Dear Mason Music Family,

Please join us for our Dewberry School of Music Fall 2026 Concert Series!  We invite you to purchase tickets now for our tremendous lineup of outstanding concerts this week, including our Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert on Wednesday October 21 and our Mason Jazz Ensemble Concert on Thursday October 22.  Both of these evening ticketed concerts take place in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall on the Fairfax campus.

We are pleased to welcome you to our Faculty Artist Showcase Recital on Sunday October 25 at 3 pm in our Center for the Arts Concert Hall.   This Sunday afternoon concert is free admission and features many of our incredible performance faculty in the Dewberry School of Music. 

Please take note of outstanding jazz concerts in the upcoming weeks as highlighted throughout this newsletter.  We encourage you to purchase your tickets now for our Jazz4Justice™️ 25th Anniversary Concert on Friday, November 13 in our Center for the Arts Concert Hall, with special guest conductor Provost Marian Underwood. 

We love sharing our music and eagerly look forward to greeting you as you join us for upcoming concerts, recitals, and events.   We are always grateful to our Friends of Music at Mason for your steadfast support of our music students and faculty. 

With my warmest regards,

Dr. Linda A. Monson, Director
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music

Celebrate “Beginnings and Triumphs” with the Mason Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall!

Long before he transformed the musical world with his groundbreaking symphonies, Ludwig van Beethoven introduced himself to Vienna with a remarkable debut of his first symphony. Symphony No. 1 honors the elegance and balance of the Classical tradition while revealing the bold imagination that would soon redefine it. Fresh, energetic, and full of surprises, the work offers a glimpse of a young composer poised on the threshold of greatness.

Opening the program is Verdi’s stirring Nabucco Overture, a dramatic curtain-raiser drawn from the opera that launched the composer’s international career. Filled with sweeping melodies, brilliant orchestral colors, and moments of both grandeur and lyricism, it provides a fitting introduction to an evening celebrating the beginnings of two musical giants. Together, these works illuminate the early sparks of genius that would grow into some of the most influential voices in classical music history.

Continuing this celebratory evening is Karel Butz’s Three Metallic Spires, inspired by The Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The memorial’s spires are associated with the Air Force’s three core values, “Integrity first,” “Service before self,” and “Excellence in all we do.” Bursting with an Americana and dreamy spirit, the works’ open harmonies and expansive melodic lines represent the three spires soaring triumphantly towards the heavens.

Join us for an evening of straight-ahead jazz that will also pay tribute to the life and artistry of the legendary Sonny Rollins, whose fearless creativity, boundless imagination, and lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence inspired generations of musicians around the world. Through the music of the great jazz masters, we honor a tradition that continues to embody freedom, collaboration, innovation, and the highest ideals of our shared cultural heritage.

Max Crofton, tuba
T.J. Wible, flute
Eunae Ko Han, piano
Christopher Jewell, bassoon
Fred Marcellus, trumpet
Kathy Gardiner Mulcahy, clarinet

Laura Kaufman Mowry, flute
Dennis Edelbrock, trumpet
Andrew Smith, baritone (voice)
Anna Balakerskaia, piano
Linda Apple Monson, piano

New Sound Collective presents "You are Here" on Thursday, October 29 at 8 p.m. in deLaski PAB 3001. The ensemble specializes in the performance of music by living composers and is directed by Dr. Andrea Reinkemeyer, Director of Composition. The concert is free and open to the public.

The George Mason Jazz Workshop, directed by John Kocur, explores the creative possibilities of improvisation and composition in a fresh and experimental way. Workshops are places of craft and collaboration. Join us as we pay tribute to that tradition by presenting re-arrangements of classic compositions by jazz legends Joe Henderson, Mary Lou Williams, and Wes Montgomery, alongside new jazz compositions by Dan Pugach, Chuck Israels, and Roxy Coss. This performance is free and open to the public. 

Relax with an evening celebrating the artistry and collaboration of our student woodwind chamber music groups, coordinated by Dr. Kathy Gardiner Mulcahy. This performance will feature wind chamber ensembles coached by Professor Jewell, Dr. Mikula, Professor Wible, Professor Mowry, Professor Spirtas, and Dr. Gardiner Mulcahy.

The George Mason Jazz Combos, directed by Dr. Shawn Purcell and Braddock Road Brass Band, directed by Graham Breedlove, perform their Fall 2026 concert. This performance is free and open to the public. 

Join us as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Jazz4Justice™, an award-winning partnership between George Mason University Jazz Studies and Northern Virginia's legal community. For a quarter century, Jazz4Justice™ has demonstrated the power of music to unite communities, raise awareness of the justice gap, and support access to civil legal services. Open JAM SESSION after the concert! Our special guest conductor is George Mason University Provost, Marion Underwood!

Join the Mason Percussion Ensemble on Saturday, November 14 at 11 a.m. in deLaski Performing Arts Building 3001 for their fall performance. The Percussion Ensemble is directed by Prof. John Spirtas and Dr. Kanako Chikami as they present works that include a variety of percussion instruments.

Join Dr. Darden Purcell, the Jazz Voice Studio, the award-winning Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, and very special guests, Forest Park High School’s “Platinum Vocal Jazz” (director, Lara Brittain) for an evening of swinging standards, contemporary arrangements and classic hits from the Great American Songbook.

The George Mason Jazz Combos (directed by Wade Beach) and Steel Pan Ensemble, (directed by Malika Green) perform their Fall 2026 concert.

Celebrate the legacy, creativity, and impact of the performing arts at the Performing Arts Archive Celebration, a free event highlighting the George Mason University Libraries' special performing arts collection. 

Join us for refreshments and interactive exhibits featuring highlights from the libraries’ performing arts collections, including Arena Stage materials, Gilbert and Sullivan collections, an interactive exploration of Federal Theatre Project scripts, and more. The program will continue with a plenary session featuring a Gilbert and Sullivan musical performance by Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Linda Apple Monson, director of the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, and a panel discussion with faculty and students on the essential role performing arts archival collections play in their work.

We look forward to seeing you for this unique evening of discovery, inspiration, and celebration. There is no cost for the event, but you must register to attend. Address of Mason Arlington Campus: 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22201.

The George Mason Jazz Faculty invites you to an evening celebrating the timeless music that has shaped America's rich musical heritage. Featuring beloved jazz standards, as well as original compositions and arrangements, the evening will showcase the artistry and versatility of George Mason's distinguished faculty.

The concert will also feature Jazz Combo I, one of the university's premier student ensembles. Representing the next generation of jazz artists, these outstanding musicians bring creativity, energy, and exceptional artistry to the stage.

Featuring: Wade Beach (piano), Graham Breedlove (trumpet), Geoffrey Dean (piano), Aaron Eckert (trombone), John Kocur (saxophone), Kevin McDonald (drums), Juan Megna (percussion), Xavier Perez (saxophone), Victor Provost (steel pan), Darden Purcell (voice), Shawn Purcell (guitar) and Ben Thomas (bass). 

Celebrate the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra’s 25th anniversary with a captivating evening of unforgettable music. This multimedia performance explores the shared histories of two great American institutions, jazz and flight. Last performed at the Hylton Center in 2015, To Swing Through the Sky combines elements of theatricality, dance, and stunning visuals. The performance includes songstress Darden Purcell, whose personal connection adds depth to the aviation narrative at the heart of the work. Led by Founder, Artistic Director, and virtuoso saxophonist Jim Carroll, the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra features many of the region’s finest musicians. 

Steven Blake, Trumpet, Master's Recital
Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 PM
deLaski 3001

Michael Abernathy, Percussion
Dissertation Defense
Friday, October 30 at 11:30 AM
deLaski A417M

Bhavya Panth, Flute, Non-Degree Recital
Friday, November 6 at 8:00 PM
deLaski 3001

Ashton Mattos, Voice
Senior Music Education Recital
Saturday, November 7 at 6:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Phillip Todd, Jazz Vibraphone, Senior Recital
Sunday, November 8 at 12:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Clay Cottis, Jazz Drumset, Junior Recital
Sunday, November 8 at 2:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Jacob Mendoza, Jazz Trumpet
Senior Music Education Recital
Sunday, November 8 at 5:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Judith Rautenberg, Dissertation Defense
Wednesday, November 11 at 9:00 AM
deLaski A417M

Caleb Bates, Collaborative Piano
Master's Recital
Friday, November 13 at 5:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Alyssa Sherman, Voice
Senior Music Education Recital
Saturday, November 14 at 6:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Samuel Flamenco, Voice
Senior Music Education Recital
Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Taylor Hoang, Percussion, Senior Recital
Sunday, november 15 at 5:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Lilly Smith, Percussion
Senior Music Education Recital
Sunday, November 15 at 7:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Elycia Woodham, Voice, Master's Recital
Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Megan Kyung-mee Shin, Cello
Doctoral Recital
Saturday, November 21 at 3:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Nate Casey, Saxophone, Senior Recital
Sunday, November 22 at 7:00 PM
Harris Theatre

Xolani Tsela, Cello
Senior Music Education Recital
Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00 PM
Harris Theatre

The Mason Wind Symphony is honored to present a Featured Performance at the 2026 Virginia Music Educators Association Association Professional Development Conference in Richmond, Virginia. Representing George Mason University’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, the Wind Symphony brings together outstanding student musicians in a shared pursuit of artistry, excellence, and meaningful musical expression. This special performance celebrates the vibrant community of music education across the Commonwealth while showcasing the distinctive artistry, energy, and spirit of the Mason Bands. We invite educators, students, alumni, and friends to join us for an inspiring evening of music as the Mason Wind Symphony proudly takes the VMEA stage.

Congratulations to Alumnus Bill Podolski (BM '06, BA Music '06, MEd Education Leadership '19) who received the CVPA Thomas W. Iszard IV Distinguished Alumni Award at the Celebration of Distinction Awards Ceremony on October 15.  Bill Podolski is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning music educator who has spent more than 20 years teaching musicians of all ages. For the past 18 years, Podolski has served as choral director at H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program in Arlington, Virginia.

Pictured left to right: Bill Podolski, 
Dr. Linda Monson, CVPA Dean Rick Davis 

The HBW choirs have earned a reputation for excellence, and they perform regularly in major venues and with leading arts organizations.  Highlights include the 2015 VMEA Conference, the Washington Chorus Candlelight Christmas Concert at the Kennedy Center (2016, 2018, and 2024), and performing for then-Vice President Joe Biden at the US Naval Observatory.

Podolski was honored to be Teacher of the Year in 2007 and 2017.  In 2008, he received the ACDA Southern Region Colleen Kirk Award for excellence in teaching and was one of 10 finalists for the 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award.

Respected as a leader among his peers, Podolski is a frequent adjudicator and has conducted All-County and All-District choirs throughout Virginia.   He is president-elect of the Virginia Choral Directors Association and former president of the Virginia American Choral Director Association (ACDA) chapter.

Congratulations to alumna Hannah Bage (née Cayem) MM Vocal Performance 2026 and alumnus Daniel Olenick (BM Music Education 2026) for their debut performance with the Virginia Chorale this fall.

The Virginia Chorale, a premier professional vocal ensemble, featured Brahms' “Requiem” in memory of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

Congratulations to alumnus Dr. Jacob Kohut, (MM and DMA Composition) on his world premiere The Quarter at Midnight performed by the Manassas Symphony Orchestra last weekend. Dr. Jacob Kohut is an instrumental music teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Principia College, as well as a Master of Music and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in composition from George Mason University.

 Alongside his classroom teaching, Dr. Kohut teaches bassoon and saxophone in his private studio and serves as a Sergeant in the 257th Army Band of the D.C. National Guard, performing on both instruments. As an educator, he is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where every student feels welcome and engaged. To support this, he has composed several concert-length works for his band students, writing specific parts tailored to accommodate a wide variety of skill levels. Today, his catalog includes over 80 compositions that have been performed throughout the Washington, D.C. region. 

At our annual Green and Gold Days, President Washington honored employees who have given various years of service at George Mason. Congratulations to Ellen Rizzuto, Business and Operations Manager for 10 years; Professor Jeremy Freer, Senior Associate Director of Green Machine Ensembles for 15 years; and Dr. Michael Nickens (Doc Nix), Director of Athletic Bands for 20 years of service to George Mason.  Additionally, Jeremy Freer (MM '10) received the Green Machine Ensembles Distinguished Alumni Award! Thank you for continued commitment to our Dewberry School of Music!

Do you play a brass instrument? If the answer is yes, then we want YOU to join us this fall for the Dewberry School of Music annual Brass Day event on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Brass Day will feature members of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band and is a free event open to 6th through 12th grade brass students. 

Calling all high school percussionists! Join the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music for the 2026 Mason Percussion Day on November 9 from 9:00 a.m.  to 2:30 p.m. at George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus! Spend the day learning, playing, and exploring percussion alongside Mason faculty and fellow young musicians from across the region. This FREE event is open to percussionists in grades 9–12, and all skill levels are welcome!

Our Mason Percussion faculty clinicians include:
Professor Jon Bisesi, Co-Coordinator of Percussion; Professor John Spirtas, Co-Coordinator of Percussion; Professor Jonathan Rance, Timpani; and Dr. Kanako Chikami, Marimba.

Come ready for a full day of clinics, masterclasses, ensemble experiences, and hands-on music-making designed to challenge and inspire the next generation of percussionists.
Don’t forget your stick bag and your Percussion Section Friends!
Questions? Contact Professor Jon Bisesi at jbisesi@gmu.edu