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Music

Music Intensives Bring Esteemed Artists Online

This summer, aspiring young musicians ages 13-18 will connect with world-class musicians and performers for a week of challenging programs and diverse artistic activities during the Academy’s Summer Music Intensives, which will be held online from June 15-19.

In collaboration with George Mason University’s School of Music, the Music Intensive offers the following camps:

 

 

“We’ve all the words to describe the times we are in right now: unprecedented, new-reality, social distancing, isolation, solidarity, bravery, fist bump, and virtual,” said Julianna Nickel, director of the Summer Flute Academy. “Many of us experienced upheaval and sadness as our worlds changed in a matter of days. I’ve watched musicians and other artists give citizens of the world many gifts. Musicians have embraced the challenges of online musical communication, and while they all wait to return to live performing, teaching, and other forms of interacting, musicians knew right away that expressions of art were still needed and vital to society.”

Young musicians and band/orchestra members will immerse themselves in an exciting and dynamic week of musical learning with outstanding Mason School of Music faculty and the Academy’s teaching artists through live-streamed classes, individualized and group learning, and one-on-one coachings.

 

 

Each camp offers a unique set of curriculum and topics that will elevate the students’ technique and musicality. Students will improve their fundamental skills through live-streamed classes and craft their ensemble and solo performances through private lessons and ensemble sessions. While forming friendships across the country, students will meet a diverse group of guest artists ranging from national and international acclaimed solo artists, principal players from professional orchestras, and award-winning U.S. military band musicians for clinics, technique workshops, guest performance, and masterclasses.

“We at the Mason Summer Clarinet Academy are excited that this year’s program is online!” said Catina Franklin Sweedy, co-director of the Summer Clarinet Academy and founder of The Clarinet Project. “We are offering a wide variety of classes online, such as making an ensemble video; interactive group technique classes; private lessons with me and Mason professor Dr. Kathy Mulcahy; clarinet Q&A with Principal Clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra Ricardo Morales; jazz clarinet clinic with award-winning jazz and Klezmer clarinetist Seth Kibel; Armenian clarinet-playing clinic with U.S. Air Force Band Clarinetist Ani Berberian; clarinet maintenance clinic with clarinet repair technician Wes Rice; and performances and Q&A session with clarinetists Martin Gold, Kenji Bellavigna, and Chaz Sonoda from the U.S. Army Band.”

“The theme of this year’s Summer Flute Academy week is: inspiration,” said Mason School fo Music Professor Julianna Nickel. “We all need to move forward with our lives in some fashion during this unique time in history. I have put together an amazing group of guest artists and flute topics to help bring inspiration to flutists attending this first-ever virtual academy. Although an in-person academy is not possible right now, the needs of humans are the same. Musicians, including young musicians, need and want to continue creating and finding sources of inspiration. I know the Summer Flute Academy will bring us together in a unique experience necessary for these times. Let us create us together.”

“I love that the camp provided multiple opportunities to perform and the amazing faculty and staff,” said a participant of Summer Flute Academy 2019. “The guest artists that came in every day taught us new things about the flute that we never knew before. It was very interesting!”

 

 

Composition students will learn the rich literature of composition from the Renaissance to the present with emphasis on music creativity throughout the time. Topics include elements of music theory, history, and development of intelligent listening. While honing the fundamental skills needed for musical composition, students will expand their knowledge of melodic construction, harmony, and counterpoint during group exercises and individual projects. 

“My favorite thing about the class is seeing students grow during a remarkably brief period and to gain confidence with their creative gifts,” said Mason School of Music Professor Mark Camphouse, who has directed the Music Composition Explorations Workshop for the past eight summers. “It is always gratifying to see the rate of improvement with students who are sometimes less advanced but end up having some very special things to say in class discussions and in the development and improvement of their composing skills.”

 

 

The Music Recording Studio will introduce techniques and instructions on recording from home. Students will learn to record, mix, and produce their original music from their home studio. Music artist and Mason faculty Dr. Andrew Cote and songwriter Thom Routon will help students to navigate through the process of mixing vocals and instrumental tracks.

Students who are pursuing music education or music performance should also look forward to workshops on audition techniques, instrument caring, and career development. Students will hear guest artists sharing their musical journey and learn tips on how to create personal branding.

All camps are open for registration online. To register or learn more about each camp’s details, including daily schedule and technology requirements, please select the instrument types or program names:

Clarinet  |  Flute  |  French Horn  |  Percussion  |  Music Composition  |  Music Recording

 

 

Full Camp List

The Academy will be closed for Spring Break beginning Monday, March 25 and will re-open on Monday, April 1. We will be operating with limited hours. For any urgent requests, please call 703-993-9889.

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