Sharing Musical Stories, Bridging the Community
Patriot Violins is the intermediate/advanced violin ensemble of Mason Community Arts Academy and unites a high level of violin playing with a deep commitment to artistic growth and forming a community. In September 2019, selective individuals from our private music lesson division formed the inaugural Patriot Violins cohort. Under the direction of Teaching Artist Claire Allen, the group began their mission in bringing the joy of music to the surrounding community while connecting with each other on a personal level.
Spring 2021 Concert Series
Neighborhood Home Concert at the Gibsons
3:30 pm, Saturday, April 17
Outdoor Stage at Mason’s College of Visual & Performing Arts
5:30 pm, Sunday, April 18
Holton Plaza (Outside the Concert Hall at GMU Fairfax Campus)
4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030
The City of Fairfax Spotlight On the Arts Festival
2:00 pm, Saturday, May 1 (Rain Date: May 2)
Veteran’s Amphitheater
10455 Armstrong St., Fairfax, VA 22030
Sunrise Hunter Mill Assisted Living Community
2:00 pm, Saturday, May 15
2863 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, VA 22124
Residents only
“Patriot Violins was created with the goal of having our young violinists form a close-knit ensemble who will represent MCAA in the community. They encourage each other in their individual work and bring great energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to our rehearsals.”
—Ms. Claire Allen
Academy Violin Teaching Artist
Sharing Their Stories Through Music
The Patriot Violins is an active middle and high school student ensemble that shares the beauty of music with a larger community. With a focus on exploring vast music styles and cultures inspired by musicians around the globe, Ms. Allen carefully selects performance repertoire and encourages the group to research and discuss the historical influence behind these pieces to help develop a deeper appreciation of the artists and their pioneer works. Since being established in fall 2019, the ensemble has reached more than 2,700 audiences with a diverse selection of music highlighting famous composers, BIPOC musicians, and female artists. Past performances include:
- George Mason University’s fundraising event for the arts community Arts by George! (September 2019)
- Mason Arts Research Center Conference, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts (October 2019)
- Mason Community Arts Academy’s Recitals (December 2019, June 2020, and December 2020)
- The National Anthem performance at Mason Men’s Basketball Game (January 2020)
- Joint performance with Mason’s marching band, the Green Machine (January 2020)
- Solo and joint performance with Young People’s String Program at The Peabody Conservatory (February 2020)
“We had a wonderful time at the Peabody Conservatory. Joshua really enjoyed watching the advanced string quartet. He was writing a lot of notes on his notebook while listening and compared his thoughts with the professor’s comments. Joshua loves to be on the stage, and watching those talented students’ performance boosts his passion for music and makes him want to practice more.”
—Jinah Gwon
Patriot Violins Student Parent
Engaging in Artist Conversations
With a vision in providing training and opportunities to support serious violin students in becoming skilled musicians, Ms. Allen intentionally creates the Patriot Violins’ curriculum, activities, and performances that give the students opportunities to be in a community with other like-minded violinists. The Patriot Violins participants actively engage in conversations with artists learning a wide range of topics in techniques and performance skills, music history, violin making, and technology in performances.
“It’s always important to seek inspiration when you’re studying music, and perspectives outside of one’s own ‘bubble’ are so valuable.”
—Ms. Claire Allen
Academy Violin Teaching Artist
Interested in Joining the Patriot Violin Ensemble?
