Categories
Music

Kodály Program Aims To Change Your Music Teaching Forever

The Kodály Certificate program at Mason empowers K-12 music teachers to use folk music, games, and fun to teach music literacy and raise classroom engagement. Start with Kodály Level I this summer, July 15-26, 2019, or continue with Levels II or III to pursue your Kodály Certificate through our Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) endorsed program.

Directed by Kodály specialist Robbin Marcus, the program takes place in Mason’s School of Music on the Mason Fairfax campus in Fairfax, VA (part of the Washington, DC Metro area). Through an arrangement with the School of Music and the Mason Community Arts Academy, participants can enroll as Non-Credit (still Certificate eligible) or For-Credit (earning Graduate credit through Mason).

“Teachers can expect to improve their own musicianship skills, learn lots of great songs and games to take back to their classrooms, and begin to understand how to sequence their lesson plans for ease in planning,” explained Ms. Marcus. “I enjoy watching our participants really start to get it, and witness them begin to understand how all the different courses fit together like pieces of a puzzle.”

 

SoM Masters Hybrid Orff Kodaly Program

 

“Last year, two of our For-Credit students presented me with an electronic copy of all of their work in creating a song collection which was about 5 times the size of the average student’s final collection,” recalled Ms. Marcus. “It was some of the most exceptional work I have ever seen, and I am extremely proud to have been their teacher and their inspiration!”

On the final Friday, along with the concert performance, there will be a special ceremony honoring recently retired Kodály faculty members, Ivy Rawlins Ward and Vicki Dohrmann. All alumni are invited to attend! Plans are also in the works for an after-hours social for all participants, along with local Kodály and Orff teachers, to get together, do some folk dancing, and share together. We are excited to announce that Mason will be hosting the OAKE Eastern Division Fall Tune-Up in October, and details will be shared at the Friday event as well.

 

Kodaly workshop 2019 flier

 

For those who have already completed all 3 Kodály Levels and/or are looking for complimentary or enhanced music educator experiences, our Supplementals week, July 8-12, is just for you! This summer, Brush Up Your Kodály will feature a pedagogy segment examining the Practice period. Students will be making manipulatives and sharing ideas with Ginger Albertson and Beth Anne Young for ways to jazz up all areas of the curriculum during this period. Robbin Marcus will also be bringing Alexander Technique for Music Teachers back by popular demand!

For a limited time, registrants can also sign up for on-campus Housing, for convenient and affordable lodging during their time in the program.

 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

DOWNLOAD FLIER (Spread the word!)

 

Categories
Events Music

Spotlight On The Arts Music Recital – Sunday, April 28th

Every spring, Fairfax City hosts their Spotlight on the Arts festival, and the Academy will once again take part by presenting a special student/ faculty music recital titled “Harmony in Diversity” on Sunday, April 28th. Upgrade your weekend and enjoy the free performance!

WHAT: Spotlight on the Arts Faculty/ Student Music Recital, “Harmony in Diversity”
WHEN: Sunday, April 28, 2019  2PM-4PM
WHERE: Old Town Hall in Fairfax City     See Map
COST: FREE

Join us for a joyous Sunday afternoon of great music, featuring select students and faculty from Mason Community Arts Academy, with repertoire representing under-recognized and under-performed composers, including works by female composers and composers of color.

Light refreshments will be served following the program. Call 703-993-9889 with any questions.

 

Spotlight Music Recital Flier 2019

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS FESTIVAL

 

A very special thanks to City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts for their invaluable support of our programs and mission.

City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts logo

 

Categories
Events Music

Raising Voices Opera Showcase – April 7th

Don’t miss a dynamic showcase of Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists and George Mason University’s Opera and Vocal Studies Program at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 7th – FREE for kids/teens! Join us for a thrilling program of opera, operetta, musical theater arias, ensembles, and scenes.

WHAT: Raising Voices Opera Showcase
WHEN: Sunday, April 7th, 4PM
WHERE: Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas   Get Directions
COST: Free to kids/teens (up to 2 tickets). Adults $20. (Adult companion required for students grades 9 and under)

 

 

Enjoy the breathtaking scope and talent of these young artists on the stage of the beautiful (and acoustically brilliant) Merchant Hall as they prepare to blossom on the international stage!

 

Raising Voices Opera Showcase flier

 

GET FULL DETAILS

 

Categories
Events Music

College Music Audition Workshop – March 30th

Presented by Mason’s School of Music, this free event is designed for high school sophomores and juniors to experience what it’s like to audition for college! Commonly referred to as mock or practice auditions, this day will include a panel discussion with Mason music ambassadors, academic information sessions, and opportunities to interact with Mason students and faculty.

WHAT: College Music Audition Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 2019 – 9 AM
WHERE: de Laski Performing Arts Building, Mason Fairfax Campus     See Map
COST: FREE
PARKING:
Free parking available in Parking Lot K or paid parking in Mason Pond Parking Deck

 

Music Audition Workshop Flier

 

Highlights of the day include:

  • Strategy to deal with performance anxiety and nerves during auditions.
  • Selecting audition music, what are the professors listening for?
  • How to balance your course load in college.
  • Careers beyond teaching and performing – having a 21st career in music.

 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

Categories
Community Outreach Events Music

Honors Music Recitals – Sunday, March 17th

As part of our annual Spring Music Competition, a group of higher scoring participants has been selected to perform in one of two very special Honors Recitals, taking place on Sunday, March 17th in Harris Theatre on the Mason Fairfax campus. Come and join us for a delightful afternoon of performances!

WHAT: Spring Competition Honors Recitals 2019
WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 2019 – 1PM and 3PM
WHERE: Harris Theatre, Mason Fairfax Campus     See Map
PARKING: You can park in Lot K for free or the Mason Pond Parking Deck for $8
COST: FREE and open to the public

Over 90 Competition participants (both Academy and non-Academy music students) sent in Audition videos in January, which were then adjudicated by Mason School of Music professors, who provided scoring and comments.  The score sheets and valuable feedback commentary were given to the particpants’ music teachers to review in their next music lesson. The highest scoring participants from the four age divisions (Elementary, Middle School, High School and Adult Amateur) were then selected to perform in the recitals.

The Competition also serves as an important fundraiser. Proceeds from the application and recital fees will go to support the Academy’s scholarship and outreach programs, helping to provide access to quality arts education experiences to all members of the community.

Come and show your support for these up-and-coming musicians, and listen to a wonderful array of music styles and instrumentation!

 

Learn more about our Spring Music Competition