Originally hailing from New Zealand, Jonathan has been involved in musical pursuits of one form or another since the age of four. While attending the University of Auckland where he completed studies for a Bachelor of Music (Honors), Jonathan was a regular performer with the Auckland Philharmonia.
Dr. Shawn Purcell, originally hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator based in the Washington DC region. Purcell has shared the stage, recorded with, and/or toured with Walt Weiskopf, Pat Bianchi, Regina Carter, Steve Fidyk, Chip McNeill, Sean Jones, Steve Allee, Brian Charette, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield, Lucas Pino, Peter Erskine, The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, Eddie Daniels, National Symphony Orchestra and many others.
Origin Records recording artist, Darden Purcell is a Washington DC based featured soloist with symphony orchestras, big bands and small ensembles and jazz educator. Ms. Purcell has shared the stage with top jazz artists including Maria Schneider, Christian McBride, Branford Marsalis, Terell Stafford, Joe Locke, Walt Weiskopf, Eric Alexander, Eddie Daniels, Alan Baylock, Byron Stripling, Bobby Floyd, The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, US Navy Band Commodores, Airmen of Note, US Army Blues, American Festival Pops Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra, performing nationally and internationally, including Blues Alley, Club Bonafide (NYC), The Jazz Kitchen, Blue Wisp, Bop Stop, Chris’s Jazz Café, Blue Jazz+, Con Alma, JazzB (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Aalt Stadhaus (Luxembourg), Wolf Trap and The Kennedy Center (back-up vocals for Mr. George Benson, Caroline Shaw, Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles). Dr. Purcell is the Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Voice Instructor and Director of the Downbeat Award-winning, Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble at George Mason University.
Victor Provost’s performances transcend the expectations of instrument and genre. With appearances at major venues throughout the world (including Shanghai Concert Hall, Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater, the Umbria Jazz Festival, and the Kennedy Center) he has been meticulously solidifying his reputation as a master of the Steel Pan and crafting an improvisational voice and style to be reckoned with.
Retired since 2021, Professor Emeritus Buffy Price earned her Masters from New York University and has taught for the George Mason University School of Dance since 1991. She served as Associate Chair from 2002-2003 and Chair of the Dance Department, then Director of the School of Dance from 2003-2013.
William D. (David) Porter is a retired CMSgt from The United States Air Force Band, Washington D.C. During his 24 year career there, he played tuba with The Concert Band, The Ceremonial Brass and The Symphony Orchestra.
Eric Piccione is Assistant Professor of Game Design. He has 20 years of experience developing video games for companies such as Sega, Activision and Electronic Arts. Read more...
At the age of 27, Pete Petrine saw a nine-foot self-portrait by Chuck Close which changed his life. In his senior semester, as a conflict resolution major at George Mason University, Pete took a drawing class elective and immediately changed his major to fine art.
Dr. Ina Radeva Mirtcheva is a May 2014 graduate of George Mason University with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance. She has been a piano student of Dr. Anna Balakerskia for many years. Her doctoral dissertation research focused on the life and music of Isaac Miknovsky; Dr. Linda Monson served as her dissertation advisor and mentor.
Patricia Miller is an Internationally acclaimed operatic and concert mezzo-soprano. She is also a highly respected voice teacher and Music Educator. A University Professor, artist-teacher and master class clinician, her talent and commitment to opera education has taken her all over the world.