MCAA Creative Collection is a new multimedia arts enrichment initiative aimed at providing learning resources for students ages 5-18. The collection includes instructional tutorials, performance, and teaching demonstrations across the arts from music education to music performance, music technology, art education, theater education, and theater performance. MCAA Creative Collection videos are educational supplements created by students and faculty of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. A new video will be released weekly. To receive the latest MCAA Creative Collection updates, email academy@gmu.edu.
This program is made possible through the generous support of the
Patriot Violins: American Voices | Music
OVERVIEW
Enjoy a recorded performance featuring Academy’s Student Violin Ensemble, Patriot Violins. Under the direction of Ms. Claire Allen, the group presented a program of works from 20th and 21st-century American composers showcasing the diversity of compositional and performance styles in the United States. The concert was held in the Veteran’s Amphitheater as a part of Fairfax City’s Spotlight on the Arts festival in April 2021.
A Look Inside: A Composer’s Process | Music
OVERVIEW
Kitty Fields is a music composition student studying at Mason with Professor Mark Camphouse. She recently shared her composition “Air for Solo Flute Unaccompanied” at the City of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival. Fields started experimenting with storytelling through her music in high school and met her current mentor Professor Camphouse at the Music Composition Explorations summer program at the Academy. Join composer Kitty Fields as she discusses her compositional process and her work, “Air for Solo Flute Unaccompanied,” written for and performed by flutist Samantha Clarke. The flutist and composer will discuss aspects of the work, the thought process Ms. Fields went through when writing it, and suggestions/recommendations for the performer.
How to Sight Read Music | Music
OVERVIEW
In this video, Mr. Lucas Kremer discusses the topic of sight-reading and provides suggestions on how to approach the process. Sight-reading is the process of reading a new piece of music for the first time. Regular sight-reading practice can help musicians develop a stronger musical fluency and decrease monotony during practice sessions. This video is primarily geared towards middle and high school students who play any instrument! (Note: The musical excerpt in this video has been transposed for Eb Alto Saxophone.)
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Mr. Lucas Kremer is a trained saxophone performer and music teacher specialized in classical, contemporary, and jazz music. He has performed with multiple ensembles, including the United States Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, All-Virginia Symphonic Band, and the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Kremer currently studies saxophone with Professor Edward Fraedrich at George Mason University as an Instrumental Music Education student. He is the saxophone section leader in the Wind Symphony and a member of the Saxophone Quartet at Mason.
Vibrato on the Oboe | Music
OVERVIEW
In this video, Ms. Madelyn Austin teaches us how to practice vibrato when playing the oboe. This is an introduction to the basics of one way to produce vibrato by engaging certain abdominal muscles. This lesson applies to intermediate oboe players who are looking to incorporate vibrato into their practice and performance.
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Madelyn Austin is a New York state-certified teacher and a graduate conducting student under Professor Mark Camphouse. She currently studies oboe with Professor Emily Foster while performing in the Wind Symphony at Mason. Ms. Austin is a performer, conductor, and teacher as she has worked with players and students in New York, Massachusetts, and Virginia. She has taught students of all ages and believes double reeds should be accessible and fun to learn.
“Stormbreak” by Jim Casella | Music
OVERVIEW
This week’s video is a performance by MCAA Summer Percussion Academy 2020 participants. Directed by the Academy’s percussion faculty, Ben Tufts and David Singhaus, students performed a contemporary percussion ensemble piece “Stormbreak,” written by Jim Casella. The ensemble piece features numerous percussion instruments, including snare drum, shaker, marimba, bass drum, xylophone, toms, marching tenors, hi-hats, cowbell, drumset, tambourine, and bongos. The piece’s opening features nature-effect sounds and breaks into multiple rhythmic layers as more instruments are gradually added into the mix. After learning the music through live classes on zoom in only one week, students recorded their parts individually at home. This performance was edited by Scott Nurmi of MojoFactory Production, audio edited by Mr. Tufts.
Fantasia No.3 for Solo Violin by Georg Philipp Telemann | Music
OVERVIEW
This week’s video is a performance by MCAA Violin Teaching Artist, Ms. Freya Creech. Ms. Creech introduces us to the composer, Georg Philipp Telemann, and plays the first two movements of his Fantasia No. 3 for Solo Violin. We hope you enjoy!
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Freya Creech, a British/Canadian violinist, is an active soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative artist. She has performed in venture throughout the United Kingdoms and Europe and with several different orchestras and ensembles, including Grammy-nominated True Concord Voices & Orhcestra. Ms. Creech has worked intensively in a wide range of chamber ensembles, most notably as first violinist of the Lazarus String Quartet and second violinist of the Rose Quartet. A passionate advocate for music education, Ms. Creech is a violin teaching artist at the Academy and takes great joy in inspiring a new generation of musicians. She works regularly with her own class of students and is often invited to hive guest masterclasses.
Clarinet Articualtion | Music
OVERVIEW
In this video, Ms. Katie Repka teaches us about the clarinet embouchure, which is the way a clarinetist needs to shape their mouth and face to play the instrument. Through demonstration, Ms. Repka teaches this crucial skill for clarinetists of all ages. Although it is geared toward beginners, this video serves as a great refresher for anyone who plays the clarinet, no matter what level they are currently at. This lesson is insightful for current or future clarinetists or anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of the instrument!
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Katie Repka is a New York state-certified K-12 music teacher and a doctoral candidate in clarinet performance, studying with Dr. Kathleen Mulcahy. At Mason, Ms. Repka assists with the clarinet choir and studio and performs as principal clarinet of the Wind Symphony. She is a lecturer teaching undergraduate courses, such as Aural Skills II and Fundamentals of Music. Ms. Repka is a soloist who has performed at Kimmel Center, Carnegie Hall, and Hershey Theater. In 2017, Ms. Repka taught general music and clarinet in Tanzania through the Daraja Music Initiative.
Vibrato Technique on String Instruments | Music
OVERVIEW
This lesson from Ms. Elana Oleinick is about correctly producing vibrato on string instruments. Ms. Oleinick teaches us what vibrato is and gives clear instructions about the dos and don’ts of this technique. Although some of this lesson is specific to the cello, the vibrato exercise Ms. Oleinick demonstrates applies to other string instruments as well. We hope this video helps you to incorporate some vibrato into your music-making!
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Elana Oleinick is a classically trained musician and cello private lesson instructor with extensive studies in Jazz, North and South Indian Classical, Celtic, and contemporary music. Over the past 13 years, Ms. Oleinick has performed with numerous artists and chamber ensembles and published a research article, titled “Unearthing America’s Musical Treasures,” in College Orchestra Directors Association Journal 2019. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Mary Washington and is currently pursuing her Music Education Licensure at Mason. Before joining Mason, Ms. Oleinick was the Assistant Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Philharmonic Orchestra and Director of the Fredericksburg Chamber Music Initiative.
Cartoon Animation | Art
OVERVIEW
In this lesson, Ms. Lisa Eaton demonstrates how to make an animation using the app, Flipaclip. This free app can be used on smartphones and tablets to create unique animations, GIFs, and more. We hope this video inspires you to experiment with the app and make your own creations! Please note: This activity best suits sixth graders and up. Young-age students may need adult supervision.
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Lisa Eaton earned a BS in Art from James Madison University. She is currently a Master of Arts in Teaching graduate student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. She started the program in the Spring of 2020. Before raising a family of three boys, she worked as a graphic designer for companies and associations in the Washington, D.C., area. Her true passion is teaching students about big ideas in art. Ms. Eaton will graduate in December 2021 and plans to work in Fairfax County as an elementary school art educator.
Clarinet Air Support | Music
OVERVIEW
In this video, Ms. Katie Repka teaches us all about air support when playing the clarinet. Through demonstrating playing and applying useful analogies, Ms. Repka teaches us how to get the highest quality sound possible on the clarinet. This lesson applies to clarinetists of all ages as a great reminder of how we need to support our air in order to get a clear sound. Additionally, this video provides useful tools and breathing concepts to anyone who plays a wind instrument or wants to learn more about how they create sound.
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Katie Repka is a New York state-certified K-12 music teacher and a doctoral candidate in clarinet performance, studying with Dr. Kathleen Mulcahy. At Mason, Ms. Repka assists with the clarinet choir and studio and performs as principal clarinet of the Wind Symphony. She is a lecturer teaching undergraduate courses, such as Aural Skills II and Fundamentals of Music. Ms. Repka is a soloist who has performed at Kimmel Center, Carnegie Hall, and Hershey Theater. In 2017, Ms. Repka taught general music and clarinet in Tanzania through the Daraja Music Initiative.
Practice Technique: What is Chunking | Music
OVERVIEW
In this video, Ms. Elana Oleinick teaches us a very useful and effective practice technique called “chunking” to make challenging and sometimes overwhelming sections of our music more manageable. By breaking down a new piece of music into smaller segments, we can find success with less difficulty and frustration. This practice technique can be applied to any music for any instrument. We hope this video inspires you to practice your instrument using this new technique! Note: The musical examples shared in this video are in bass clef.
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Elana Oleinick is a classically trained musician and cello private lesson instructor with extensive studies in Jazz, North and South Indian Classical, Celtic, and contemporary music. Over the past 13 years, Ms. Oleinick has performed with numerous artists and chamber ensembles and published a research article, titled “Unearthing America’s Musical Treasures,” in College Orchestra Directors Association Journal 2019. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Mary Washington and is currently pursuing her Music Education Licensure at Mason. Before joining Mason, Ms. Oleinick was the Assistant Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Philharmonic Orchestra and Director of the Fredericksburg Chamber Music Initiative.
How to Work with Pastels | Art
OVERVIEW
In this video, Ms. Lisa Eaton shows us how to be creative using pastels and paper. This lesson encourages students to utilize objects found around their homes to trace circles of different sizes. Ms. Eaton talks about the cultural significance of circles and demonstrates how we can create unique, colorful circle designs at home. Please note: This activity best suits fourth graders and up. Young-age students may need adult supervision.
Materials needed: pastels, paper, and household supplies
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Lisa Eaton earned a BS in Art from James Madison University. She is currently a Master of Arts in Teaching graduate student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. She started the program in the Spring of 2020. Before raising a family of three boys, she worked as a graphic designer for companies and associations in the Washington, D.C., area. Her true passion is teaching students about big ideas in art. Ms. Eaton will graduate in December 2021 and plans to work in Fairfax County as an elementary school art educator.
The Ins and Outs of Clarinet Embouchure | Music
OVERVIEW
In this video, Ms. Katie Repka teaches us about the clarinet embouchure, which is the way a clarinetist needs to shape their mouth and face to play the instrument. Through demonstration, Ms. Repka teaches this crucial skill for clarinetists of all ages. Although it is geared toward beginners, this video serves as a great refresher for anyone who plays the clarinet, no matter what level they are currently at. This lesson is insightful for current or future clarinetists or anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of the instrument!
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Katie Repka is a New York state-certified K-12 music teacher and a doctoral candidate in clarinet performance, studying with Dr. Kathleen Mulcahy. At Mason, Ms. Repka assists with the clarinet choir and studio and performs as principal clarinet of the Wind Symphony. She is a lecturer teaching undergraduate courses, such as Aural Skills II and Fundamentals of Music. Ms. Repka is a soloist who has performed at Kimmel Center, Carnegie Hall, and Hershey Theater. In 2017, Ms. Repka taught general music and clarinet in Tanzania through the Daraja Music Initiative.
Tone Quality on String Instruments | Music
OVERVIEW
In this video, Ms. Elana Oleinick teaches us about tone and how to create the highest quality of sound on a string instrument by demonstrating on her cello. This lesson is geared toward anyone who plays a string instrument, is interested in playing a string instrument someday, or wants to learn more about how sound is created on string instruments.
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Elana Oleinick is a classically trained musician and cello private lesson instructor with extensive studies in Jazz, North and South Indian Classical, Celtic, and contemporary music. Over the past 13 years, Ms. Oleinick has performed with numerous artists and chamber ensembles and published a research article, titled “Unearthing America’s Musical Treasures,” in College Orchestra Directors Association Journal 2019. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Mary Washington and is currently pursuing her Music Education Licensure at Mason. Before joining Mason, Ms. Oleinick was the Assistant Director of the University of Mary Washington’s Philharmonic Orchestra and Director of the Fredericksburg Chamber Music Initiative.
Drawing with Markers for First Graders | Art
OVERVIEW
In this video, Ms. Lisa Eaton teaches the versatility of washable markers for any art project. Ms. Eaton demonstrates strokes that can be used to draw different types of lines and shapes and share a sample drawing she created using these techniques. Although this lesson is geared toward first graders, students of all ages can try the drawing techniques demonstrated in this video to create their own art. This lesson shows us that possibilities are endless for creativity with markers and paper at home or anywhere! Please note: This activity best suits for first graders and up. Young-age students may need adult supervision.
Materials needed: markers and paper
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Ms. Lisa Eaton earned a BS in Art from James Madison University. She is currently a Master of Arts in Teaching graduate student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. She started the program in the Spring of 2020. Before raising a family of three boys, she worked as a graphic designer for companies and associations in the Washington, D.C., area. Her true passion is teaching students about big ideas in art. Ms. Eaton will graduate in December 2021 and plans to work in Fairfax County as an elementary school art educator.
