Music Performance and Pedagogy degree from Mason’s School of Music, will introduce students to the cello, with child-sized cellos provided by the Academy’s Instruments in the Attic program. Zachary teaches private cello lessons and chamber ensembles at the Academy.

 

DAY FOUR – VIOLIN
Ms. Rachel McAleer, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Pedagogy and a Master’s in Violin Performance, will introduce students to the violin, with child-sized violins provided by the Academy’s Instruments in the Attic program. Rachel teaches children’s violin classes and private violin lessons at the Academy.

 

DAY FIVE – VOICE
Mr. Jimmy Stevens, a Master in Vocal Performance candidate at George Mason University, will introduce students to their singing voice. JImmy teaches private voice lessons at the Academy. Mr. Jimmy and Ms. Radina will provide a “classroom tour” for parents/ families at the end of the day.

 

As kids (and parents) potentially identify a particular instrument of interest, information will be given about available beginner level group class offerings at the Academy in the Fall. Give your child the opportunity to explore his or her  musical tastes with the Summer Music Sampler!

 

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