Mason Community Arts Academy

Mason Orchestras – Non-Credit Registration

Overview

The Mason Orchestras are looking for community members to participate in their ensembles for the Fall 2026 semester.

Students will develop an understanding of major artistic works, including a consideration of how theoretical and historical insights find expression via performance. Performance of works from symphony orchestra repertoire. Note: Public concerts required.

These courses are offered by George Mason University’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music. Classes are for NON-CREDIT ONLY. This registration page should be used by non-degree seeking students and community members only. For questions, please contact Dr. Soo Han at [email protected].

Mason Symphony Orchestra

Ages: 18+

Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30–6:15 p.m.
August 24–December 16, 2026 (no class Monday, September 7 or Wednesday, November 25, 2026)

Tuition: Free!

Location: Room 3001, deLaski Performing Arts Building, George Mason Fairfax Campus

Mason Concert Orchestra

Ages: 18+

Dates: Wednesdays, 7:20–10 p.m.
August 26–December 16, 2026 (no class Wednesday, November 25, 2026)

Tuition: Free!

Location: Room 3001, deLaski Performing Arts Building, George Mason Fairfax Campus


Program Faculty

Dr. Soo Han
Orchestra Track Director and Conductor
Director of Orchestral Studies
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Dr. Soo Han is the newly appointed Director of Orchestral Studies at the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music at George Mason University. He is also the Music Director of the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Board of Directors of the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. In addition, he is a contributing editor for Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements for Strings, a D’Addario Orchestral Strings Artist, a Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician, and a program coordinator/faculty member with the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s summer Youth Orchestra program.

Prior to his appointment at George Mason University, Dr. Han served as the Director of Orchestral Studies at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Berea, Ohio. He conducted the Baldwin Wallace (BW) Symphony Orchestra, the BW Opera Theatre, and led a successful performance tour with the BW Symphony Orchestra in addition to maintaining an active conducting studio.

An active conductor, Dr. Soo Han has appeared with professional orchestras throughout the country in addition to directing university orchestras. He is a frequent conductor for All-State, Regional, and Honor Orchestras throughout the U.S., appearing in over 30 states. He has also conducted internationally with orchestras in Austria, China, Thailand, and Australia. Dr. Han has collaborated with numerous artists, groups, and conductors such as Lynn Harrell, David Kim, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He has produced multiple recordings of complete symphonies and has premiered several commissioned works for strings and full orchestras. He has presented workshops and clinics internationally and for national and state music conferences including the Australian String Teachers Conference, Maryborough National Australia Conference, Midwest Clinic, American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference, NAfME National Conference, and the Ohio University Summer String Teacher Workshop.

Dr. Soo Han is a co-author, contributor, and managing editor for Teaching Music through Performance in Orchestra, Vol. 4, one of the leading orchestra pedagogical resources published by GIA. He is the past president of the Indiana chapter of the American String Teachers Association; the Indiana chapter was awarded the ‘Most Improved Chapter’ during his time as president. Having taught music in public schools for fifteen years, he is a passionate supporter of public school music programs and continues to remain active in instrumental classrooms throughout the country.

Dr. Soo Han received his Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education degree from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and studied piano with Edward Auer. He received his Master of Science in Education from Indiana University School of Education, and his Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the Michigan State University – College of Music where he studied with Kevin Noe.