Performance Opportunities: Vocal Jazz

Coordinated by: Dr. Stan Engebretson

Soundcheque, Mason’s premiere Vocal Jazz Ensemble, performs traditional jazz standards in both A Cappella and combo versions, in addition to new works and compositions written by ensemble members. Numbering around 15 voices, this group performs frequently for events on campus and in the community, as well as in tours and featured concerts each year. The newest vocal jazz groups are Timesquare and Men’s A Cappella, groups of 6-8 singers that perform styles ranging from broadway doo-wop and tight harmony with vocal percussion.

All choruses present a regular concert series and often collaborate with other George Mason University performing ensembles from the Departments of Music, Dance, and Theater. Choral-stage performances have included Leonard Bernstein’s Mass and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The Mason choruses also perform at numerous University events.

In addition to performing on campus in the Center for the Arts, groups have presented concerts throughout the Greater Washington area in the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Center for the Arts, The Library of Congress, and the White House. They have appeared as guests with professional orchestras and also with The United States Marine Band and The United States Army Chorus. Touring activities for all ensembles include travel throughout Virginia, as well as participation in U.S. music festivals in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and New York City. Mason students routinely participate in performance opportunities abroad, with ensembles or individually. Students have performed in London, England; St. Moritz, Switzerland; Florence, Italy; and Cologne, Germany. Through Mason’s Study Abroad program, students are offered wonderful opportunities to take intensive language and music courses in cities around the world.