Overview
The Children’s Choir camp at George Mason University is for singers and music lovers in rising grades 1–8. Under the guidance and direction of skilled music educators, students will dive into an exciting week of singing, dancing, and creativity all while making new friends. Throughout the week, students will sing together in a collaborative, children’s choir ensemble, divided by ages; explore new ways to learn how to read and write music; experience music from around the world; and create instruments and artwork.
By the end of the week, students will present a Final Showcase for family and friends to attend.
Course Objectives
- An immersive experience for children who want to further pursue their passion for singing
- Explore personal growth as a singer, rehearsal and performance skills, and the development of healthy vocal technique and musicianship skills to further develop their music literacy
- Celebrate the joy of music making through rehearsals, team building activities, creative movement, and singing games and folk dances from around the world
- Work with master Kodàly-inspired teachers and conductors
Sample Daily Schedule
- 9 a.m. Welcome activity
- 9:30 a.m. Rehearsal
- 10:15 a.m. Snack break
- 10:30 a.m. Special guests and small group activities
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
- 1 p.m. Rehearsal
- 2 p.m. Special guests and small group activities
- 3 p.m. Rehearsal and wrap-up
Video by Kodály Program Director, Beth Anne Young
Program Details
Ages: Rising grades 1–8
Dates: July 6–10, 2026
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuition: $495
Location: George Mason Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building
Program Faculty
Michelle McCarten
Conductor
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Michelle McCarten teaches general music and chorus at Daniels Run Elementary School in Fairfax, VA. She also is the Director of Youth Education and Lyric Choir director at Fairfax Chorus Society. Originally from Falls Church, VA, she has also taught early childhood and elementary music in New York, Connecticut, Montana & Washington D.C.
Miss McCarten holds a Bachelor & Master degrees in Music Education from Indiana University and The University of Hartford. She is certified in the Kodály and Orff Schulwerk approaches to music education and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Miss McCarten is dedicated to teaching music literacy and vocal development through general and choral music programs.
Miranda Lansberry
Conductor
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Miranda Lansberry is the choral director at Justice High School in Falls Church, VA and directs the Concert Choir with the Fairfax Choral Society. Mrs. Lansberry also teaches musicianship class for the Fairfax Choral Society.
Mrs. Lansberry is passionate about teaching choir using the Kodaly method. She is a certified Kodaly teacher through George Mason, as well as Conversational Solfege. She is a past president of Virginia Organization of Kodaly Educators.
Nicole Anderson-Morgan
Conductor
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Nicole Anderson-Morgan teaches music at Mason Crest Elementary School in Annandale, VA. Nicole attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both undergrad and graduate school. She holds a Bachelors of Music and a Masters of Arts in Teaching. Over her twenty year teaching career she has taught at every grade level from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in New York City, District of Columbia Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. Nicole received her Orff Schulwerk and Kodály certifications from George Mason University.
Beth Anne Young
Program Director
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Beth Anne Young, is a Choral and Classroom Music Specialist. Recently retired from the public schools, she was a middle school choral and classroom music specialist for the majority of her teaching career. Beth Anne is currently the Choral Director at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island Beth Anne worked at the Longy School of Music as a Choral Methods Instructor and as a Supervisor of Student Teachers in the Master of Music Education Program. Beth Anne is the Director and Choral Studies Instructor for the Kodály Levels Program at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
She has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania and a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in Choral Conducting. She completed both her Orff and Kodály Certification at George Mason. Beth Anne has presented workshops about the Kodály- Inspired Choral Setting at MMEA, and at Regional and National OAKE Conferences. She currently serves on the OAKE Teacher Education Committee and is on the Executive Board of BAKE (Boston Area Kodály Educators) serving as the Treasurer.
Notes
- Please note that group classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not reached.
- Be sure to check our policies and procedures regarding registration, withdrawals, refunds, and more for summer group classes.
- All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least one week before the class starts with all necessary details.
- Tuition can be paid in full or split into a two-payment installment plan for a one-time $10 fee. Half of the total tuition is due at the time of registration with the remaining balance automatically charged on May 1. Registrations processed after May 1 require full tuition payment upfront. All registrations are subject to a $3.00 processing fee per receipt.
- Limited scholarship funds are available for families in need of financial assistance. To apply, please visit: https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/about-us/financial-aid/. For families in need of extended payment plan installment options, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For additional information, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For-credit programs only: A tuition refund minus a $125 cancelation fee will be given provided that notice is received by the Mason Community Arts Academy no later than one week before the program start date. No refunds will be granted after this date.