23rd Annual Wind Ensemble Festival Dustin Barr, festival coordinator
Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1, 2025
RONALD S. ROCHON
President, California State University, Fullerton
AMIR H. DABIRIAN
Provost and VP for Academic Affairs
ARNOLD HOLLAND, EDD
Dean, College of the Arts
DR. RANDALL GOLDBERG Director, School of Music
KIMO FURUMOTO
Assistant Director, School of Music
BONGSHIN KO
Assistant Director, School of Music
SCHOOL OF MUSIC FULL-TIME FACULTY AND STAFF
FACULTY
CONDUCTING
Kimo Furumoto instrumental
Dr. Robert Istad choral
Dr. Christopher Peterson choral
Dr. Dustin Barr instrumental
JAZZ AND COMMERCIAL MUSIC
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
Myong-Joo Lee 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 Powers 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. 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
Dr. Gregory X. Whitmore University Symphonic Winds conductor
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 College of the Arts Spring 2025 Season. As we come together to enjoy incredible art, dance, music and theatre programming from across the college, I know we are all still reeling from the recent fires that tore through the communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. In many ways, we are all Angelenos and when our city breaks, we break. Many of our students, faculty, and staff are finding comfort in processing complex thoughts and emotions the only way we know how: through the arts. It is our calling and what ties us to our community. Through our programming, we hope to provide a bit of respite to all of you during this time of regrouping and rebuilding.
In the College of the Arts, every note, every movement, and every word spoken on stage brings opportunity for discovery and connection. Whether you are a fellow Titan, family member, or community supporter, we are thrilled to have you here. You are now part of something much larger than this single performance. You are joining a vibrant and diverse collective of artists and technicians working together to push the boundaries of their craft.
Spring 2025 brings us a season of fresh programming to challenge our perceptions and immerse us in new perspectives. Later this month, the School of Music presents “Hajar,” a contemporary opera synthesizing ancient Jewish and Islamic stories into a modern immigration tale. Theatre begins their season with “Significant Other,” a heartfelt tale of love and longing in 21st century New York City. If you haven’t yet seen our spectacular new gallery building, make time to see “Chris O’Leary: Gravity Well” – an exploration of the cosmic phenomena of gravitational waves using video, sound, and images. In May, our dancers and choreographers return to the intimate Hallberg Theatre in “Spring Dance Theatre: From All Sides,” where viewers will experience a variety of dance forms from every angle of the stage.
It takes more than just the emotional support of friends, family, professors, and mentors to enable students to take creative risks of expression. As a college, we remain committed to providing these aspiring arts professionals with scholarships, financial assistance, and the industry-ready equipment, facilities, and opportunities to further develop their skills outside the classroom. Our resolve is steadfast, but we need your continued support to sustain and expand our educational mission, ensuring our students have the tools necessary to succeed. Please consider a donation of any amount to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence today.
I thank you for being here, for your ongoing support, and for your conviction in the power of the arts. Together, we can accomplish the extraordinary.
Sincerely,
Arnold Holland, EdD Dean, College of the Arts
FRIDAY MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE
9:00am
ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL
WIND SYMPHONY
Alexander Gellatly, director
Fanfare: The Benefaction from Sky and Mother Earth
SATOSHI YAGISAWA
Irish Tune from County Derry PERCY GRAINGER
Backlash
KATAHJ COPLEY
9:30am
ORANGE COUNTY
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SYMPHONIC BAND
Thomas Idzinski, director
Drive!
THOMAS BOURGAULT
This Cruel Moon
JOHN MACKEY
The Great Unconformity
RYAN LINDVEIT
10:00am
JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL
SYMPHONIC WINDS
Dr. Joshua Parsons, director
Rivers of Air
JAKE RUNESTAD
March
(from Symphonic Metamorphosis)
PAUL HINDEMITH
TRANS. WILSON
10:30am
CYPRESS HIGH SCHOOL WIND SYMPHONY
James Quirion, director
Joy Revisited
FRANK TICHELI
First Suite in E-Flat for Military Band
GUSTAV HOLST
Chaconne
Intermezzo
March
11:00am
SAN MARCOS HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE
Geoffrey Radant, director
Handel in the Strand PERCY GRAINGER
ARR. GOLDMAN
The River Seneca ROSSANO GALANTE
Khan
JULIE GIROUX
11:30am
ORANGE COUNTY
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
FREDRICK FENNELL WIND ENSEMBLE
John Carnahan, director
Medalist Fanfare
JULIE GIROUX
Sanctuary FRANK TICHELI
The “Gum-Suckers” March PERCY GRAINGER
FRIDAY MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE
12:45pm
CSUF
UNIVERSITY SYMPHONIC WINDS
Gregory X. Whitmore, conductor
(See page “Program, CSUF Ensembles” for concert details)
2:00pm
NORTHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
WIND ENSEMBLE
Whitney Tavlarides, director
Variations on a Korean Folk Song
JOHN BARNES CHANCE
Night on Fire
JOHN MACKEY
2:30pm
LOARA HIGH SCHOOL 4TH PERIOD BAND
Jacob Melgoza, director
Deciduous
VIET CUONG
March
(from Symphonic Metamorphosis)
PAUL HINDEMITH
TRANS. WILSON
3:00pm
NORTHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
WIND SYMPHONY
Ben Case, director
Give Us This Day
DAVID MASLANKA
Moderately Slow
Very Fast
3:30pm
SAVANNA HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE
Fernando Penaloza and James Cervantes, directors
Illumination
DAVID MASLANKA
Lux Aurumque
ERIC WHITACRE
Ride
SAMUEL HAZO
4:00pm
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL
SYMPHONIC WINDS
Bill Fritz, director
Cathedrals
KATHRYN SALFELDER
Mandalen Landscapes
PHILIP SPARKE
Hounds of Spring ALFRED REED
4:30pm
GAHR HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE
Darren Loney, director
Sheltering Sky
JOHN MACKEY
An American Songkran
KEVIN CHAROENSRI
5:45pm
CSUF
UNIVERSITY WIND SYMPHONY
Dustin Barr, director
(See page “Program, CSUF Ensembles” for concert details)
SATURDAY MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE
9:00am
SONORA HIGH SCHOOL
SYMPHONIC BAND
Jerome Diebolt, director
Solas Ane
SAMUEL HAZO
Appalachian Morning ROBERT SHELDON
Sea Songs
RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
9:30am
BREA OLINDA HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE
James Charrette, director
Blessed are They JOHANNES BRAHMS
ARR. BARBARA BUEHLMAN
Little English Suite CLARE GRUNDMAN
The Leather Bottle Roving
We Met
The Vicar of Bray
10:00am
SAN ELIJO MIDDLE SCHOOL WIND SYMPHONY
Anastasia Homes, director
Clash RYAN MAIN
Into Moonlight’s Mist
RICHARD SAUCEDO
Phoenix Ascending ROSSANO GALANTE
10:30am
RANCHO CUCAMONGA HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE
James Ana, director
Children’s March
“Over the Hills and Far Away”
PERCY GRAINGER
October
ERIC WHITACRE
Ride
SAMUEL HAZO
11:00am
LA SERNA HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE
Matt Rohrs, director
Overture for Winds CHARLES CARTER
Loch Lomond FRANK TICHELI
The Girl I Left Behind Me LEROY ANDERSON
11:30am
SOUTH POINTE MIDDLE SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE
Susan Willmering, director
Liberty Bell March
JOHN PHILIP SOUSA
ARR. BALENT
Song for Lyndsay ANDREW BOYSEN, JR.
Variations on a Korean Folk Song
JOHN BARNES CHANCE
SATURDAY MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE
12:45pm
CSUF
UNIVERSITY SYMPHONIC WINDS
Gregory X. Whitmore, conductor
(See page “Program, CSUF Ensembles” for concert details)
2:00pm KATELLA HS
WIND ENSEMBLE
Daniel Castellanos, director
Fanfare “Hayabusa”
SATOSHI YAGISAWA
Of Sailors and Whales
FRANCIS MCBETH
Ismael Queenqueg Ahab
The White Whale
2:30pm
SHADOW HILLS HS
WIND ENSEMBLE
Willard Lacro, director
Fantasy on Yankee Doodle
MARK WILLIAMS
Four: On a Remix of Beethoven
RANDALL STANDRIDGE
3:00pm
SAN MARCOS HS
WIND SYMPHONY
Geoffrey Radant, director
Molly on the Shore PERCY GRAINGER
Symphony No. V: Elements
JULIE GIROUX
Rain in D-Flat
The Wilderness ROSSANO GALANTE
3:30pm
COLBURN COMMUNITY
SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS
WIND ENSEMBLE
Eleanor Núñez, director
Three English Folk Dances
JAMES CURNOW
Sword Dance
Waltzsong Dance
Morris Dance
Amazing Grace FRANK TICHELI
Skyward KATAHJ COPLEY
4:00pm
CATHEDRAL CITY HS SYMPHONY BAND
Matt Howe, director
Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity (from “The Planets”) GUSTAV HOLST TRANS. CURNOW
Unidad en Ritmo MICHELLE FERNANDEZ
4:30pm
DIAMOND BAR HS
WIND ENSEMBLE
Marie Santos and Steve Acciani, directors
Traveler
DAVID MASLANKA
Havana KEVIN DAY
5:45pm
CSUF
UNIVERSITY WIND SYMPHONY
Dustin Barr, director
(See page “Program, CSUF Ensembles” for concert details)
PROGRAM, CSUF ENSEMBLES
CSUF
University Symphonic Winds
Dr. Gregory Xavier Whitmore, conductor
Will Healy, guest composer
spiritchild, emcee
Gabby Atkinson, soprano
Johnston Nguyen, graduate student conductor
“Music As Spoken”
Alleluia! Laudamus Te (1973) ALFRED REED (1921-2005)
In the Open Air, in the Silent Lines (2018) AARON PERRINE (b. 1979)
Johnston Nguyen, graduate student conductor
Noctuary for Adé (2023) WILL HEALY (b. 1990)
spiritchild, emcee
Gabriela Atkinson, soprano
(Consortium Premiere Performance)
CSUF
University Wind Symphony
Dr. Dustin Barr, conductor
Will Healy, guest composer
spiritchild, emcee
Dizzy Senze, emcee
Amber Napoli, soprano
Victor Gonzalez, tenor saxophone
Emma Johnson Miranda, graduate student conductor
“Passages”
“Energetically” (from Dragon Rhyme (2010)) CHEN YI (b. 1953)
The Alcotts (1920/1972) CHARLES IVES (1874-1954) TRANS. THURSTON
Emma Johnson Miranda, graduate student conductor
“The King of Cups” (from Tarot (2021)) LINDSAY BRONNENKANT (b. 1988)
Passages (2023) WILL HEALY WITH TEXTS BY SPIRITCHILD
Babel On Heights
Hovering/Fluttering
Amber Napoli, soprano
spiritchild, emcee
Dizzy Senze, emcee
Victor Gonzalez, tenor saxophone
(West Coast Premiere Performance)
Flute
Kimberly Areas
Nadia Fowler
Shawnee Herrera
Evan Posadas Miller
Alma Salazar
Aydan Soo-Hoo
Oboe
America Dionati
Johnston Nguyen
Bassoon
Rekha Michael
Adrian Wu
Clarinet
Susan Aguilar
Jonathan Bass
Shawn Bryant
Cara Connelly
Christopher Cordero
John Gerling
Eric Gong
Olivia Hirsch
Ryan Nguyen
Mitchell Rhine
Monserrat Rodriguez
Joshua Schaefer
Nicholas Wilson
Saxophone
Drake Bolt
Citlali Gamez
Beatriz
Margareth Gongora
Miles Luong-Gonzales
Jon Salarda
Trumpet
Alonna Freeborne
Andrew Gonzalez
Isaiah Long
Adonai Mejia
Yasmin Olmos
Isaiah Soto
Horn
Alexis Chisolm
Andrew French
Anthony Olague
Adam Sevilla
Trombone
Jesus Amaro
Jordi Campbell
Rami El-Ghosssaini
Arnold Garcia
Bass Trombone
Nikolas Hernandez
Nicholas Perez
Euphonium
Stephen Lopez
Jackson Nguyen
Tuba
Gregory Barnes
Christopher Gallo
Fabiola Padilla
Percussion
Maritza Alejos
Jonathan Brown
Dan Angelo Esguerra
Gabriela Guzman
Diego Mendoza
Ziyania Monroe
Markie Rosas
Piano
Julia Chubb
CSUF UNIVERSITY WIND SYMPHONY
Piccolo
Daniella Arditti
Crystal Lee
Flute
Daniella Arditti
Harold Boche Castro
Henry Bransdorfer
Crystal Lee
Jeffrey Nguyen
Oboe
Brett Houston
Johnston Nguyen
Stephanie Marquez
Bassoon
Nayalin Guzman
Emma Johnson Miranda
E-Flat Clarinet
Daniel Hernandez
Clarinet
Grigorii Avetisian
Myko Crisostomo
John Gerling
Daniel Hernandez
Yilin Li
James Nguyen
Ryan Nguyen
Manami Ogura
Monserrat Rodriguez
Josiah Sanchez
Bass Clarinet
Jesus Santiago
Contrabass Clarinet
Ryan Nguyen
Saxophone
Lennon Gamez
Joshua Lopez
Kimberly Orozco
Elijah Samuel
Sam Tobilla
Trumpet
Dominick Bonelli
Trevor Cannon
Isaac Montaño
Alex Santiago
Susanna Sun
Isaiah Velasquez
Rudy Xool
Horn
Jeff Gumpertz
Grant Laren
Quintin Toma
Josiah Wallace
Trombone
Giovanni Gallegos
Andrew Munoz
Matheu Padua
Samuel Song
Bass Trombone
Paul De La Rosa
Euphonium
Arturo Castro
Jesse Romo
Chris Zavala
Tuba
Deandre Barlow
Eduardo Bonilla
Double Bass
Angelina Salcedo
Percussion
Cameron Abrahamson
Andrew Alvidrez
Wilson Le
Salvador Montaño
Galadriel Pokracki
John Sunderman
Joshua Zepeda
Piano
Amelia Thompson
Harp
Laura Griffin-Casey
Music Librarians
Daniella Arditti
Daniel Hernandez
Emma Johnson
Miranda
Johnston Nguyen
Logistics Manager
Daniel Hernandez
Will Healy
Will Healy is a composer, pianist, and improviser whose work engages with many of the musical worlds in New York City, from classical concert halls to jazz clubs and hip-hop shows. A recipient of the 2023 Leonard Bernstein Prize from the ASCAP Foundation, he is passionate about both tradition and innovation. He has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and National Sawdust, with his compositions featured by ensembles such as the Minnesota Orchestra, Contemporaneous, and Mivos Quartet. His arranging credits include the New York Philharmonic, Donda, the Albany Symphony, and others.
Healy is the artistic director and founder of ShoutHouse, a collective of hip-hop, jazz, and classical musicians. Described by US poet-laureate Billy Collins as “sweetly and smartly off the rails,” ShoutHouse has premiered over 50 new works, and their debut full-length album, Cityscapes, came out on New Amsterdam Records, featuring “a lavishly orchestrated, absolutely unique blend of postrock, artrock and indie classical.” (New York Music Daily).
Recent compositions include “Passages,” a 30-minute work for wind ensemble and multi-genre soloists, which was premiered at the CBDNA conference in Athens, Georgia in February 2023. A collaboration with poet/emcee spiritchild, “Passages” reflects on stories about language and communication, across three movements, including texts written by the featured rappers on the piece. In 2024, it received The Beeler Prize, selected from a pool of 270 compositions. The judges called it “a completely unique and massive contribution to the repertoire” and “a fresh new outlook on what band music can be.”
As a pianist, Healy has performed solo recitals in the United States and abroad, including programs of original music, world premieres of pieces by other composers, and a wide variety of works from the classical repertoire. Healy has performed the works of J.S. Bach extensively, including the complete Goldberg Variations and Well-Tempered Clavier. Healy plays piano and synthesizers in Pathos Trio, an award-winning metal-influenced chamber group that has premiered dozens of new works. Healy is also a founding member of Upstream, a duo with violinist and composer George Meyer. He is the composer-in-residence for Midsummer’s Music, Wisconsin’s longest-running chamber music series.
Healy’s composition awards include The American Academy of Arts and Letters’ Charles Ives Scholarship, two ASCAP Morton Gould Awards, Vassar College’s W.K. Rose Fellowship, a J-Fund commission, and residencies at the Bogliasco, Willapa Bay AiR, and Brush Creek Foundations. He has written chamber and orchestral pieces for the New York Philharmonic’s Bandwagon and YPC Concert series performances, including an original work for rapper and orchestra performed by the New York Philharmonic. Healy received his M.M. in Composition from The Juilliard School where his mentors included Samuel Adler, John Corigliano, and Steven Stucky. He is entering as a PhD candidate in Composition at Princeton University in Fall 2024.
Healy is a Yamaha Artist and a member of ASCAP.
spiritchild
A freedom singer/artist from the South Bronx by way of Staten Island, spiritchild uses the arts to cultivate a cultural revolution throughout the world, from the United States to Europe, from Africa to South East Asia. This artist’s eclectic and experimental fusion of true school Hip Hop, Funk, Electronica and Jazz continues to break the boundaries of the music scene. As spiritchild channels the frequencies of J Dilla having tea with Sun Ra, painting the silhouettes of Nina Simone remixing ElHajj Malik El-Shabazz also known as Malcolm X, no one shares the time & the space without being moved in body, mind, heart and soul. spiritchild integrates revolution and Hip Hop music throughout all his endeavors, as a musician, DJ/ soul selector, producer, writer, author, facilitator and mxntor for youth, cofounder along with Fred Ho of a new black arts movement, organizer & founder of the International Movement In Motion Artist & Activist Collective, Vice President of the Universal Zulu Nation’s Brooklyn Territory (UZN Chapter 9 -Noble 9 Zuluz) & co-founder and co-leader of the maroon party for liberation & the maroon liberation school. Both as a solo artist, since 1992 and as the rhythmic poet of the Hip Hop fusion band Mental Notes, since 1999, spiritchild uses music and various forms of art/writing to open conversations with the audience about the injustices facing the poor and oppressed and to inspire action on environmental and social justice in New York City and around the world. Next to releasing several solo albums and band recordings, spiritchild has been privileged to work with an array of artists from rEvolutionary spoken word activists The Last Poets, Amiri Baraka, grammy award winning nominee Maya Azucena, and the legendary Les Nubians, among many others. Staying in tune with and contributing to the pulse of young people’s musical and social heartbeat is at the core of this artist’s life work. spiritchild has extensive experience developing and leading workshops and programs on ‘critical rEvolutionary hip hop pedagogy,’ songwriting and artist development. spiritchild has worked with homeless youth, youth offenders and young emerging artists as program director of One Mic and EAR (Emerging Artists in Residency) for Art Start and as a mxntor, teaching artist, consultant and artitech for Urban Art Beat. Both are New York based nonprofit organizations that use the power of creative arts and music to transform youth. spiritchild continues to engage, inspire and uplift youth in community centers, juvenile detention facilities, high schools, colleges and universities throughout the world.
Currently spiritchild is working with Urban Art Beat and the maroon party for liberation on Rikers Island providing ‘critical revolutionary hip hop pedagogy’ with young mxn and womxn from the ages of 16-21 since Black August 2017. spirit is also providing professional revolutionary developments on ‘critical revolutionary hip hop pedagogy’ and writing a book on the praxis. spirit has just released new albums ‘timetales’ with German Producer creativemaze, self produced album March of the Matriarch (Earth’s Day) and producing for various artist in the works of their EP and Album projects including European artist and pedagogue purplereaad ’80’s baby.’ spirit has just released his new album ‘maroon militant matriarch (mxn’s mirror)’ a tribute for Black August 2021. spirit has been working with Musicambia and Carnegie Hall as well providing similar workshops with the adult male population at Sing Sing adding to master classes on the art of emceeing, production, songwriting and artist development.
Dizzy Senze
Dizzy Senze is a freestyle rapper, songwriter, Emcee, and multimedia artist hailing from The Bronx, NY. Dizzy has worked across multiple arts industries, sound engineering for powerhouse corporations (Nickelodeon, Interscope Records), photographing top-tier artists and companies (KRS-One, Sesame Street), and sharing the stage with legendary artists (Kendrick Lamar, Talib Kweli). She is also a repeat champion of New York’s various freestyle competitions, where she is known as a lyrical assassin who can drop clever and poignant bars on any beat she’s given.
Most recently, Dizzy joined a nationwide tour as a regular performer with Lin Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Broadway show “Freestyle Love Supreme,” and she also won the 2023 End of the Weak Emcee Challenge World Championship, and the Snipes’ 2023 Battle Champs freestyle competition live in Times Square for Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary in front of a crowd of 90,000 people, making Dizzy one of the best live Emcees not only in New York City, but in the world.
FEATURED STUDENT PERFORMERS
Gabriela Atkinson
Soprano Gabriela Atkinson is a senior at California State University, Fullerton, pursuing a BM in Vocal Performance with minors in Marketing and Chicano Studies. She has studied voice with Janet Smith, Dr. Rebecca Tomlinson (LA Opera), and Krystle Menendez. Gabriela performs with several choral ensembles, including CSUF’s Concert Choir and the University Singers, touring South Africa and Rwanda under Grammy-winning conductor Dr. Robert Istad. She has appeared at the Hollywood Bowl, Honda Center, Disney Concert Hall, and Segerstrom Center for the Arts, performing alongside Broadway stars and renowned conductors like Gustavo Dudamel and John Williams.
On the operatic stage, Gabriela has performed as Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro), Gretel (Hänsel und Gretel), and Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), among others. She placed second in Robert Hansen’s Collegiate Opera Scenes
Competition at the National Opera Association Conference and has sung lead roles in full productions of Street Scene (Jennie Hildebrand) and L’incoronazione di Poppea (Fortuna). She will soon perform as The Queen of the Night in CSUF’s Die Zauberflöte.
Beyond performing, Gabriela serves as a student assistant to the Opera Area at CSUF, using social media marketing to grow audience engagement. She is also the President of Sigma Alpha Iota’s Lambda Chi chapter. Passionate about bridging classical music and younger audiences, she hopes to continue her studies in both marketing and vocal performance.
Amber Napoli
Amber Napoli is a lyric soprano working towards completion of her B.M. in Vocal Performance at Cal State Fullerton, and is currently a junior. She is a classically trained vocalist, who has a passion for singing many genres of music, including jazz, pop, musical theater, and opera. Amber is a transfer student from Mt SAC, where she sang in Bruce Rogers’ Chamber Singers and vocal jazz group “Singcopation.” She performed leading roles of Delores Dante and Kate Rushton in Working: A Musical at the University of LaVerne in Spring 2022.
After competing in the CSUF Music Associates Concerto/Aria Competition, she placed 1st in the vocal category, and was the overall grand prize winner. In Spring 2024, Amber performed the title role of “Poppea” in Cal State Fullerton’s production of L’Incoronazione di Poppea. She is currently preparing the role of “Pamina” for the School of Music’s production of Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) set for April 2025.
Amber sings in the CSUF University Singers, and has had the opportunity to travel to Rwanda, South Africa, and will be going to Texas for the ACDA conference in March. Through the CSUF choral program, she has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Disney Hall, and the Kia Forum for many artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Jennifer Hudson, Nadine Sierra, Sierra Boggess, and more. She also performed in the choir for Disney’s Marvel show at the Hollywood Bowl and sang back-up for the Eagles. In Spring 2024, Amber sang back-up for the band 30 Seconds to Mars through Brandon Elliott’s Choral Arts Initiative.She is extremely grateful for the mentorship she has received from her voice teacher, Courtney Taylor, and for the support of her excellent professors, Dr. Kerry Jennings, Dr. Joni Prado, Dr. Robert Istad, and Dr. Christopher Peterson.
Victor Gonzalez
Victor Gonzalez is a 21-year-old saxophonist, composer/arranger, and educator based in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies at California State University, Fullerton. Victor leads various ensembles, ranging from small groups of 4-10 musicians to full big bands.
As a composer, Victor specializes in conceptual music with impressionistic qualities, blending genres such as Latin, Jazz, ECM, Hip-Hop, and more. His latest record, “Against All Odds,” released on March 1st, 2024, features primarily original compositions performed by his quartet.
In addition to his performance and composition work, Victor is dedicated to education. He actively supports his community in Orange County through teaching at high schools, private conservatories, and other institutions. Known for his passion, collaborative spirit, and versatility, Victor is always eager to make music with musicians of all kinds.
GRADUATE ASSISTANT CONDUCTORS
Johnston Nguyen
Johnston Nguyen is a passionate music educator, conductor, and oboist. He is currently pursuing the Master of Music degree at California State University, Fullerton, where he studies instrumental conducting with Dr. Dustin Barr and oboe with Dr. Rong-Huey Liu. Nguyen was the inaugural recipient of the Alan V. Stang, PhD Endowed Scholarship for Instrumental Wind Conducting. Most recently, he was selected as one of 14 fellows nationwide to participate in the 2024 Reynolds Conducting Institute as part of the 78th Midwest Clinic.
Prior to graduate studies at CSUF, Nguyen was the Band Director at Palm Desert Charter Middle School in Palm Desert, CA, where he taught Marching Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Beginning Band, and Music Appreciation. At PDCMS, he successfully led students through numerous festivals, competitions, and community engagement events. In 2020, he co-presented with Dr. Marc Dickey on “Demystifying Oboe and Bassoon Octave Keys” at the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association Conference.
Nguyen completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, also at CSUF. As an undergraduate, he performed in the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Winds, University Band, and Symphony Orchestra, as well as in various chamber ensembles. He also received the Willard and Virginia Dickey Instrumental Music Education Student Teacher Scholarship.
Emma Johnson Miranda
Emma Johnson Miranda is a conductor, musician, and educator who was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Miranda is currently a graduate student at California State University-Fullerton, studying instrumental conducting with Dr. Dustin Barr. Along with completing her degree in conducting, Miranda is finishing her teaching credential all while playing bassoon in the University Wind Symphony and the University Symphony Orchestra.
In high school, she took advantage of leadership opportunities in her band program and participated in the 2016 TMEA 6A Honor Orchestra and various TMEA Region Honor Bands. As an undergraduate student, Miranda studied conducting with Dr. Shawn Smith and bassoon with Dr. Christian Smith at Brigham Young University. Additionally, Miranda played bassoon in the BYU Wind Symphony–a group that toured to Spain and Portugal in May 2023 and qualified to perform at the 2024 WASBE conference in South Korea. She graduated from BYU in April 2023 with a Music BA and a minor in Family Life.
Miranda and her husband, EJ Miranda, currently live in Los Angeles, where they enjoy spending time at the beach, eating good food, and catching up on their favorite TV shows.
ABOUT THE CSUF DIRECTOR
Dustin Barr
Dustin Barr is the Director of Wind Studies and Associate Professor of Music at California State University, Fullerton, where he leads the university’s comprehensive band program. He conducts the acclaimed University Wind Symphony and University Band, oversees the graduate wind conducting program, and teaches courses in conducting and music education. Prior experiences include appointments as Assistant Director of Bands at Michigan State University, Director of Bands at Mt. San Antonio College, and Assistant Director of Bands at Esperanza High School in Anaheim, California.
A leading pedagogue in the field of conducting, Barr collaborated with theatre director Jerald Schwiebert to integrate performance theory with various movement disciplines, pioneering innovative approaches to conducting instruction. Their co-authored book, Expressive Conducting: Movement and Performance Theory for Conductors (Routledge, 2018), has become an essential resource for conductors worldwide. His work in movement theory has resulted in invitations to present masterclasses and lectures throughout the USA and in Spain. Moreover, his research on Scandinavian chamber wind ensemble music resulted in published editions of Asger Lund Christiansen’s Octet, op. 43 and Svend Schultz’s Divertimento for Wind Octet
Barr’s accomplishments have garnered wide recognition, including winning Second Prize of the 2024 American Prize in Conducting and Second Prize of the 2024 American Prize in Collegiate Wind Band Performance. His leadership of the CSUF University Wind Symphony has resulted in prestigious performances at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) conferences at both national (2019) and regional (2024) levels, as well as a headlining performance at the 2023 California All State Music Education Conference. The University Wind Symphony’s 2022 album, Effigy, is another noteworthy achievement. This album features the music of composer Brian Baumbusch and was the result of innovative musical practices and remote recording projects undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Barr’s direction, the ensemble also received Third Prize in the 2021 American Prize Ernst Bacon Award for the Performance of American Music.
Barr has guest conducted prominent ensembles, including the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, in addition to numerous collegiate bands across the country. Additionally, he has appeared as guest conductor of leading municipal bands in Valencia and Almería, Spain. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting from the University of Michigan, and both Master and Bachelor of Music degrees from California State University, Fullerton. His principal mentors include Michael Haithcock and Mitchell Fennell.
ABOUT THE CSUF DIRECTOR
Gregory X. Whitmore
Gregory X. Whitmore is Conductor of the University Symphonic Winds at California State University Fullerton (CSUF). In addition to this artistic responsibility, he is an Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education and serves as Area Coordinator of the CSUF Music Education Department. He is also in his 10th season as Music Director of the Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, one of only a handful of youth wind ensembles connected to a group one professional symphony orchestra (Pacific Symphony) in the United States.
Whitmore’s previous appointments in higher education include tenure as Director of Bands at Irvine Valley College (Irvine, CA), Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut, CA), and College of the Desert (Palm Desert, CA). Prior to his work in higher education, he spent 13 years as Director of Bands at Cathedral City High School (Cathedral City, CA).
A proud Midwesterner and native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Whitmore earned his bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from The University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance. While a student at Michigan, he performed in the University of Michigan Symphony and Concert Bands; and led the University of Michigan Marching Band as “Michigan’s Man Up Front” - Drum Major - from 1999 to 2001 – becoming the second Black Drum Major in the history of the University of Michigan. Dr. Whitmore received his master’s degree in music with an emphasis in wind conducting from California State University Fullerton. He holds a master’s degree, and a doctorate in music and music education from Columbia University (Teachers College) in the city of New York.
A Second Place Winner of the 2017 American Prize in Conducting, Whitmore has conducted ensembles around the world in such notable concert venues as The Golden Hall of The Musikverein (Vienna), The Wiener Konzerthaus (Vienna), The MuTh (Vienna), Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa), Symphony Hall (Chicago), The Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.), Carnegie Hall (New York City), Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles), Meng Hall (Fullerton, California), Holy Trinity Church (Stratford, England), St. John’s Smith Square (London), Chateau Vaux le Vicomte (Paris), and Heidelberg Castle (Germany). Under his direction, the Cathedral City High School Symphony Band was selected to perform as the showcase ensemble during the 2008 California Band Directors Association Annual Convention. He is a conductor for the World Strides Honors Performance Series.
With a research interest in music educator values as operationalized into pedagogy, in addition to investigating the concert band as an artistic medium, Whitmore has presented research at music education symposia in the United States and abroad. He research has been published in Visions of Research in Music Education. He has been recognized in four editions of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and he has been included in the 2005/2006 Edition of the National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers. He was selected to represent the State of California by School Band and Orchestra Magazine in the 2008 edition of “50 Band Directors Who Make a Difference.”
Whitmore belongs to professional organizations that include College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society, The National Association for Music Education, Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association, and the California Music Educators Association.
Learn more about Dr. Whitmore at gwhitmore.com
The SCHOOL OF MUSIC was among the first academic programs offered when Cal State Fullerton opened its main campus in 1960. From the very beginning, the emphasis on musical performance in an academically stimulating environment has been a cornerstone of the School of Music.
The members of the CSUF Wind Symphony and CSUF University Symphonic Winds study and perform music as part of an overall university curriculum that prepares musicians for careers in the performing arts, education and business. With a strong emphasis on musical performance, the students in both of these ensembles are also part of an ongoing effort to perpetuate and maintain a great American cultural tradition.
Our purpose in studying and performing this music is to develop an appreciation for the music of our time, to further the tradition of excellence in wind performance at Cal State Fullerton as well as the traditions of the American concert band, and to provide an educational foundation from which our students and audience can contribute to the cultural landscape of society.
ADJUDICATORS
Dr. Jason Nam
Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music
Dr. Jeffrey de Seriere
Cabrillo College/Youth Orchestra Salinas/ San Francisco Brass Band
Prof. Kevin Mayse
Riverside City College
FESTIVAL PERSONNEL
Dr. Dustin Barr Director of Bands
Associate Professor of Music
Charlotte Bouck
Audition Coordinator and Production Assistant CSUF College of the Arts
Grant Laren
President, Omicron Pi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
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 arts students daily.
Many of these students face personal and financial challenges that prevent them from continuing their education. You can help! The Dean’s Fund for Excellence provides students in need with funding for immersive, off- and oncampus experiences that contribute to their academic success, including CSU Summer Arts, conferences, and study abroad programs.
Shape the future of the arts! Consider making a gift of any amount to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence today.
$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
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
Dr. Vince & Mrs. Jane Buck
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
*deceased
Very special care has been given to the prepartion of this donor list. For questions or concerns, please contact: Ann Steichen | 657-278-3347
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
Gifts received from July 1, 2024 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
GAIL & MICHAEL COCHRAN
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*
DR. SALLIE MITCHELL*
ELEANORE P. & JAMES L. MONROE
LYNN & ROBERT MYERS
MR. BOB & MRS. TERRI NICCUM
DWIGHT RICHARD ODLE*
SHERRY & DR. GORDON PAINE
*deceased
DR. JUNE POLLAK
& MR. GEORGE POLLAK*
DR. STEPHEN M. ROCHFORD
MR. 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*
The College of the Arts Proudly Recognizes the 300+ Members of Our VOLUNTEER SUPPORT GROUPS
ALLIANCE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: The Alliance for the Performing Arts (formerly MAMM) benefits performing arts students through underwriting visiting artists; special theatre, dance, and music performances; and other unique experiences for members.
SPECIAL SUPPORT AND EVENT UNDERWRITING
Judy Atwell
Drs. Voiza & Joe Arnold
Dr. Margaret Faulwell Gordon
Susan Hallman
Norma Morris Richard Odle Estate
Kerry & John Phelps
Jeanie Stockwell Verne Wagner
ART ALLIANCE: 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.
SPECIAL SUPPORT AND EVENT UNDERWRITING
Fay Colmar
John DeLoof
Joann Driggers & Steve Collier
Loraine Walkington
MUSIC ASSOCIATES: 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.
SPECIAL SUPPORT AND EVENT UNDERWRITING
Marilyn Carlson
Evelyn K. Francuz
Sandy & Norm Johnson
Marti & Bill Kurschat
Karen & George Mast
Thelma & Earl Mellott
Bettina Murphy
Grace & Ujinobu Niwa
Kerry & John Phelps
Mary & Jerry Reinhart
Ann & Thad Sandford
Dodo V. Standring
Carolyn & Tom Toby
John Van Wey
MORE INFORMATION: Haley Sanford • 657-278-2663
There are many ways to support the College of the Arts, the School of Music, Department of Theatre and Dance, and Department of Visual Arts
COLLEGE OF THE ARTS • SELECT
College of the Arts Galleries Exhibitions
Vitae: A New Generation
Chris O’Leary: Gravity Well
Michelle Emami: Arcana Past Forward (Redux) Through May 17
Sergei Babayan, piano
February 16 • Meng Concert Hall
Sō Percussion*
February 20 • Meng Concert Hall
Hajar: Opera In Concert
February 21 • Recital Hall
University Symphony Orchestra feat. Music Associates’ Student Concerto/Aria
Competition Winner
February 23 • Meng Concert Hall
World Citizen Band with Fullerton Chamber Jazz Ensemble
February 26 • Meng Concert Hall
Advanced Vocal Workshop with guest Michael Schütze, piano
March 6 • Recital Hall
Significant Other March 6–15 • Hallberg Theatre
Collage: 18th Annual Benefit Concert
March 8 • Meng Concert Hall
Dr. Joni Prado, soprano & Dr. Kerry Jennings, tenor, with Michael Schütze, piano
March 9 • Meng Concert Hall
Mela Quartet
March 12 • Meng Concert Hall
University Singers & Concert Choir
March 15 • Meng Concert Hall
Bill Cunliffe & Alison Edwards, duo piano
March 16 • Meng Concert Hall
Tuesday Matinée
March 18 • Recital Hall
Ralph Farris, viola, with CSUF Wind Symphony and Rodolfo Zuniga, percussion
March 18 • Meng Concert Hall
Spring Awakening
March 20–29 • Young Theatre
Talich Quartet
March 28 • Meng Concert Hall
University Symphony Orchestra with the Talich Quartet
March 30 • Meng Concert Hall
Inna Faliks, piano
April 8 • Meng Concert Hall
Brightwork New Music and HEX Vocal Ensemble*
April 9 • Meng Concert Hall
Ernest Salem, violin and Alison Edwards, piano
April 13 • Meng Concert Hall
Mozart’s The Magic Flute
April 17–26 • Little Theatre
Fullerton Jazz Chamber Ensemble and Fullerton Latin Ensemble
April 22 • Meng Concert Hall
Cello Choir
April 25 • Recital Hall
University Symphonic Winds
April 27 • Meng Concert Hall
CSUF New Music Ensemble and CSUF Contemporary Chamber Music Ensemble*
April 30 • CPAC 119
University Band
April 30 • Meng Concert Hall
Spring Dance Theatre
May 1–10 • Little Theatre
Fullerton Jazz Orchestra
May 2 • Meng Concert Hall
University Wind Symphony
May 3 • Meng Concert Hall
Jazz Singers
May 5 • Meng Concert Hall
Titan Voices & Singing Titans
May 7 • Meng Concert Hall
University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Chorus
