Bill Cunliffe jazz piano; arranging; Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, Fullerton Big Band and combo director
Rodolfo Zuñiga* jazz studies, jazz percussion, and music techology; Fullerton Chamber Jazz Ensemble director
PIANO, ORGAN, PIANO PEDAGOGY
Bill Cunliffe jazz piano
Alison Edwards* piano, piano pedagogy, class piano
Dr. Robert Watson piano
MUSIC EDUCATION, TEACHER TRAINING, AND TEACHING CREDENTIAL
Dr. Christopher Peterson choral
Dr. Gregory X. Whitmore* instrumental
MUSIC IN GENERAL EDUCATION
Dr. John Koegel*
Dr. Katherine Reed
MUSIC HISTORY AND LITERATURE
Dr. Vivianne Asturizaga musicology
Dr. John Koegel* musicology
Dr. Katherine Reed musicology
STRINGS
Kimo Furumoto Director of Orchestra Studies and University Symphony Orchestra conductor
Bongshin Ko cello
Dr. Ernest Salem* violin
THEORY AND COMPOSITION
Dr. Hesam Abedini composition, theory
Dr. Pamela Madsen composition, theory
Dr. Ken Walicki* composition, theory
VOCAL, CHORAL, AND OPERA
Dr. Robert Istad* Director of Choral Studies and University Singers conductor
Dr. Kerry Jennings* Director of Opera
Dr. Christopher Peterson CSUF Concert Choir and Singing Titans conductor
Dr. Joni Y. Prado* voice, academic voice courses
Dr. Bri’Ann Wright general education
WOODWINDS, BRASS, AND PERCUSSION
Dr. Dustin Barr Director of Wind Band Studies, University Wind Symphony, University Band
Jean Ferrandis* flute
Sycil Mathai* trumpet
Ken McGrath* percussion
Dr. Gregory X. Whitmore
University Symphonic Winds conductor
Michael Yoshimi* clarinet
STAFF
Michael August Production Manager
Eric Dries Music Librarian
Gretchen Estes-Parker Office Coordinator
Will Lemley Audio Technician
Jeff Lewis Audio Engineer
Chris Searight Musical Instrument Services
Paul Shirts Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth Williams Business Manager
* Denotes area coordinator
Welcome to the spring 2026 events season at Cal State Fullerton’s College of the Arts. We have been hard at work in every classroom, practice room, and studio across campus preparing to share new sounds and bold creativity with all of you. We are thrilled you are here.
Our students and their success form the core of our purpose in the College of the Arts but unlike their counterparts in other colleges, their paths are not solely formed through classroom learning; they are revealed in the moments when talent meets opportunity. Like when a dancer attends an intensive, or when a musician travels abroad on tour, or an actor or artist is mentored – this is where promise is transformed into possibility. The Dean’s Fund for Excellence gives students access to meaningful experiences like these and many more, including masterclasses, research opportunities, materials, and professional conferences. You can help ensure creativity isn’t limited by circumstance. Consider a gift of any amount to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence today.
This spring semester is brimming with performances and exhibitions for all to enjoy –some that will make you laugh and others that will make you think. In the School of Music, Sibarg Ensemble, featuring our own Hessam Abedini, explores the musical intersections of Iranian music and jazz on February 20. In April, Benjamin Britten’s comic opera “Albert Herring” follows the shy, virtuous title character as he rebels against his prudish upbringing. Join us in the Little Theatre beginning March 5 for the musical “Once Upon a Mattress” – an uproarious sendup of Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale, “The Princess and the Pea.” If you’re craving something completely different, Eugène Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros” opens March 19 to hold a mirror to the absurdity of mob mentality and the struggle to maintain individuality in the face of mass hysteria. And in late spring, our dancers and choreographers return to demonstrate their inimitable power and grace in “Spring Dance Theatre.”
Across the walkway from where you’re seated are the College of the Arts Galleries. You can still catch exhibitions from Soo Kim and Carol Caroompas until May, or stop by the galleries on Wednesdays for our bi-weekly Student Galleries opening receptions. They are always full of energy, and you might even find student artwork to purchase and take home!
Whether you’re returning to our venues or here for the first time, we are so excited to present another season to you. Thank you for joining us.
Sincerely,
Arnold Holland, EdD Dean, College of the Arts
SCAN THIS QR DONATE TODAY TO THE DEAN’S FUND FOR EXCELLENCE
PROGRAM
Fullerton Jazz Orchestra
Bill Cunliffe, director
Tones for Joan’s Bones ................................... Chick Corea, arr. Mike Tomaro
A Time for Love ..................................... Johnny Mandel, arr. Sammy Nestico
Paulina Ramirez, trombone
Vidiotz Bill Cunliffe
Alejandro Martinez, alto saxophone
Skylark ............................................. Hoagy Carmichael, arr. Bob Brookmeyer
Spencer Bowie, alto saxophone
Matthew De Camera, piano
Such Sweet Thunder ................................................................ Duke Ellington
Introducing Joe La Barbera, drums
Symphony in Riffs ...................................................................... Benny Carter
Pythodd Fellows .................................................................... John La Barbera
Best Coast John La Barbera
Selections, TBA ..................................................... Bill Evans, Joe La Barbera
Backwood Sideman .............................................................. John La Barbera
Straight, No Chaser ........................... Thelonious Monk, arr. John La Barbera
Joe La Barbera
Joe La Barbera has performed all over the world with some of the finest names in jazz since his arrival on the scene. From his first professional appearance at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas with Frankie Randall and the Buddy Rich band in 1968 to his work with jazz great Bill Evans and up to the present, he has always been in demand by world class artists and has always been regarded by his peers as a tasteful, musical drummer and a supportive accompanist. Bill Evans summed it up best when he said: "Joe is very dedicated to playing quality music and he's willing to make the concessions of dues toward that end. He's a top soloist and he does the right thing at the right time".
Born in Mt. Morris, New York, on February 22, 1948, his first musical experiences began at home as part of the family band with his parents and two older brothers, saxophonist Pat and trumpeter and arranger/ composer John La Barbera. He received a solid foundation in drumming as well as lessons on clarinet and saxophone from his father starting at 5 years of age. After high school, his education continued at the Berklee College of Music in Boston where
his teachers included John LaPorta, Charlie Mariano, Herb Pomeroy and the great Alan Dawson.
Following Berklee and two years with the 173rd U.S. Army band at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Joe began his professional career on the road with Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd. The Chuck Mangione Quartet followed with gigs ranging from jazz clubs with the small group to symphony halls with full orchestra. Then it was on to New York and a fruitful two-year period of freelancing with Jim Hall, Phil Woods, Art Farmer, Gary Burton, Art Pepper, John Scofield, Don Sebesky, Bob Brookmeyer and Toots Thielmans to name just a few.
In 1978 Joe was asked to join Bill Evans in what was to become a landmark trio. Along with bassist Marc Johnson, the trio grew over a twoyear period to become one of Evans' finest. After Bill's untimely death in 1980, Joe joined world renowned singer Tony Bennett recording some of Tony's finest albums including "The Art of Excellence."
In 1987, Joe took up residence in Los Angeles, and immediately became involved in a wide range of music. During this period he worked and recorded with a Who's Who of West Coast giants like Conte Candoli, Bud Shank, Bill Perkins, Lanny Morgan, Jack Nimitz, Lou Levy and Teddy Edwards. On the International scene he has recorded and toured with "Bassline" (a group with Hein Van de Geyn and John Abercrombie) Kenny Wheeler, Rosario Giuliani, Eddie Gomez, Enrico Perinunzi, Phillip Catherine J.M.O.G.(a cooperative group with brother Pat La Barbera) and numerous projects with the W.D.R. Big Band in Cologne. Joe is a regular visitor to Japan with his own groups as well as a featured sideman.
FULLERTON JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Saxophone
Spencer Bowie, alto
Alejandro Martinez, alto
Matthew Nelson, tenor
Jared Guebara, tenor
Benjamin Jones, baritone
Trumpet
Jacob Wallenbrock
Brian Watson
Julian Quiroz
Eddie Castaneda
Trombone
Paulina Ramirez
Milo Penner
Luis Hernandez
Samuel Song, bass
Rhythm
Matthew De Camera, piano
Elias Valdez, guitar
Kevin Karagozian, bass
Bradley Harris, drums
David Nicolaide, drums
Cal State Fullerton Professor of Music
Bill Cunliffe is a jazz pianist, composer, Grammy Award-winning arranger and record producer. He is known for blending jazz with classical and pop genres based on a deep knowledge of, and a lively curiosity about, musical styles. As a solo artist and bandleader, he has more than a dozen albums to his name and has appeared on numerous recordings.
Bill grew up in Andover, Massachusetts and began piano lessons with his mother at the age of eight. At 20, having been captivated by the music of Oscar Peterson, he changed his focus from classical music to jazz. As an undergraduate at Duke University, he studied with jazz legend Mary Lou Williams.
At the Eastman School of Music, Bill studied jazz piano with Bill Dobbins and arranging with Rayburn Wright. In 1989, he won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition.
Bill began his career as pianist and arranger with the Buddy Rich Big Band and worked with Frank Sinatra, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson and James Moody. Later he toured and recorded with the Clayton Brothers and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, drummer Joe La Barbera, trumpeter Terell Stafford and jazz flutist Holly Hofmann.
Bill’s score for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 2011 documentary “On the Shoulders of Giants” received two NAACP nominations for Outstanding Album and Outstanding Group or Duo Collaboration. In 2009, he was awarded a Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement and has received four other Grammy nominations including two for Best Instrumental Composition. The Los Angeles Jazz Society honored Cunliffe in 2010 with its Composer/ Arranger Award.
In addition to teaching full time, Bill is a longtime faculty member of the Skidmore Jazz Institute and the Vail Jazz Workshop.
$500,000 +
Mrs. Junko Klaus
$100,000-$499,999
Johnny Carson Foundation
$50,000-$99,999
CSU Northridge Foundation
Leo Freedman Foundation
Ms. Susan Hallman in Memory of Ernie Sweet ‘77
Mr. Matthew Scarpino & Ms. Karyn Hayter
Mr. Steve & Mrs. Robin Kalota
Dr. Sallie Mitchell*
Dr. Tedrow & Mrs. Susan Perkins
Mrs. Louise Shamblen
$25,000 - $49,999
Mr. Darryl Curran
Mrs. Lee C. Begovich
Mrs. Marilyn Carlson
Ms. Mary A. and Mr. Phil Lyons
Mr. Bob & Mrs. Terri Niccum
Mr. Ernest & Mrs. Donna Schroeder
Dr. Ed & Mrs. Sue Sullivan
$10,000-$24,999
Dr. Joseph & Dr. Voiza Arnold
Mr. John Aimé & Ms. Robin de la Llata Aimé
Dr. Marc Dickey
Mrs. Evelyn Francuz
Mr. Edward & Mrs. MaryLouise Hlavac
Ms. Kathleen Hougesen
Ms. Kathy Mangum
Mr. James & Mrs. Eleanore Monroe
Mrs. Norma Morris
Mr. John Brennan & Ms. Lucina Moses
$5,000-$9,999
Mr. Nick & Mrs. Dottie Batinich
Continuing Life LLC
Ms. Harriet Cornyn
Mr. William S. Cornyn
Dedicated 2 Learning
Mr. Richard & Mrs. Susan Dolnick
Ebell Club of Fullerton
Friends of Jazz, Inc.
Dr. Margaret Gordon
DONOR APPLAUSE
Mr. Norm & Mrs. Sandy Johnson
Ms. Teri Kennady
Mrs. Jill Kurti Norman
Morningside of Fullerton
Mrs. Bettina Murphy
Mr. David Navarro
Dwight Richard Odle Foundation
Dr. Stephen Rochford, DMA
Southern California Arts Council
Swinerton Builders
Mr. Framroze & Mrs. Julie Virjee
$1,000-$4,999
Mr. John A. Alexander & Mr. Jason Francisco
Mrs. Judy Atwell
Mrs. Lois Austin
Mr. Tod Beckett-Frank
Ms. Karen Bell
Mr. John &
Ms. Shanon M. Fitzpatrick
Dr. Keith & Mrs. Renae Boyum
Mr. Allan & Mrs. Janet Bridgford
Mrs. Marion Brockett
Mr. James & Mrs. Diane Case
Mr. Stephen Collier & Ms. Joann Driggers
Mr. William H. Cunliffe, Jr.
D Barry Schmitt Trust
Ms. Jeannie Denholm
Mr. Gordon & Mrs. Lorra Dickinson
Mr. Kenneth & Mrs. Stacey Duran
Mr. Greg & Mrs. Shawna Ellis
Ms. Judi Elterman
Dr. Anne Fingal
Fullerton Families & Friends Foundation
The Jane Deming Fund
Mrs. Marsha Gallavan
Mrs. Terie Garrabrant
Dr. Leon & Mrs. Annette Gilbert
Mrs. Janet M. Green
Mr. James Henriques
Mr. David &
Mrs. Margret Hoonsbeen
Mr. Mike Ibanez
Mr. Darren & Mrs. Tatyana Jones
Ms. Michelle H. Jordan
Ms. Gladys Kares
Ronald L. Katz Family Foundation
Mr. Raymond & Mrs. Masako Kawase
Mr. Jeffrey & Mrs. Gayle Kenan
Dr. Kristin Kleinjans & Mr. Anthony Dukes
Mrs. Shirley Laroff
Mr. Lynn & Mrs. Susan Lasswell
Mrs. Marilyn Little
Mr. Juan Lopez
Mr. Paul Coluzzi & Mr. John Martelli
Dr. George& Mrs. Karen Mast
Mrs. Thelma Mellott
Mr. Michael & Mrs. Mary Miguel
Mr. Carl Mrs. Patricia Miller
Stifel Nicolaus
Mr. Ujinobu & Mrs. Yoshino Niwa
Mr. Colin Connor & Ms. Debra Noble
Dr. Arie & Mrs. Deanna Passchier
Mr. Jarrold Petraborg
Mr. John Phelps & Mrs. Kerry Laver-Phelps
Mr. Jim Plamondon
Mr. E. B. & Mrs. Linda Powell
Mr. Robert Rennie & Mrs. Nancy Rennie
Ms. Christine Rhoades
Ms. Mary Rupp
Mr. Thaddeus & Mrs. Eleanor Sandford
Mrs. Rita Sardou
Mr. D. Schmitt
Mrs. Martha Shaver
Mrs. Ingrid R. Shutkin
Ms. Barbara Kerth & Ms. Lorena Sikorski
Ms. Janet Smith
South Coast Repertory
Ms. Ann Sparks
Mr. Robert & Mrs. Roberta Sperry
Mr. Douglas Stewart
Mr. Tom & Mrs. Carolyn Toby
Liqi Tong
Viet Tide
Ms. Verne Wagner
Dr. Sean & Dr. Tina L. Walker
Dr. Robert & Mrs. Teri Watson
Dr. Wayne & Dr. Ruth Zemke
special care has been given to the prepartion of this donor list. Questions or concerns, please contact: Dominic Mumolo | 657-278-7695 Gifts received from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024 |
ONTIVEROS SOCIETY
The Ontiveros Society includes individuals who have provided a gift for Cal State Fullerton through their estate plan. We extend our deep appreciation to the following Ontiveros Society members, whose gifts will benefit the students and mission of the College of the Arts.
ANONYMOUS
JOHN ALEXANDER
LEE & DR. NICHOLAS A.* BEGOVICH
MARC R. DICKEY
JOANN DRIGGERS
BETTY EVERETT
CAROL J. GEISBAUER & JOHN* GEISBAUER
SOPHIA & CHARLES GRAY
MARYLOUISE & ED* HLAVAC
GRETCHEN KANNE
DR. BURTON L. KARSON
ANNE L. KRUZIC*
LOREEN & JOHN LOFTUS
ALAN A. MANNASON*
WILLIAM J. MCGARVEY*
VERONICA MICHALOWSKI
DR. SALLIE MITCHELL*
ELEANORE P. & JAMES L. MONROE
LYNN & ROBERT MYERS
BOB & TERRI NICCUM
DWIGHT RICHARD ODLE*
SHERRY & DR. GORDON PAINE
DR. JUNE POLLAK & MR. GEORGE POLLAK*
DR. STEPHEN M. ROCHFORD
STAN MARK RYAN ‘75
MARY K. & WILLIAM SAMPSON
LORENA SIKORSKI
DOUGLAS G. STEWART
ANDREA J. & JEFFREY E. SWARD
RICHARD J. TAYLOR
VERNE WAGNER
RICHARD WULFF
DR. JAMES D. & DOTTIE YOUNG*
We Proudly Recognize Our VOLUNTEER
SUPPORT GROUPS
ART ALLIANCE promotes excellence and enjoyment in the visual arts, and their fundraising efforts contribute to student scholarship, gallery exhibitions, opening receptions and sculpture acquisition on campus.
Website arts.fullerton.edu/aa
MUSIC ASSOCIATES maintains a tradition of active involvement and community support and raises scholarship funds for School of Music students through annual fundraising events and membership dues.
MORE INFORMATION Dominic Mumolo, Senior Director | dmumolo@fullerton.edu
shape the future of the arts
The College of the Arts at Cal State Fullerton is one of the largest comprehensive arts campuses in the CSU system. We proudly serve as an academic institution of regional focus with national impact that combines rigorous arts training with cross-disciplinary exploration to encourage the artistic expression and individual achievement of thousands of students throughout the arts every day.
Our students’ success increasingly depends on the support of our community. More of our students are facing significant challenges to their ability to continue their education. Be part of the solution! We invite you to support the Dean’s Fund for Excellence. Help provide students with the education, the tools, and the opportunities to succeed both on campus and off.
Empower our students to become the successful creative professionals our economy so desperately needs! Consider making a gift of any amount to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence today.
CSUF COLLEGE OF THE ARTS •
Carole Caroompas: Mytstical Unions Through May 2
COTA Galleries (Atrium Gallery)
Soo Kim: Charlie sings in the quietest voice Through May 16
COTA Galleries (Begovich Gallery)
Sarah Cahill, piano*
March 18, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Rhinoceros
March 19–28, 2026
Young Theatre
University Singers & Concert Choir
March 21, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Paul Galbraith, guitar
March 22, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Fullerton Jazz Chamber Ensemble feat. Ralph Alessi Quartet
March 24, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Talich Quartet
March 27, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Fullerton Jazz Orchestra feat. Joe La Barbera, drums
March 28, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
University Symphony Orchestra with Talich Quartet
March 29, 2026, at 3 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Nicholas Isherwood, bass/baritone*
April 7, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
X-out
April 9–18, 2026
Hallberg Theatre
High School Honor Band & CSUF Wind Chamber Ensembles
April 11, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Albert Herring
April 10–12, 2026
Recital Hall
CSU Brass Exchange: CSUF/SDSU
April 20, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Fullerton Jazz Chamber Ensemble & Fullerton Latin Ensemble
April 21, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Cello Choir
April 22, 2026, at 6 PM
Recital Hall
Woodwind Chamber Recital
April 24, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
University Symphonic Winds & University Wind Symphony
April 26, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Mariachi Titans
April 28 at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
University Band
April 29, 2026, at 8 PM
Meng Concert Hall
Spring Dance Theatre
April 30 – May 9, 2026
Little Theatre
Fullerton Jazz Orchestra feat. Dave Binney, saxophone
