Mason Bands Concert: Vivo (2026)
VIVO celebrates the energy, imagination, and expressive force of contemporary music in a concert by the George Mason Dewberry School of Music. The program brings together the Mason Symphonic Band, the combined South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School Bands, and the Mason Wind Symphony.
The concert also marks a significant achievement for the Mason Wind Symphony, which was selected as a Featured Concert Ensemble for the 2026 Virginia Music Educators Association Conference. Its program includes vibrant, rhythmically driven works as well as music of mystery, introspection, virtuosity, and soaring intensity.
When: Thursday, December 3, 2026
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Fairfax Campus, George Mason University
Program: The Mason Symphonic Band performs Václav Nelhybel’s *Festivo*, Nishant Amatya’s *as the fog settles*, and Benjamin Taylor’s *Shattering Infinity*. The combined South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School Bands follow in a featured presentation. The Mason Wind Symphony performs Zhou Tian’s *Vivo* and the third movement of Stacy Garrop’s *Quicksilver*.
Performers: Mason Symphonic Band; combined South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School Bands; and Mason Wind Symphony
Conductors: Kevin Engdahl and Robert Specketer conduct the combined South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School Bands.
Guest Soloist: Dr. Connor Mikula, Mason’s Professor of Saxophone, is featured in the Mason Wind Symphony’s performance of the third movement of *Quicksilver*.
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for youth. Prices include fees.
Student Tickets: A limited number of free student tickets will be offered two Tuesdays before the performance.
Run time: Not specified.
Program Information: A digital performance program is expected to be available during the week of the event.