Music alumna returns to the Center for the Arts stage with her students

For more than two decades as a high school music teacher and band director, Melissa Hall has seen a lot of student ensembles come and go—but one remains dear to her heart.  

“I've always kept a strong connection to George Mason,” said Hall, MM '05.  

It's that connection that led her back to the George Mason University’s Center for the Arts for Mason Bands' 55th anniversary “Celebrations in Motion” concert in September, bringing together alumni, students, and special guests for a night of music and memories.  

Not that Hall was really that far away. For one thing, she's currently the band director at nearby Centreville High School, where she teaches 175 students, and for another, she's never lost touch with her old ensemble.  

“When Dr. [William] Lake became director of concert bands at George Mason, I reached out about collaborating. We’ve maintained a really good relationship over the past few years.”  

That relationship led to a special invitation. “He told me about the band’s anniversary and invited me and my students to perform alongside them. I was really honored and said yes right away,” Hall recalled.  

Hall has dedicated 24 years to teaching music, starting in elementary and middle schools before taking the helm at Centreville High School in 2007.  

“I oversee the comprehensive band program, which is something I’ve worked toward over the past 19 years,” she said. Her program includes symphonic and concert bands, wind and percussion ensembles, jazz groups, chamber music, and a marching band with color guard.  

Sharing the stage with Hall and Lake were George Mason Professor Anthony Maiello and Scott Casagrande, son of the late John Casagrande, a former Mason band director.  

“Professor Maiello is the reason I came from New York to attend George Mason,” Hall said. “My high school band director introduced us, and I knew immediately I wanted to study conducting with him.”  

Performing with Scott Casagrande also held special meaning for Hall. “It was my way of paying tribute to John, who really taught me how to be a high school band director. Up until he got sick and passed away, there wasn’t a day I didn’t call him for advice,” she said.  

The Centreville Wind Ensemble performed multiple pieces including “Havana Nights” by Randall Standridge, “Breath of the Mountains” by Cait Nishimura, “Let Freedom Ring” by Ryan Nowlin, “Shenandoah” by Frank Ticheli, and “Tight Squeeze” by Alex Shapiro. Hall said the pieces that book-ended the concert both took the audience to Havana and were uniquely different in their presentation. She chose them to honor a diverse panel of composers and styles. 

Hall’s ties to the university extend beyond performance. As a member of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Association, she has hosted the statewide music assessment at George Mason for the past three years, bringing more than 1,300 students in 25 to 30 bands to campus each spring. 

The concert is part of a yearlong series celebrating Mason Bands’ legacy.  

“Throughout this school year, we’re inviting a different ensemble for each concert—three of which are led by George Mason alumni,” said Lake. “Melissa was my first ask because she was so open to connecting when I arrived at Mason.”  

“Our goal this year is to connect with our alumni who are teaching in our area and feature their outstanding work in the classroom by showcasing their performance here at the university,” Lake explained. “When they arrive, they get to see our thriving campus and see themselves in the students.”  

Students also participate in K-12 Group Tours through George Mason’s Office of Admissions.  

Despite the challenge of preparing for a concert early in the school year, Hall said the experience was unforgettable.  

“It all just came together. It was really a special night, and to be able to honor my George Mason story is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” she said.