Fresh off our first fully in-person summer since 2019, MCAA proudly presented 108 programs and welcomed 1580 community members of all ages to campus. Classes were taught by Mason faculty, alumni, graduate and undergraduate students, teachers from the surrounding school systems and from around the country, esteemed guest artists, and graduates of our Academy programs in all disciplines. We now turn our attention to the fall group and private music session, which begins on August 29th!
As many of you know, Libby Curtis retired at the end of July, after 14 years of exemplary leadership. We want to thank everyone who has contributed to the Elizabeth Curtis Excellence Fund for the Mason Community Arts Academy, allowing us to provide scholarship assistance for students who might not otherwise have access to arts education. We wish Libby and her husband Mark Camphouse well as they make their new home in Delaware.
During this time of transition, we’re excited to update you on our staff structure, so you can get to know our amazing team and all that they do!
We are thrilled to welcome back Matt Geske in his new role as our Operations Manager. A member of the Academy’s original administrative staff, Matt oversees HR, purchasing, facilities, and development.
Ariel Williams joins us as our Assistant Coordinator of Programs & Operations. Ariel has worked with the Academy since 2017 as a saxophone instructor and onsite coordinator for our summer programs, and we are thrilled to welcome her aboard full-time. Ariel earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Mason’s Sid and Reva Family School of Music, and recently completed her Master’s of Music Performance from University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She will lend her support and expertise in all areas of the Academy.
Kaity Ormesher steps into an expanded position as Outreach & Theater Program Manager. Kaity has worked with Acting for Young People since 2009, and now manages the daily operations of our Academy theater programs and outreach efforts.
Regina Schneider, one of our most recent staff additions, is our Marketing & Communications Coordinator. Regina joined the Academy staff in March 2022 and oversees marketing, written communications, our website, advertising, social media, and more.
Our Private Music Instruction Coordinator, Morgan Johnson, manages over 300 lessons each week, and is a wonderful resource for our faculty, students, and families.
Last but certainly not least, our Director of Programs, Alaina Santos, did a beautiful job managing the details for all of our recent summer offerings, and has already been hard at work on program plans for Fall and beyond.
Rounding out this incredible team are our part time administrative staff, including Samantha Clarke, Lucas Kremer, Danae Powers, Sylvia Li, Yiming Yang, Kathleen West, Dawn Matthews, Sophia Inserra, and longtime Academy staff member Candy Neukam, who will join us for special projects.
On behalf of all of us, we look forward to seeing our students and their families soon for lessons and classes, and we truly appreciate your support of the Academy.
Warm Regards,
Mary Lechter
Executive Director, Mason Community Arts Academy