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 Fall 2025 performing and visual arts season at Cal State Fullerton’s College of the Arts. Each new semester, our campus comes to life with the energy and creativity of thousands of arts students eager to share their unique visions. 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.
On October 12, the School of Music presents the interdisciplinary performance “Shakespeare in Sound,” featuring the University Symphonic Winds along with vocal and theatre students. Later in the semester, “Here’s Johnny!: Celebrating 100 Years of Johnny Carson” swings its way onto the stage with a program of jazzy favorites on November 16. More toe tapping is in order when the Department of Theatre and Dance presents their fall musical “9 to 5,” based on the hit 1980 film and featuring the music of Dolly Parton. To close the season, “Fall Dance Theatre: Tethered” returns to the Hallberg Theatre with a fully interactive stage set for our dancers and choreographers to explore.
If you haven’t yet visited the College of the Arts Galleries, join us for the October 4 opening reception for the exhibitions Soo Kim: “(Charlie sings in the quietest voice)” and Carol Caroompas: “Mystical Unions.” Kim is known for her intricately cut and layered photographic work while trailblazing alumna Caroompas is widely recognized for her layered visual narratives. Don’t forget to stop by our student galleries while you’re there!
There are so many exhibitions, concerts, and performances to experience across the college this season, but they wouldn’t be possible without you – our extended Titan community. In every class, every rehearsal and with every hour spent in the studio, our students are pushing creative boundaries, but they need your support to thrive. The Dean’s Fund for Excellence provides arts students with necessary funds for scholarships, off-campus opportunities, and so much more. Help transform their potential into possibility by making a gift of any amount to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence today.
Thank you for joining us for this performance. Our students are ready to make the Fall 2025 season unforgettable, and we are so proud to share their artistry with you.
Ceora ............................................................................................. Lee Morgan arr. Jacob Wallenbrock
Willow Weep for Me........................................................................ Ann Ronell arr. Bob Brookmeyer
We Three Kings ............................................................................... Traditional arr. Bill Cunliffe
Introducing Mina Choi, pianist, conductor, composer
Ebony Moonbeams George Cables arr. Mina Choi
Jody Grind .................................................................................. Horace Silver arr. Mina Choi
Intermission
Mina Choi Orchestra Mina Choi, director
Paddle Through the Lake Mina Choi
Linus and Lucy ..........................................................................Vince Guaraldi arr. Mina Choi & Bill Cunliffe
Swahililand Ahmad Jamal arr. Mina Choi
What Child Is This .................................... 16th C. English Melody/William Dix arr. Mina Choi
Anthropology ............................................................................. Charlie Parker arr. Mina Choi
Choi
Mina Choi is a Korean-born, Los Angeles–based jazz pianist, composer, and arranger whose music uniquely blends jazz, classical influences, and the rich traditions of her Korean heritage. With years of experience as both a performer and educator in California, Mina’s work reflects her personal journey, characterized by beautiful melodies, intricate rhythms, and colorful harmonies. Each composition tells a story, inviting listeners to experience a deep emotional connection to her music.
Mina studied music at the Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts in Korea and received a Master’s Degree in Music from California State University, Fullerton. She has performed at renowned venues across the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Jazz, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Queen Mary, Catalina Jazz Club, and the Blue Whale Jazz Club. Internationally, her group has performed at the Bucharest International Jazz Festival, as well as in France, Spain, Portugal, Japan, and Korea.
Among her many accolades, Mina was named Outstanding Performer of the Year at the 2016 Reno Jazz Festival and received the 38th Graduate Jazz Outstanding Performance Award from DownBeat magazine. She also received awards in the 2015 ASMAC/Pete Rugolo Big Band Arranging & Composing Competition and the 2017 Bill Conti Big Band Arranging and Composing Competition, further solidifying her reputation as an accomplished composer and arranger. Additionally, as an orchestrator, she has worked on Hollywood films, soundtracks, and musicals.
The Mina Choi Orchestra recently released its debut big band album, Stories, featuring jazz greats George Cables, Alex Acuña, and Bill Cunliffe. The album has been highly acclaimed and widely recommended. Her second studio big band album, Home, featuring Terell Stafford and Jon Cowherd, will be released soon.
Through her music, Mina strives to foster connection and spread messages of hope, love, and unity. Her innovative approach to blending musical traditions continues to inspire audiences, creating a powerful cross-cultural dialogue through her artistry.
Saxophone
FULLERTON JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Spencer Bowie, alto
Alejandro Martinez, alto
Jared Guebara, tenor
Matthew Nelson, tenor
Benjamin Jones, baritone
Trumpet
Jacob Wallenbrock
Edward Castaneda
Brian Watson
Julian Quiroz
Trombone
Paulina Ramirez
Milo Penner
Luis Hernandez
Paul De La Rosa, bass
Rhythm
Matthew DeCamara, piano
Elias Valdez, guitar
Kevin Karagozian, bass
Bradley Harris, David Nicolalde, drums
Saxophone
Josh Jerome,* alto
Steven Ragsdale,* alto
Jeff Ellwood,*+ tenor, flute
Nathan King,* tenor, flute
Glen II Turner,* baritone and bass clarinet
Trumpet
Harrison Ball
Ryan DeWeese
Ian Holmquist
Joe Terry*
Trombone
Ryan Dragon
Jon Hatamiya
Cody Kleinhans*
Francisco Torres+
Rhythm
Mina Choi* & Bill Cunliffe+, piano
Zack Caplinger*+, guitar
Sezin Ahmet Türkmenoğlu+, bass
Rodolfo Zuniga+, drums
Jake Chapman, vibraphone
*CSUF Alumni +CSUF Faculty
MINA CHOI ORCHESTRA
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. For questions or concerns, please contact: Ann Steichen | 657-278-3347 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.
COLLEGE OF THE ARTS • SELECT EVENTS | FALL 2025
*Molly Pease, mezzo-soprano, with David Bergstedt, piano
September 19 • Meng Concert Hall
Simon Shiao, violin
October 2 • Meng Concert Hall
Soo Kim: (Charlie sings in the quietest voice) and Carole Caroompas: Mystical Unions
October 4, 2025 – May 17, 2026 College of the Arts Galleries
University Symphony Orchestra
October 4 • Meng Concert Hall
University Wind Symphony & Alumni Band: Alchemy of Sound
October 5 • Meng Concert Hall
Caroline Chin, violin
October 9 • Meng Concert Hall
Men on Boats
October 9–18 • Hallberg Theatre
9 to 5: The Musical
October 23–November 1 • Little Theatre
Shakespeare in Sound feat. the University Symphonic Winds
October 12 • Meng Concert Hall
University Singers and Concert Choir
October 19 • Meng Concert Hall
Fullerton Jazz Orchestra and Fullerton Jazz Chamber Ensemble
October 24 • Meng Concert Hall
Dr. Garik Pedersen, piano
October 25 • Meng Concert Hall
Advanced Vocal Workshop with Mark Robson, piano
October 30 • Meng Concert Hall
Ernest Salem, violin & Alison Edwards, piano
November 1 • Meng Concert Hall
Irina Kulikova, guitar
November 4 • Meng Concert Hall
The House of the Spirits
November 6–15 • Young Theatre
Mackenzie Melemed, piano
November 9 • Meng Concert Hall
Opera Scenes
November 14–16 • Recital Hall
Fullerton Pops in Here’s Johnny: A Tribute to Johnny Carson feat. University Symphony Orchestra and Fullerton Jazz Orchestra
November 16 • Meng Concert Hall
Jazz Singers
November 19 • Meng Concert Hall
Cello Choir
November 19 • Recital Hall
University Symphonic Winds
November 21 • Meng Concert Hall
Fall Dance Theatre: “Tethered”
December 4–13 • Hallberg Theatre
Fullerton Jazz Orchestra
December 5 • Meng Concert Hall
University Wind Symphony
December 7 • Meng Concert Hall
Titan Voices and Singing Titans
December 8 • Meng Concert Hall
Fullerton Jazz Chamber Ensemble and Fullerton Latin Ensemble
December 9 • Meng Concert Hall
University Band
December 10 • Meng Concert Hall
Deck the Hall at Cal State Fullerton! December 13, 14 • Meng Concert Hall
