Category: November 2023

University Day Service Award Ceremonies

The Mason community is invited to watch the Green Day and Gold Day service award ceremonies via GMU-TV livestream. University Green and Gold Days celebrate faculty and staff with 5–45 years of Mason and/or state service.  

Virtual participants will have the option to share congratulations using the embedded chat feature. Those messages will then be shared on a scrolling screen onstage at each of the ceremonies. Join online to support, encourage, and appreciate your colleagues! livestream links and ceremony programs can be found on the University Day ceremony details page. 

“Tuesday Treks” on the Fairfax Campus

Faculty and staff are invited to embark on a journey of social connection, informal conversation, and enhanced well-being with our Tuesday Treks series! Meet at the entrance on Tuesdays at noon. It’s the perfect midday escape to refresh your mind and recharge your spirit!

This is a great opportunity to:

• Forge connections: Connect with colleagues, old friends, and new acquaintances in an informal, relaxed setting.
• Engage in meaningful conversations: Share stories, insights, and laughter.
• Elevate your work-life balance: Invest in your physical and mental health with a break that renews your energy for the day ahead.

All abilities are welcome! The Tuesday Treks series is designed to accommodate everyone so you can move at your own pace and comfort level.

See you on the path to a more connected, happier you! Contact engagehr@gmu.edu with questions.

 

November 8 – 12 

Mason Jazz Ensemble Concert Fall 2023
Dewberry School of Music
Mason Jazz Ensemble Concert Fall 2023
Thursday, November 9 at 8 p.m.
Harris Theatre, Fairfax Campus

The Mason Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Carroll, performs its Fall 2023 concert. 

In this concert we will bring attention to this famous quote by John Steinbeck with selection from the rich tradition of jazz improvisation and composition. “I know of no group [apart from jazz musicians] which has such direction in work. They aim at excellence and apparently at nothing else. They are hard to buy and if bought they either backslide into honesty or lose the respect of their peers. And this is a loss that terrifies them. In any other field of American life, great rewards can be used to cover a loss of honesty, but not with jazz players — a slip is known and recognized instantly. And further, they do not compare with those in other professions. Let a filthy kid, unknown, unheard of and unbacked sit in — and if he can do it — he is recognized and accepted instantly. Do you know of any other field where this is true? And this curious search for and treasuring of excellence is the one thing that has never been said of them nor written of them.” -John Steinbeck 

Virginia Opera: The Barber of Seville
Saturday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 12 at 2 p.m.
Center for the Arts 

 “Bravo Figaro, bravo, bravissimo!” Figaro, wily barber and wingman extraordinaire, invites audiences to laugh and cheer in this beloved masterpiece, Gioachino Rossini’s delightful bel canto and operatic comedy, The Barber of Seville. Presented by Virginia Opera, audiences of all ages will recognize the music of Rossini’s tour de force tale of bribery, deception, disguise, and, of course, true love. The music for this production is provided by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.   

Seven Voices – A Tribute to Patsy Cline
American Roots Series
Sunday, November 12 at 4 and 7 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater 

Honoring Patsy Cline, the First Lady of Country, Jess Eliot Myhre of the Bumper Jacksons has assembled a group of talented local artists for a genre-spanning evening dedicated to one of the most influential and acclaimed vocalists of the 21st century. Her emotive voice could describe the depths of the human condition with rare poignance. Artists from across the D.C. area are teaming up to pay tribute to the First Lady of Country with classic renditions of her songs, as well as re-imagined versions with new instrumentation and creative arrangements. 

Free for Veterans and Servicemembers (up to two tickets each with ID). Free tickets are limited and only available in person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office. 

November 13 – 19 

Virginia Opera: A Taste of Opera
Matinee Idylls
Tuesday, November 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
 
Enjoy a soaring selection of operatic delights performed by talented members of Virginia Opera, the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Experience your favorite local opera celebrities in an intimate performance that includes famous arias and duets from the greatest hits of opera, in addition to Broadway showtunes and other diverse and exciting repertory! 

Visiting Filmmakers Series: BAD PRESS with filmmakers Rebecca Landsberry-Baker, Joe Peeler and film subject Angel Ellis 
Film at Mason
Wednesday, November 15 at 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Center Cinema 

Join the Visiting Filmmakers Series for a free screening of the new documentary BAD PRESS, followed by a live Q&A with filmmakers Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler and the film’s subject, Angel Ellis. 

An enthralling tale that unfurls with the energy and suspense of a political thriller, BAD PRESS is a timely and unprecedented story about the battle for freedom of the press and against state-censored media. 

fallen 
Mason School of Theater
November 16, 17*, 18 at 8 p.m. 
November 18, 19** at 2 p.m. 
*ASL Interpreted (ASL) and Talkback 
**Audio Described  
TheaterSpace, Fairfax Campus 

Based on Euripides’ The Trojan Women, fallen is a new play by Theresa Marie Ohanian based on The Trojan Women by Euripides. This poetic, poignant show is a feminist reimagining of the original Greek text set in a fast-paced, absurdist, post- war setting. The surviving Women of Troy are on sale to the highest bidder. As they are forced to perform to raise their worth, the Women revolt. Dark and haunting, this twist on the classic is plucked from history and thrown into the survivor stories of today. 

Sonia De Los Santos
Hylton Family Series 
Saturday, November 18 at 11 a.m. 
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater 

Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Sonia De Los Santos brings her uplifting voice and sound to families of all backgrounds. As she reflects on her own experiences of growing up in Mexico, moving to another country, and developing connections to her heritage, she inspires all of us to find gratitude in one another, curiosity in our world, and light within ourselves. A big-hearted message—fused with Latin American rhythms and North American folk traditions—is sure to make the entire family smile and dance. (Recommended for ages 4 to 10) 

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra with Renée Fleming
Saturday, November 18 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts 

Renée Fleming, one of the most celebrated singers of our time and a 2023 Kennedy Center Honoree, joins the Fairfax Symphony for an exclusive evening featuring the exquisite Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss. This special co-presentation with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra also includes Strauss’s Don Juan, Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde, and Fleming’s performance of beloved arias and show tunes. Renowned for her recordings and interpretation of Strauss, Ms. Fleming captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence as “possibly the most beautiful soprano voice in the world” (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung). Led by Music Director and Conductor Christopher Zimmerman, the Fairfax Symphony is “a serious force to be reckoned with” and hailed as “a crown jewel of the cultural landscape” (The Washington Post). 

Steep Canyon Rangers
Saturday, November 18 at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall 

Steep Canyon Rangers is a GRAMMY Award-winning, genre-defying sextet that has spent nearly two decades reshaping the sound of Bluegrass, mixing elements of pop, country, and folk rock to create a sound all its own. The band became a household name after touring with banjoist and comedian Steve Martin. Today, the ensemble continues to tour extensively (without Martin), while expanding their style into country, jam, and Americana. Bluegrass Today writes, “Quite frankly, there’s no better band equipped to connect past with present while blurring whatever divide remains in-between.”   

B – The Underwater Bubble Show
Family Series
Sunday, November 19 at 4 p.m.
Center for the Arts 

Embark on an underwater adventure and discover a realm inhabited by seahorses, dragonfish, starfish, mermaids, and other whimsical creatures! This lavish production combines acrobatics, dance, music, visual effects, and lots of bubbles to create an aquatic world that must be seen to be believed. The story follows Mr. B, a man who happens upon a magical aquarium that appears inside his briefcase, and finds himself exploring the sea within, where he learns a valuable lesson about the importance of relaxation. (Recommended for all ages)    

November 20 – 26 

Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas
Saturday, November 25 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts 

Chanticleer, the GRAMMY Award-winning vocal ensemble, is coming to town to spread warmth and light. A Chanticleer Christmas showcases an inspired and far-ranging repertoire full of new a cappella arrangements of well-known tunes—from Renaissance music to Gospel hymns, Christmas carols from all around the world to songs from the “Great American Songbook.” With 12 expressive voices ranging from soprano to bass, “The singing of Chanticleer is breathtaking in its accuracy of intonation, purity of blend, variety of color and swagger of style” (The Boston Globe). 

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Festive French Fare
Sunday, November 26 at 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts

Enjoy a feast of French music in Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Festive French Fare, featuring Debussy’s Clair de Lune, Ravel’s magical Jeux d’eau, Poulenc’s joyful Trois Mouvements Perpetuels, and Fauré’s glorious Impromptu in A-flat major. Through these pieces, he delves into the lives of the four composers responsible for crafting the French musical aesthetic of the 20th century. Siegel’s unique “concerts with commentary” format delivers deep insight with wit and humor, and his piano playing is incomparable. An interactive question-and-answer session will conclude this program.   

A Canadian Brass Christmas
Sunday, November 26 at 4 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall   

Canadian Brass returns to usher in the holiday season with their winning combination of exuberant sound, good-natured humor, and engaging showmanship. Clad in their iconic white running shoes, the brass quintet performs a repertoire that includes original arrangements and signature takes on classical standards, pop favorites, and traditional holiday music. Since 1970, they have built a legion of fans by bringing their impeccable musicality and irreverent wit to audiences worldwide. “If you said the Canadian Brass represented the ‘gold standard’ among brass quintets, you’d be right on the mark” (NPR).      

November 27 – December 3 

Mason Symphonic Band Concert #2: Fall 2023
Dewberry School of Music
Wednesday, November 29 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

The Mason Symphonic Band is an ensemble comprised of music majors and non-music majors from across a myriad of disciplines at George Mason University. This ensemble performs historical and contemporary works from diverse composers spanning multiple genres and styles.   

Mason Wind Symphony Concert #2: “Enigma”
Dewberry School of Music
Thursday, November 30 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts 

The Mason Wind Symphony concludes the Fall 2023 portion of the 2023-23 season with Edward Elgar’s beautiful yet mysterious composition, Enigma Variations, transcribed for wind band. In this work, Elgar included a theme that he referred to as the “enigma” theme, which he never revealed its title. He offered several clues and hints over the years; however, despite numerous attempts, the mystery melody remains unsolved. The Mason Wind Symphony will complement this work with a premiere of Hilary Purrington’s latest composition, and Florence Price’s Adoration, transcribed for wind band by Sheldon Williams. 

Staged Reading: La Belle Indifference  
Mason School of Theater
Friday, December 1 at 2 p.m.
Johnson Center Bistro, Fairfax Campus 

A Play by April E. Brassard. Directed by Nathan Tilley. Free and open to the public. 

Fall: Dance Innovations
Mason School of Dance
December 1 and 2 at 8 p.m.
Harris Theatre, Fairfax Campus 

Fall: Dance Innovations is a program of new works created and performed by the Mason Dance Company. 

Mason Opera: An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan
Dewberry School of Music
Friday, December 1 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 2 at 3 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater 

The Dewberry School of Music’s Mason Opera presents its Fall 2023 performance. Featuring Mason’s talented vocal students in collaboration with an instrumental chamber ensemble, these live, in-person performances will showcase great vocal skill and dramatic ability and deeply immerse the audience in the action of the story. 

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas
Saturday, December 2 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy return to the Center for the Arts for a Celtic experience like no other. In A Celtic Family Christmas, the charming duo invites you and your family into their holiday traditions on Cape Breton Island with charming stories of family, food, and plenty of music. Even their talented children will join in the foot-stomping jigs, dizzying fiddling, soulful ballads, and spirited two-stepping. “Nothing short of jaw dropping… There are performances here that will raise you up and performances that will leave you misty-eyed” (The Guardian).      

The Legendary Ingramettes
Artist-in-Residence
Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall 

Celebrate the holidays with one of Virginia’s premier gospel ensembles, The Legendary Ingramettes, as they sing their family favorites. Richmond’s “first family of gospel,” was formed six decades ago by “Mama” Maggie Ingram, who found inspiration in Black gospel male quartets of the 1940s and 50s. With the spirit of a Sunday morning service, The Legendary Ingramettes have inspired audiences into a gospel fervor. You won’t want to miss “one of America’s most celebrated gospel groups” (NPR), The Legendary Ingramettes.   

Mason Symphony and Choirs Holiday Concert 2023
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, December 3 at 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts 

Join us for a joyous concert celebration by the Dewberry School of Music as we ring in the holiday season! Showcasing Mason’s Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, this evening will feature holiday favorites and festive new works performed by extraordinary student artists. 

December 4 – 10 

December Studio Series
Mason School of Dance
Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6 and 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts 

A showcase of new dances created and performed by the Mason Dance Company. 

American Festival Pops Orchestra – Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Friday, December 8 at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall 

The American Festival Pops Orchestra presents Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season, a cherished tradition with Hylton Center audiences. Gather ‘round for this annual concert that is sure to warm hearts and spread cheer. Now in his second season, Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Wilson welcomes old and new friends to the stage for a festive program of musical favorites, including an uplifting audience singalong of beloved carols. Don’t miss an evening that promises to put everyone—even the “bah humbug” Scrooges—in the holiday spirit! 

American Festival Pops Orchestra – Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Saturday, December 9 at 4 p.m.
Center for the Arts 

The American Festival Pops Orchestra presents Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season, a cherished tradition and Center for the Arts audience favorite. Gather ‘round for this annual concert that is sure to warm hearts and spread cheer. Now in his second season, Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Wilson welcomes old friends and new to the stage for a festive program of musical favorites, including an uplifting audience singalong of beloved carols. Don’t miss an evening that promises to put everyone—even the “bah humbug” Scrooges—in the holiday spirit! 

Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna 
Sunday, December 10 at 2 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall 

Made up of boy sopranos and altos from ages eight to 14, the Vienna Boys Choir transport you to the snowy Alps where the air smells sweet and twinkling lights brighten the night sky. The beloved ensemble is praised for its heavenly voices, harmonic purity, and endearing charm. Their program, Christmas in Vienna, balances a mix of Baroque classics, contemporary popular hits, sacred songs, Austrian folk tunes, polkas, waltzes, and traditional holiday favorites. This concert, filled with extraordinary singing is sure to become a cherished annual holiday tradition!  

Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas
Sunday, December 10 at 3 p.m.
Center for the Arts 

Representing a new generation of mariachi artists, Latin GRAMMY-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México is a vibrant group of Mexican American musicians propelling the art and traditions of mariachi music to new heights. For the holidays, the ensemble brings the Latin American tradition of Las Posadas to the Center with songs of the season, such as “Feliz Navidad,” “Los Peces en el Río,” “Ave Maria,” and more! Add some love, light and mariachi to your holiday this season this year with Mariachi Herencia de México’s joyful music. 

 

Fall 2023 Vonage Implementation Update  

ITS is actively implementing Mason’s new telecommunications system, Vonage, Inc., on the Fairfax Campus. As ITS moves through buildings, impacted users will be notified of how to prepare and what to expect during the change. For more details, including the implementation schedule, visit the Telecom System Replacement Roadmap.  

 

Get Connected at Mason 

Did you know? eduroam (education roaming) is the preferred network for academic and administrative use at Mason. Faculty, staff, and students can connect securely to eduroam across campus and in participating libraries, universities, and research institutions throughout the world. It is an encrypted Wi-Fi network open to all users (researchers, faculty, students, staff) from participating institutions. ITS recommends configuring your devices to join this network. 

 

 “Burnout is felt individually but can affect organizations holistically.” (Hemphill, 2022) 

Engaging in conversations surrounding staff burnout and moving forward with your team is challenging throughout all sectors of the workforce and levels of staffing. The impact of burnout can be felt throughout the organization, highlighting the interconnectedness of staff and the need to recognize the importance of individual and organizational health. Conversations on burnout are uncomfortable and we need them to help support our forward movement. 

Join the Supervision Collective on November 9th from 2-3pm for the November Manager Meetup focusing on the Gallup article, “Uncomfortable (but Necessary) Conversations About Burnout” and conversations how to move forward. 

During the session, participants will engage in discussion and strategize how to support the individuals and themselves in moving forward to meet the needs of the workplace. 

Pre-Reading: All registrants are asked to read this brief article.   

 

Parking and Transportation Holiday Donation Drive

Would you like to help someone in need? Parking Services is holding its annual holiday donation drive. Beginning Monday, November 6 and running through Wednesday, December 13, you can reduce the cost of an outstanding parking citation by making a donation to any Parking Services office to benefit Patriot Pantry. Find important details here.

Reminder: Bicycle Commuting 101

Bicycling to campus can be fun and great for your well-being. Join Delia Johnson, a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor, for Bicycle Commuting 101. During this session at noon on Thursday, November 9 via Zoom, Delia will share information to help you feel more confident about getting to campus on two wheels. This session is open to faculty, staff and students. Register and Zoom meeting details will be sent to you.

Staying Safe: Traveling at Dusk 

A reminder from Parking and Transportation that the days are growing shorter and it’s getting darker earlier. As we have recently “Fall(en) Back” on Sunday, November 5, please keep in mind that it is difficult to see and be seen at dusk. Please exercise care whether you are driving, biking, scooting, skateboarding, or walking.

Commuter survey

Save time behind the wheel and spend less on your commute.  Ridesharing will also reduce CO2 emissions and that saves a lot more than time and money. Create an account here.

Mason Shuttles 2023 Thanksgiving Service Changes

The Thanksgiving holiday will bring changes to the Mason Shuttle schedules.  Details are posted on the Mason Shuttles website or download a pdf directly.

Thanksgiving 2023 Regional Transportation

Mason offers affordable transportation for the Mason community to regional cities for the Thanksgiving holiday. Destinations include Virginia Beach and Richmond in Virginia as well as Philadelphia and New York City. Buses will leave on Tuesday, November 21 and return on Sunday, November 26. Here you can find a complete list of destinations, departure times, and pickup locations.

Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice Program

Like to bike? Live within biking distance of the Mason location where you work? Thinking that maybe it’s time you changed up your commute to include a few days of biking per month? Consider the Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice program and find joy in commuting to campus on two wheels!

• Four tiers of financial support tied to the number of rides per quarter – join the program for as few as 5 rides per quarter
• Earn complimentary parking passes
• Ride more than 10 miles each way to work – earn a distance bonus!
• Ride at Tier 2 or Tier 3 all year – receive funds for a complimentary bike check
• Can be used in conjunction with Commuter Choice

Conditions apply – the big one is that the program, unlike Commuter Choice, is taxable per the IRS. But don’t let that stop you; check out the details here.

 

The November general meeting guest speaker session featuring Paul Allvin, vice president and chief brand officer, Office of University Branding, is being rescheduled as a special session.