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
PROGRAM
Singing Titans
Christopher Peterson, conductor
Alan Garcia, graduate assistant conductor
David Bergstedt, collaborative pianist
Canto del Agua.................................................................................................. David Hill
Haziel Flores, vihuela
Santa Lucia Teodoro Cottrau arr. Henry Leck
Bonk’ abaphandle .................................................. arr. Michael Barrett & Mbuso Ndlovu
The River ....................................................................................................
Susan LaBarr
Edgar Sanchez and Cooper Koerner, cahon
Haziel Flores, guitar
Does the World Say? .................................................................................
Kyle Pederson
Cooper Koerner & Joshua Smith, soloists
The Battle of Jericho .......................................................................... Traditional Spiritual arr. David Dickau
Coffee (in a Cardboard Cup)
Fred Ebb & John Kander arr. Kevin Robison
Edgar Sanchez, Joshua Smith, Ethan Maun, Zakarias Dimpel-Alvarez, James Lopez, Dominic Nguyen, Cooper Koerner, Hunter Bakken, Steve Moreno, Jae Corpuz, Virgil Daniels, Jacob Gomez, soloists
PROGRAM NOTES
to his experience teaching high school students. Specifically, he wanted to focus on highlighting the expectations students sometimes face, particularly women. The piece reflects on how important it is for young people to feel comfortable in their own skin and their identity and finds solidarity in that shared experience.
Does the world say that you don’t look the right way? Does the world say that you’re just not enough?
Does the world say that this isn’t the right spot? When it wants you there but not here and tells you all the things you are not.
I’ve been there, too. It’s hard to shut my ears to the noise. I don’t stand a chance if it’s me in this world all alone. The chatter is deafening, too overwhelming, hard to find my way home. So take my hand...don’t let go.
Does the world say that you don’t think the right things? Does the world say that you’re not worth the time?
Does the world laugh when you fall, when you cry? Does it turn the other way every time you walk by?
I’m growing, learning, loving, becoming. So take my hand...don’t let go.
The Battle of Jericho TRADITIONAL SPIRITUAL
ARR. DAVID DICKAU ( b. 1953)
The Battle of Jericho is a traditional spiritual that describes the Israelites conquest of the fortified city of Jericho as told in the Book of Joshua. The story
highlights themes such as triumph over oppression, hope, and liberation, which were well regarded themes for those in oppression, such as those who were enslaved. The text is a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow. This funky and jazzy arrangement by David C. Dickau’s is a re-interpretation of the traditional African American spiritual.
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho, Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, And the walls came tumbling down!
You may talk about your men of Gideon, You may talk about your men of Saul, But there’s none like good old Joshua And the battle of Jericho!
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho, Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, And the walls came tumbling down!
Right up to the walls of Jericho They marched with spear in hand; “Go blow them ram horns,” Joshua cried, “Cause the battle is in my hand.”
Coffee (in a Cardboard Cup)
FRED EBB & JOHN KANDER
ARR. KEVIN ROBISON
Coffee (in a Cardboard Cup) is a satirical song criticizing society’s obsession with convenience. Within the song, “a cup of coffee” becomes the metaphor for a relaxing activity that has become impersonal and rushed in lieu of productivity. Originally featured in the 1971 revue “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little,” and later in “70, Girls, 70,” this song is fast paced and full of life. This arrangement was originally arranged for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, and highlights the jazz harmony and rhythms with the cheekiness of its lyrics.
PROGRAM NOTES
this line will catch for me ev’ry little fishie. Well, I’ll become a dove, a wild dove, flying high. I’ll fly up high, I’ll fly around high in the sky. At home I keep ravens, ravens that will catch me, that will catch me for sure wild doves, wild doves galore.
Well, then I will become a crow, a great crow too; and I will fly away to Hungary from you. Well, here at home
I keep a bow with arrows plumed, they’ll surely fell all crows, all souls of crows are doomed. Well, I’ll become a star up in the sky at night, for people down below on earth a shining light.
Well, sky-watchers count stars at home; they can espy all starlets
shining high above in the night sky. And you’ll of course be mine, for it’s God’s will, it’s God’s will.
When the Earth Stands Still DON MACDONALD
This text, written by the composer, was originally conceived while he was lying on the grass with his young son watching the slow billowing of clouds in the sky. The song is a call to a loved one to be present in the current moment and to appreciate all the beauty that can be found, even in the simplest things like rain, trees, and silence. Taking the time to slow down can make even the high-stakes patterns of everyday life feel trivial. This piece is set much like a contemporary song, with a repeating verse and chorus structure, while also employing tight choral harmonies to create an ethereal and shimmering musical texture.
Come listen in the silence of the moment before rain comes down. There’s a deep sigh in the quiet of the forest and the tall tree’s crown.
Now hold me,
Will you take the time to hold me and embrace the chill? Or miss me, Will you take the time to miss me when the earth stands still?
‘Cause there’s no use running ‘Cause the storm’s still coming And you’ve been running for so many years.
Come listen in the silence of the moment before shadows fall. Feel the tremor of your heartbeat matching heartbeat as we both dissolve.
Now hold me, Will you take the time to hold me and embrace the chill? Or miss me, Will you take the time to miss me when the earth stands still?
‘Cause there’s no use running ‘Cause the storm’s still coming And you’ve been running for so many years.
So stay with me, held in my arms, Like branches of a tree, They’ll shelter you for many years.
Metsa Telegramm (The Woodpecker’s Warning) UNO NAISSOO
Literally translated as “Forest Telegram,” this piece is a call to action about the growing concern for the environment. Composer Uno Naissoo divides the work into two distinct sections, the jubilant Tok, tok, tok refrain and the more impassioned Ja kaitskem bridge. The repeated
PROGRAM NOTES
tok, tok, tok phrase represents the sound of the woodpecker drumming on trees which then evolves into a cry to save the forest, delving into the very serious nature of issues like deforestation and climate change.
Tok, tok, tok, rähn see telegramme toksib.
Tok, tok, tok, Ärge murdke puude oksi!
Tok, tok, tok, üle metsa keset vaikust
Tok, tok, tok, rähni teade kōikjal kaigub.
Hoidke ilu, metsa elu!
Olgu teile sõbraks ju siin iga puu!
Ja kaitskem
metsa kaunist rüüd, Siis mets meil mühab alati; Ka linnupesi kaitske pesi nii; Et kajaks rõõmus linnu hüüd!
Tok, tok, tok, comes a signal from the forest.
Tok, tok, tok, comes an echo like a chorus;
In Time of Silver Rain SARAH QUARTEL
In Time of Silver Rain by Canadian composer Sarah Quartel sets the Langston Hughes poem of the same name. Hughes paints many beautiful images of new life and the coming of spring in his poetry, and Quartel enhances this imagery with her lilting melodic lines and simple yet beautiful harmonies. Supported by lush piano accompaniment, this piece creates a shimmering texture that is nothing short of gorgeous.
In time of silver rain, the earth puts forth new life again, Green grasses grow and flowers lift their heads, And over all the plain, the wonder spreads of life, of life, of life!
Tok, tok, tok, breaking through the morning silence; Tok, tok, tok, driving deep into our conscience:
Save the forest! Join the chorus! There is much that we can do, and you can, too!
While birds still serenade the morning sky, While beasts still run, while streams still ripple on; We all are one, we cannot let them die; Move quickly now before they’re gone!
In time of silver rain, The butterflies lift silken wings to catch a rainbow cry, And trees put forth new leaves to sing In joy beneath the sky.
As down the roadway, Passing boys and girls go singing too. In time of silver rain, when spring and life are new.
No Time
ARR. SUSAN BRUMFIELD
Susan Brumfield is an active composer, arranger, clinician and guest conductor who specializes in the study of authentic performance practice of folk music. This particular arrangement is a combination of two traditional camp meeting songs: “Rise, Oh Fathers” and “No Time.”
The piece begins relatively quietly; the melody being sung by single voice parts supported by a stripped-down
ABOUT THE CONDUCTORS
Kimberly Nason
Kimberly Nason is the director of the Cal State Fullerton Titan Voices. She began directing choirs at the age of 15, and has had the opportunity to work with singers from 5 years old to 80. She recently retired from her 32-year career as a K-8 music teacher with the Capistrano Unified School District. She served as a mentor teacher, director of honor choirs, and frequent presenter at conferences. In 2022, she received the Irene Schoepfle award for lifetime service in music education from the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators.
Nason was also the Director of Traditional Music at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Rancho Santa Margarita, and directed the adult and children’s choirs for over 30 years. She is the former Resources and Repertoire Chair for Children’s and Youth Choirs for the California Choral Directors Association (CCDA).
Nason received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from USC, and her Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Cal State Fullerton. She sings with the Pacific Chorale.
Christopher Peterson
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 and is the current Vice President. 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. He 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.
$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
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Mr. Jim Plamondon
Mr. E. B. & Mrs. Linda Powell
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Mr. D. Schmitt
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South Coast Repertory
Ms. Ann Sparks
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Liqi Tong
Viet Tide
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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
COLLEGE OF THE ARTS • SELECT EVENTS
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 Sponsored by Morningside
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
