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
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.
Sincerely,
Arnold Holland, EdD Dean, College of the Arts
PROGRAM
CSUF UNIVERSITY SINGERS
Robert Istad, conductor
David Bergstedt, collaborative pianist
Erika Jackson, graduate assistant conductor
The Star-Spangled Banner ........................ Francis Scott Key and John Stafford Smith arr. Robert Istad
CSUF CONCERT CHOIR
Dr. Christopher Peterson, conductor
David Bergstedt, collaborative pianist
Alan Garcia, graduate assistant conductor
I Am Loved ..................................................................................... Christopher H. Harris
To Sit and Dream ............................................................................. Rosephanye Powell
Make Me Know ......................................................................................... Kevin Memley
Tatiana El Jaouhari, Leilani Kemp, Alexander Strommer, Gage Pastorius
Santa Ana High School
Laura Cobb, director
Rebecca Vu, Maria Martinez, Haniel Guerrero Estrada, Sofia Gomez, Elvis Perez, Uziel Maldonado, Angel Chirinos, Dallas Branon
FESTIVAL CHORUS 2025
Santiago High School
Emilio Sandoval, director
Leslie Fernandez, Tammy Nguyen, Jasmine Carrillo, Desiree Luna, Logan Castellanos, Daniel Carpio, Logan Nguyen, Long Nguyen
Santiago High School
Rachelle Randeen, director
Anisha Kumaarevelu, Makenna Wilkes, Sofia Caravella, Giovanna Nunez, Chad Kemp, Kianoush Alavi, Leo Giacalone, William Phillips
Temecula Preparatory School
Michelle Risling, director
Maggie Maamo, Isabelle Alvarado, CJ Slade, Kenneth Nguyen
Trabuco Hills High School
Kenneth Haro, director
Paige Taino, Monica Benjamin, Braden Berg, Matthew Pettay
Valley View High School
Jim A. Wilson, director
Aaliyah Jade Reese, Rebecca Duque, Melina Valdez, Christian Williams
Robert Istad is Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Fullerton and Artistic Director of Pacific Chorale. He regularly conducts and collaborates with Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra, Sony Classical Records, Yarlung Records, Berkshire Choral International, and Long Beach Symphony Orchestra. He and Pacific Chorale are featured on an album of Tarik O’Regan’s compositions on Yarlung Records and the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s live recording of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony on Deutsche Grammophon for which he won a GRAMMY Award for Best Choral Performance, on April 3, 2022.
Istad has prepared choruses for a number of America’s finest conductors and orchestras, including: Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Carl St.Clair and the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, as well as conductors Esa–Pekka Salonen, Keith Lockhart, Nicholas McGegan, Vasilly Sinaisky, Sir Andrew Davis, Bramwell Tovey, John Williams, Eugene Kohn, Eric Whitacre, Giancarlo Guerrero, Marin Alsop, George Fenton, and Robert Moody. Istad is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Fullerton. He was recognized as CSUF’s 2016 Outstanding Professor of the Year. At CSU Fullerton, he conducts the University Singers, coordinates CSUF’s graduate choral conducting program, and teaches courses in conducting, performance practice and literature. Recently, he and the University Singers performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Andrea Bocelli, Kathleen Battle, recorded albums with Yarlung Records and with composer John Williams and Sony Classical.
Istad and his singers brought staged performances of David Lang’s little match girl passion throughout Spain in 2019. They performed a retrospective of Tarik O’Regan’s music for Distinguished Concerts International New York at Carnegie Hall in November 2015. They have performed at numerous regional and national ACDA conferences including the 2018 ACDA Western Division Conference and 2013 ACDA National Conference in Dallas, Texas. They also performed for the 2013 National Collegiate Choral Organization National Conference in Charleston, SC. Istad and the CSUF University Singers have performed all over the world, including a 2017 performance in Russia’s famous Glinka Cappella, a 2015 residency and performances in Paris, France, engagements at the 2012 Ottobeuren Festival of Music in Germany, the 2012 Eingen Festival of music in Germany, a 2010 performance for UNESCO in Pisa, Italy, and in 2008 at the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary.
Istad received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, his Master of Music degree in choral conducting from California State University, Fullerton, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral music at the University of Southern California. He studied conducting with William Dehning, John Alexander, and Jon Hurty. He serves on the Executive Board of Directors of Chorus America, and as Dean of Chorus America’s Conducting Academy, and is in demand as an adjudicator, guest conductor, speaker, and clinician throughout the nation.
Robert Istad Christopher Peterson
Kerry Jennings
Joni Y. Prado
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL FACULTY
Christopher Peterson is a teacher, conductor, choral clinician, author, editor, and choral arranger of music and books published in the United States and around the world. In his over thirty years as a music educator he has taught in elementary, middle school, high school, church, community, festival, and collegiate settings. He earned the Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine in choral and instrumental music education and taught music for nine years in the public schools of Maine. He earned the Master of Music in Choral Conducting degree at the University of Maine, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Choral Conducting at Florida State University.
At CSUF Peterson trains and mentors undergraduate and graduate choral music educators and conductors and directs the Concert Choir and the Singing Titans Chorus. In May of 2019 he was honored as the University-wide recipient of the CSUF Carol Barnes Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has served as State Choral Representative and Southern Section President for the California Music Educators Association (CMEA), as well as the Western Division Representative for the National Association for Music Education’s (NAfME) Council for Choral Education. He has also served the California Choral Directors Association in various offices, including CCDA President since 2021. His collegiate textbook “RESONANCE: The ART of the Choral Music Educator” is published by Pavane and is being used across the United States to train future choral music teachers and conductors.
Peterson has been invited to teach, judge, and conduct choirs in more than thirty US states, five Canadian Provinces, and nine countries including China, England, Sweden, Japan, Germany, New Zealand, and Holland, and has conducted All-State Choirs across the nation including Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, Wisconsin, and California.
Peterson also holds the position of Director of Music at Irvine United Congregational Church in Irvine, CA. His “hobby” for many decades has been enjoying singing barbershop harmony, and he is a BHS District Quartet Champion baritone, a top-5 medalist chorus director, and a four-time gold medalist with the Masters of Harmony, nine-time International Men’s Chorus Champions of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Kerry Jennings is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Opera at Cal State Fullerton. His stage direction has been recognized with 1st and 2nd Place Awards in
the National Opera Association’s Collegiate Opera Scenes Competition with scenes from The Ballad of Baby Doe (2021) and Der Rosenkavalier (2020), as well as being named a national finalist for The American Prize in Collegiate Opera Direction for his production of Massenet’s Cendrillon
Noted for his “beautiful voice, great diction, and uncanny sense of style and phrasing,” Jennings recording In My Memory: American Songs and Song Cycles on Centaur Records was met with acclaim from both the composers and critics alike. He is also featured on David Arbury’s CD Alchemy and as tenor soloist on the Houston Camerata’s recording of Fonseca’s Missa Afro-Brasileira. He is currently working on his second solo disc of American Song Cycles which will feature works by Juliana Hall and Zachary Wadsworth.
Jennings is a member of several music organizations, including NATS, Opera America, The Recording Academy, The College Music Society, and NOA, where he is on his fifth cycle as a member of the Dominick Argento Chamber Opera Competition Committee.
Joni Y. Prado, soprano and associate professor of vocal studies at California State University, Fullerton earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in vocal arts at the University of Southern California where her areas of specialty included vocal performance, choral music, music education and jazz studies. She holds a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from California State University, Fullerton and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and psychology from California Baptist University. Current eaching areas include private vocal studies, foreign language diction, and leading vocal workshop.
In addition to teaching and performing, Prado is also in demand as an adjudicator, choral clinician and vocal coach for local school programs and festivals. Earlier this year, she presented a session at CASMEC entitled, “Showing, Not Telling: The Effectiveness of NonVerbal Communication in Choral Conducting.” She has also assisted on several recording projects as a vocal coach and vocal producer at Skywalker Ranch and Sony Pictures Studios and continues to connect with singers and educators across the country through various singing and speaking engagements. She is excited to be returning to the Titan family and looks forward to pouring back into the program that played such an integral part of her development as an artist.
$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. SandyJohnson
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
*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
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, 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
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
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.
COLLEGE OF THE ARTS • SELECT EVENTS | FALL 2025
*Molly Pease, mezzo-soprano, with David Bergstedt, piano
September 19 • Meng Concert Hall
33rd Annual Fall Choral Festival
September 27 • 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
Ernest Salem, violin & Alison Edwards, piano
October 26 • 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 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
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
