Jazz Voice

 


The Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble - Fall 2014 (Photo by Laila Sanie)

JAZZ VOICE

Jazz Vocal Performance is the newest area of the Jazz Studies Department and is one of three (3) areas of degree emphasis at George Mason University.   
 
DEGREES
Minor of Music - Jazz Studies (Jazz Voice) 
Bachelor of Music - Jazz Studies (Jazz Voice)
Master of Music - Jazz Studies (Jazz Voice)
 
Within the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, students particpate in private applied voice lessons,  master classes, recitals, jazz ensembles and the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble.  Vocalists pursuing Jazz Studies degrees study the traditions and techniques of vocal jazz performance (both solo and group), jazz aural and keyboard skills, jazz theory and arranging, as well as courses in jazz history. In addition to jazz courses and ensembles, undergraduates must satisfy School of Music and University Core requirements.  
 
JAZZ VOICE ENSEMBLES
Jazz Vocal Ensemble - premiere jazz vocal choir with rhythm section
Jazz Ensemble - big band soloist
Jazz Workshop - big band soloist
Jazz Combos - small group soloist
Traditional Jazz Ensemble - soloist
Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble - soloist

Participation in big bands, small groups and the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble is open to any George Mason University student (regardless of major), on the basis of a live audition, held at the beginning of each semester. 

CONCERTS - SPRING 2015
Wednesday, March 4th - National Anthem at MBB game, George Washington (Patriot Center, 7pm)
Saturday, April 25th - Go Green Gala (Mason Arlington Campus, 6pm) 
Thursday, April 30th - International Jazz Day (Hylton Performing Arts Center, 8pm) 
Friday, May 1st - National Anthem at Law Day (Weiner, Spivey and Miller law offices, 4pm) 
Monday, May 4th - Mason Jazz Vocal Night (Harris Theatre, 8pm) 

SPRING 2015 JAZZ ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS

Jazz Ensembles are open to all university students (instrumentalists and vocalists) regardless of major, based on a live audition. Students may audition for placement in big bands, combos, Afro-Cuban ensemble and the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble.  

Auditions will take place Tuesday, January 20th (2pm - 5pm) and Wednesday, January 21 (10am - 5:30pm) in PAB 336.  

VOCALISTS:  Sing one song of your choice (jazz preferred), sight-read a brief excerpt of a solo musical line and sing a brief tonal melody test.  Please bring your own musical accompaniment/backing track for either iPod or CD player. 

Sign up for an audition at the SEATING PLACEMENT web page. E-mail Dr. Purcell at dpurcel2@gmu.edu with any audition questions. 

PAST CONCERTS



   

MASON JAZZ VOICE - NEWS
Members of the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble sang back-up vocals for indie pop star BEN FOLDS for three (3) shows in 2014!  Performances were with the Virginia Beach Symphony (Sandler Center), National Symphony Orchestra (Wolf Trap) and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (Meyerhoff Symphony Hall)!  

APPLIED LESSONS
Undergraduate vocal jazz students study jazz voice study with Jazz Studies Director, Dr. Darden Purcell.  Junior recitals take place during the 6th semester and senior recitals occur in the 8th semester.  Graduate students pursuing the Master of Music in Jazz Studies have four semesters of vocal jazz applied study.  The graduate recital occurs in the fourth semester.

George Mason is proud to host the National Jazz Workshop Summer 2015!
Register HERE for
this incredible summer experience! 
 

MasonJazzPlayer

George Mason University
School of Music
Department of Jazz Studies
Dr. Darden Purcell, Director
dpurcel2@gmu.edu