Dewberry School of Music

Christina Ortiz is the newly appointed Recruitment and Auditions Coordinator of the Dewberry School of Music of George Mason University. Christina earned her MM degree in Vocal Performance from George Mason University and a BM degree from Texas State University in Music Education with a Kodály certification.

Praised by the Pizzicato Magazine as “enchanting,” Taylor Ann Fleshman is an award-winning soloist and active ensemble performer with a diverse performance history. Prof. Fleshman performed the world premiere of Mosolov’s Harp Concerto with the Moscow Symphony Orchestra in Russia and recorded the work with Naxos Records in 2019

Katie Franke, tenor trombonist, is the newly appointed adjunct applied trombone professor of George Mason University’s Dewberry School of Music, effective Fall 2024 semester. In October 2023, Katie Franke commenced her role as the first-ever female trombonist and low brass player in the history of the “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. As a member of “The President’s Own,” she regularly performs at ceremonies and concerts at the White House, as well as around the D.C. area and throughout the United States.

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.

Internationally celebrated pianist, scholar, and devoted champion of Frédéric Chopin, Brian Ganz partnered with the National Philharmonic in 2011 on a multi-year performance project striving to perform Chopin’s entire catalogue. On May 4, Ganz performs Romantic Revolutionary which includes Chopin études from Op. 25 and Op. 10, Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23, and Scherzo No. 2, Op. 31 in D-flat major.

A group of George Mason University mechanical engineering students are building a motorized Vitruvian man for a Center for the Arts (CFA) performance of "Flying to the Stars," a choral concert dedicated to the beginnings of flight from the time of Leonardo da Vinci to the exploration of space. 

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.

Dedicated to performing every note ever composed by Frédéric Chopin, the internationally celebrated pianist Brian Ganz continues his quest in "Romantic Revolutionary" at the Center for the Arts on May 4. Maryland Theatre Guide notes that when attending a concert by Brian Ganz, audience members are sure to be enraptured by “one of the foremost pianists of his generation.”

At George Mason University Dewberry School of Music, the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, directed by Dr. Darden Purcell, has notably marked the past year with accolades that spotlight not just their musical aptitude but the inclusive spirit that defines the university.