College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Carlehr Swanson (Bachelor of Music, 2019) was crowned Miss Virginia 2024 on June 29, 2024, just months after performing a preview concert or her upcoming EP on George Mason's Fairfax Campus.

At George Mason University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Mason Wind Symphony is a testament to musical excellence and community strength. Under the guidance of Dr. William Lake, Jr., this ensemble, composed primarily of music majors, is one of the highest levels of artistry and dedication within the School of Music. Students assigned to this ensemble are chosen through a screen audition process that sets a standard for excellence throughout the performance season.

For the second year in a row, Mason's own Green Machine Ensembles performed for delighted locals at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, an event where roughly 40,000 guests were welcomed throughout the day's festivities.

The GRAMMY Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble debuted their newest program, Uplifted Voices, at the Center for the Arts on January 29, launching their multi-year participation as a Mason Artist-in-Residence. Championing women and non-binary members of the Silkroad Ensemble, alongside special guest Tuscarora/Taíno musician Pura Fé, Uplifted Voices featured a musical tapestry connecting the sounds and rhythms of indigenous North America to the World. Silkroad Ensemble’s radical cultural collaboration seeks to build bridges of understanding to combat fear and build a more hopeful and inclusive world.

Renowned for her sensitive artistry, vivid tonal palette, and expressive musicality, Dr. GaYoung Lee has established herself as a highly sought-after solo and collaborative pianist on prominent stages worldwide. Her ability to seamlessly integrate and elevate musical synergy with fellow musicians has earned her acclaim in solo recitals, chamber music, and vocal collaborations.

Classical guitarist Vincent Muscarella performs along the east coast of the United States and in Canada as a soloist, chamber musician, and ensemble member. Vincent performs in a variety of settings including symposiums, conferences, festivals, music venues, recital and concert halls, and theaters.

Sonja Phillips-Thomas is a film and music double major in Mason's College of Visual and Performing Arts and is doing big things in the storytelling world.

This summer Mason seniors Mirella Guzman-Escobar and Jacques Lykes are interning in the office of the House Creative Services, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at the U.S. House of Representatives.

Dear CVPA Community,
 
I am so very sorry to be writing to you today with such sad news.  Our wonderful friend, tireless advocate, and generous supporter of the arts at Mason (and so many other important things), Sid Dewberry, has left us.  He passed away on Saturday, July 16, at the age of 94. 

The Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music were pleased to host a symposium for scholars, performers, and educators on June 23-24 called: Performing Early Black American Music.