Mason Community Arts Academy

Summer Filmscoring Workshop

Overview

For musically advanced high school students, this film scoring summer camp consists of composition activities for students interested in scoring film, TV, and other media. Students will engage in group listening sessions and daily one-on-one review sessions. By the end of the camp week, students will have an understanding of composing a theme for a character, developing a theme melodically, harmonically, and instrumentally, synchronizing music to media, conducting a scoring session, orchestration techniques, and the software used today in George Mason University’s professional production studio. The week will culminate in a final presentation of student work.

What you should know to take this workshop: Basic understanding of treble and bass clef, experience playing an instrument, basic understanding of music theory (scales, key signatures, time signatures). Participants are encouraged to bring in pieces they are currently working on, although it is not required.

Space is limited. Early registration is recommended.

Course Objectives

  • Proficient knowledge of historical film composers and films  
  • Proficient Knowledge of film orchestration techniques and sample libraries  
  • Development of film scoring reel 
  • Proficient knowledge of the business and job opportunities in film scoring  
  • Proficient knowledge of the technology of film scoring (Logic Pro, Sibelius, etc.)  

Sample Daily Schedule

  • 9–9:15 a.m. Introduction 
  • 9:15-10:15 a.m. Film Music History 
  • 10:15-10:30 a.m. Break 
  • 10:30 am to noon Film Music Orchestration 
  • Noon to 1 p.m. Lunch  
  • 1–2 p.m. Transition to the Profession 
  • 2–3:45 p.m. Composing Time 
  • 4 p.m. Dismissal 

Program Details

Ages: 13–18

Dates: July 28–August 1, 2025
9 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Tuition: $490

Location: George Mason University Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building

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Program Faculty

Calvin Evans, Jr.

Instructor
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Calvin Duane Evans Jr. is an honors graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Master’s Degree in Teaching. During his time at Hampton University, Calvin sharpened his compositional skills as a member of The Hampton University Concert Band, Hampton University Saxophone Section, and Hampton Roads Flute Choir. Upon graduation, he established himself as a highly proficient composer for Visual Media, Symphonic Band, Small Ensemble, and Jazz Band.

Calvin holds a Master’s in Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in Film Music Composition from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC. There he composed original music for multiple student films, television pitch ideas, and commercials. Outside of his school work, he composed jazz ensemble literature for the Alamance County Jazz Band and film-like scores for Decode Detroit Escape Rooms.

Calvin is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Music Composition program at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. He was awarded the 2021 Presidential Scholarship at George Mason University which will support him for several years in order to investigate the forgotten history of black film composers. During his free time, Calvin enjoys playing soccer and tennis, watching movies with his dog Aria, and spending time with his wife.

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.
  • 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.