Alumni of the Fullerton College Music Department

The success and experiences of our alumni are two of our most treasured resources and give our current students permission to dream. We hope we instilled in our alums the capacity for working hard, enhanced their appreciation for art making and artists, and created a supportive environment in which they could develop their skills and attitudes about art. Lastly we hope they were proud of the work you accomplished at Fullerton College.

Featured:

Teresa  Flores
Teresa Flores

Teresa Flores is originally from Los Angeles and started playing percussion at the young age of 13. She attended Fullerton College where she studied jazz with Matt Johnson and classical percussion with Robert Slack.


In 1997, Ms. Flores received the Woman of the Year award from the Fullerton College Music Department. In 2001 she received her Bachelor's of Music from the University of Southern California Thornton School Of Music. At USC she studied with Erik Forrester and guest professors Raynor Carroll, David Johnson, Ndugu Chanceller and Morris Lang. While at USC the Thornton Percussion Ensemble performed at the 1997 and 2000 Percussive Arts Society International Conventions. In 2001-2003, Ms. Flores worked as a percussion instructor for the Pasadena College Tournament of Roses Honor Band. While in Los Angeles, Ms. Flores performed with various groups including the Pacific Symphony Institute and the Debut Symphony Orchestra. In 2006, she received a Master's of Music degree from Florida International University having studied with both Keith Aleo and Michael Launius. While in Florida, Ms. Flores has performed with the South Florida Symphonic Pops, the Klezmer Company Orchestra, Symphony of the Americas and the Palm Beach Symphony. Currently, Ms. Flores teaches music for Miami-Dade public schools and is the drummer for the trio, the JET Pink Girls.

Complete Listing:

Leah Bentley
Leah Bentley

Leah has been singing her whole life. She grew up in a musical family and had many opportunities to sing at home, church, and school. In college, she studied vocal performance and piano at Fullerton College, Cal State Long Beach, and Eastern New Mexico University. She finished summa cum laud with a B.M. in Vocal Performance and a minor in Piano. An avid performer, Leah participated in various productions with each University, was a frequent guest soloist with jazz bands and choruses, and worked as a professional swing dancer. Trained as a coloratura soprano, her solid classical technique has allowed her to achieve success in a variety of music styles from classical, to jazz, to rock and roll. With her flexible voice, Leah continues to enjoy a wide range of music by teaching voice lessons, recording character voices, and singing with jazz groups, cover bands, Full Measure Carolers, San Diego Lyric Opera, and the Bach Collegium. She has also toured through Europe and China. Locally, you can find her in venues from St. PeterÂ’s Cathedral to the Ritz in Del Mar, center stage at Sea World to behind the piano at the local Kindergarten. 

J. Boogie
J. Boogie
FC Music Alum J Boogie, cast member of Yo Mama: Atlanta on MTV

A flair for turntables devoured J. Boogie at an early age. The current DJ and host of Nickelodeon's TEENick has always had a passion for music. Beginning his career at the age of 19, he got his first job in radio at KGGI-99.1 FM in Riverside, California. Soon after, J. Boogie joined the Power 106 (KPWR- 105.9 FM) team where he has spent the last six years entertaining listeners both on the radio and at live shows. He opened for hip-hop superstars including Eminem, Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Snoop Dogg, Dave Chapelle, and also for P. Diddy during a private luau in Hawaii, just to name a few. These opportunities not only set the tone for J. Boogie as the new voice of radio, but also as the new face of TV.


J. Boogie has captured the attention of more than fourteen million teen viewers each week and TEENick is set to air the 100th episode in June. Airing every Sunday evening, TEENick serves as an outlet for teens to watch their favorite celebrities and get a sneak preview of new upcoming movies and music. Among the many special guests that have appeared on the show, including Adam Sandler, Hilary Duff, Mike Meyers, Outkast, Jennifer Garner, Jack Black (just to name a few), J. Boogie has become a household name himself. In addition, he has also participated in several of the network's live shows, including the Kids' Choice Awards, Let's Just Play and U-Pick Live.


You can also catch J. Boogie in the hit MTV show Yo Mamma! With the show picked up for a second season there have been features in Variety, Teen People, and Seventeen.


After studying at Fullerton College and training in numerous studios to become a recording engineer, J. Boogie has brought the music home by opening his own studio. There he has worked on several songs for TV, film, and video game soundtracks as well as produced the music for several award-winning commercials. He can also be heard frequently on Power 106 during live broadcasts at various clubs, concerts, station events and promotions. He is also the voice of many commercials heard on the station.


Besides writing and producing music, J. Boogie enjoys watching movies, surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. He is actively involved in the Knowledge is Power Foundation and volunteers his time to visit local high schools to help promote the importance of education. He currently resides in Burbank, California.

See: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/yo_momma/cast_member/cast_member.jhtml?personalityId=8690

Jerry  Bowers
Jerry Bowers

I grew up in California where I studied music and graduated from Fullerton College. I studied privately with world-renowned trumpet teacher Claude Gordon for three years until I went on the road with various groups. I have played with Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo and Dennis Noday. In 1978 I went to Atlantic City with the comedian Rodney Dangerfield . Shortly after arriving in Atlantic City I got married and worked with my wife, Patsy McRae. Together we formed the Patsy McRae Show. As the Patsy McRae Show, we worked in Atlantic City and the Poconos. We also entertained troops for the USO on tours to Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Greenland, Bahrain, and throughout the US. We decided to settle down near Nashville, where I played trumpet with the 101st division Army Band at Ft Campbell. During this time I also played with the Bo Thorpe Band. Since arriving in Raleigh, NC in 1988, I have played with Smothers Brothers, Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Barnum and Bailey circus and with the North Carolina Symphony as the lead trumpet player for Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett. I have also played with the Charlotte Symphony, Winston Salem Symphony, and the Raleigh Symphony. Currently I play with the Casablanca Orchestra, and the North Carolina Army National Guard Band, and with the Moonlighters Orchestra.

KeriAnne Burgin
KeriAnne Burgin

KeriAnne N. Burgin, is a native of California and has had an active performing and teaching career for the last 15 years. She holds an A.A. in Music from Yuba College, studying opera under the acclaimed pedagog, Joaquina Johnson. She studied advanced piano under Lavinia Livingston and Howard Johnson. Miss Burgin holds a B.A. degree in Voice from California State University, Fullerton, studying opera under Nicole Baker, Gerald Seminatore, and the highly esteemed and world renown choral conductor John Alexander as well as acclaimed womens choral director, Vance Wolverton. Most recently she has studied voice under the direction of Rhona Klinghofer. While studying at Cal State Fullerton, she had the opportunity to sing with the world famous Boston Pops Orchestra under the direction of Keith Lockhart. Miss Burgin has also done undergraduate work at California State University, Chico studying voice under Dawn Hayes. Further studies were done at Fullerton College studying voice under Katherine Rundus, and pianist Monica Lee. Miss Burgin has taught at the elementary school, high school, college, and university levels and has had several experiences with music education. She has tutored college/university level theory, piano performance, class piano, coached voice students, accompanied vocal and instrumental soloist, and have taught elementary education courses. She has acted as the assistant director of the Yuba Sutter Youth Chorus, teaching young children recorder, note reading, vocal skills, and occasionally acting as rehearsal coach and assistant accompanist. Her teaching career began early on beginning in her own private studio and further progressed to several established music schools including, Matthew's Music (California), A Sharp School of Music (Texas), Allegro Piano Studio (Texas), Alamo School of Music (Texas), the highly regarded Orange County Music Academy (California), Redondo and Hermosa School of Dance and Music, Manhattan Beach Middle School, Lennox Unified School District and Aria School of Music, her privately owned and operated studio. Along with her teaching, she has acted as the assistant Youth Chorus director for the acclaimed Sacramento Opera Company in the production of La Boheme. Miss Burgin has had an extensive performing background in choral music, vocal performance and piano performance. She has sung under choral directors, Joaquina Johnson, Dr. Lynn Bielefelt, Dr. Jeanette-Louise Yaryan, Sean Boulware, Vance Wolverton, John Alexander of the Pacific Chorale, Dr. Robert Istad, Erin Colwitz, Dr. Nicole Baker, Grant Gershon of the L.A. Master Chorale, and Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops Orchestra. She has studied voice under the direction of Joaquina Johnson, Dr. Nicole Baker, Dr. Gerald Seminatore, Daun Hayes, and Rhona Klinghofer. Her piano instruction was under the tutelage of Lavinia Livingston, Howard Johnson, and Dr. Robert Bowman. Miss Burgin's performances include roles in Le Nozze di Figaro (Susanna), Die Zauberflöte (First Lady), Cosi fan tutte (Despina, Ensemble), Don Giovanni (Zerlina), Gianni Schicci (Lauretta), Suor Angelica (Lay Sister), Semele (Semele), Xerxes (Xerxes), Lakme (Lakme), Fiordiligi (Cosi fan Tutte). She has also learned and performed the soprano arias from Handel's Messiah, Vivaldi's Gloria, Bach's Magnificat, Mozart's Mass in C and Vesperae Solmnes de Confessore. Other activities include solo work with the Yuba Sutter Master Chorale, University Lyric Opera, Fullerton University Chorale, and University Women's Choir, Aldersgate Chorale, as well as soloist and section leader for Redondo Beach Methodist Church. She has been involved and competed in the NATS auditions as well as has performed in solo concerts and recitals within the area. In addition, she is a church musician that has sung in the Aldersgate Chorale and has performed numerously as soloist for several various churches. Miss Burgin has had an extensive list of activities as a pianist, accompanist, coach and teacher. Some of her pianistic involvement include, accompanist for instrumentalist and vocalist, pianist for weddings, funerals, parties and entertainment venues. She has had extensive experience in church music and served as pianist for four years. Involvements include accompanist for the San Fernando Cathedral (San Antonio, TX), Luna Middle School (TX) solo vocal ensemble, and other instrumental soloist within the area. She is a member of the TMEA and hopes to stay involved in local and nationwide music education. The new Aria School of Music is her newest endeavor, in which, she hopes to become a busy and growing music academy that offers a wide variety of lessons and programs. Having the Aria School of Music is a dream come true for her. In the near future Miss Burgin will be going back to school obtain a Masters Degree in either Opera Perfromance or Vocal Performance.

Jill Marie Burke
Jill Marie Burke
Born and raised in Los Angeles, she always imagined herself earning a living by being in show business. These thoughts and visions had begun at a very early age, and she made it a reality: Jill is a full-time performer!She attended Fullerton College as a theater major, but spent most of her time in the music department - mainly singing with their vocal jazz group. She tried out her luck in the pageant world, becoming Miss Anaheim 1991, and moving on to compete in the Miss California Pageant. Her first professional work began performing for the Walt Disney Company, portraying such characters as Princess Jasmine, Ariel, and Pocahontas.

Then she was drawn to the seas - she performed onstage while traveling all around the world, mostly with Norwegian Cruise Line, and notably opening their production of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's "Music Of The Night."

Her theater credits include: Fiddler on the Roof, George M!, The Hot Mikado, and two productions of Songs For A New World, one of which she was nominated for a L.A. Ovation Award. Recently, she traveled to Scotland to perform in the well-known Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Jill has had the privilege of singing with and for such stars as Tony-award winning Jason Robert Brown, Richard Carpenter, and her most memorable musical influence...Johnny Mathis.

Here at home, she frequently can be seen singing our National Anthem for teams such as the Anaheim Angels, Anaheim Ducks, and the L.A. Lakers. Currently, she sings with several different projects: a musical revue entitled "Hollywood Revisited", the a cappella band Vybration, and the monthly L.A. cabaret show called Upright Cabaret. She also continues to sing for audiences while working with bands for corporate/private events.

She is now focusing more towards a film/TV/commercial career, and is in pre-production for her solo CD!

Daren  Burns
Daren Burns

"Real music is not for wealth, not for honours or even the joys of the mind... but as a path for realisation and salvation."-Ali Akbar Khan

If you miss the sensual part of music, you risk becoming a gynecologist and not a lover-Rabih Abou-Khalil

Daren Howard Burns, fretted and fretless electric bass player, composer, and improviser has been playing music for twenty-two years. Much of his musical interest lies in the area of improvisation and how to make new systems for developing improvisation in new ways. In the past few years he has also become interested in classical Indian rhythmic and melodic systems.

Born in El Centro, California, but moving all around as child, to places like New Mexico, Texas, and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Burns musical life began in Junior High School when he purchased his first bass with money from a paper route he had. At this time, he was immersed in the rock music of the time, but was quickly turned on to jazz by purchasing bassists, Jaco Pastorious and Stanley Clarkes first albums and classical Indian music by listening to Ravi Shankar. He received his formal education from Fullerton junior College (1991-1994), California Institute of the Arts (1994-97, BFA; 2006-08, MFA). He also studied privately with Wadada Leo Smith, Ralph Rose, Baba Elephante, Gary Willis, Aloke Dutta, Aashish Khan, Vinny Golia, and Jeff Berlin.

As an Improviser/Composer Burns has studied, Western European music, the classical music of North and South India, Ghana music of Africa, Japanese, Eastern European/Arabic music, and American Blues, Rock, and Jazz. He is working on notation systems that incorporate world music and jazz and open structures that give the musician freedom while also giving the composer his realized ideas.

Daren has taught privately from his home and at Woodlowe Music in Woodland Hills, CA for over ten years. He is a member of the American Composers Forum and an ASCAP member. He was a winner of the Dan Radlauer composition competition in 1994.

As a composer he has written for soloists, various ensembles, and creative orchestras. As a performer he has played in every situation imaginable and has shared the stage with Wadada Leo Smith, Vinny Golia, John Drumbo French, Neil Sadler, Butch Morris, Mike Keneally, Nels Cline, Jeff Kaiser, Motoko Honda, Ori Barel, Chris Opperman, Andre LaFosse, John Bergamo, Randy Gloss, Houman Pourmehdi, Miroslav Tadic, Adam Lane, Len Boogsie Sharp, George McMullen, Brian Walsh, Kurt McGettrick, Bruce Fowler, David Roitstein, Joe LaBarbera, Eleanor Academia, Frank Macchia, and many others.

Francisco  Calvo
Francisco Calvo
Francisco Javier Calvo received bachelor degrees in Music Education and Choral Conducting from Chapman University and a Master's degree in Musicology from California State University, Long Beach. Prior to joining the faculty at Fullerton College, Mr. Calvo taught at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. His choirs have sung in Carnegie Hall in New York, the Forbidden City in Beijing, and at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. In Italy, he conducted choirs at St. Mark's cathedral in Venice, Il Duomo in Florence, the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City. While in Rome he was interviewed on the Vatican Radio station. Mr. Calvo serves as the Director of Music at the First Presbyterian Church of Orange where he directs the Sanctuary and Westminster Choirs. He is president of the Orange County Chapter of the National Association of Church Musicians, and a member of the American Musicological Society, American Guild of Organists, and the American Choral Directors Association.
Ron Cameron
Ron Cameron

Ron started with piano at five then guitar at nine, but someone handed him a bass at band practice in junior high school and he never looked back. After high school, Ron did some music schoolin' on the road with Joe Houston's eight piece soul band. After returning to Orange County, he spent two years as a music major at Fullerton College where he studied all types of music becoming a more rounded musician. The need to work came and Ron went back on the road with various bands and a couple of his own. Ron has played his bass from Alaska to Texas to Japan and Korea. Now settling in on the blues, he feels right at home.

John Campos
John Campos

John Campos is an Orange County, California native who studied music at Fullerton College and Cal State Long Beach. A professional singer & entertainer since the age of 18, John has performed in virtually every setting imaginable, from the clubs of Los Angeles to Carnegie Hall and from the recording studio to the Hollywood Bowl. John gave his life to the Lord in 1990 and immediately began using his musical gifts to serve the church. In 2003, John left the entertainment industry for full time ministry and is currently the Vocal Director/Pastor at Mariners church. In addition to directing the Worship Choir & vocalists at Mariners, John also leads the creative team that creates all of the weekend services. John first began working with Consuming Worship as a session singer, but his enthusiasm for the vision of Consuming Worship has made him a natural choice as a CW spokesperson/clinician. A closet stand-up comedian & jazz saxophonist, John lives in Santa Ana, CA with his wife, Michelle, and 2 year old son, Miles - yes, named after John & Michelle's favorite musician, Miles Davis.

Chad Canter
Chad Canter

I have played with my own jazz combo in high school and college. I have also played in the Fullerton College jazz band, combo and saxophone quartet. I played with a swing\jumpblues band by the name of Crosstown 7 during and after college. The band was together for about five years. We played at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney, BB Kings at the Universal City Walk, the Queen Mary, the gallexy Theater. We have also played many private parties, bars and resturants. I am currently teaching in N. Orange County and have around 25 students. For more information, see http://www.saxquest.com/teachersDetail.asp?TeacherID=191

Brett Caplinger
Brett Caplinger

Born in Long Beach, CA. 1958, self taught artist and attended Fullerton college to a degree of advanced and independent level, earning the student scholarship award in the 2000 student show,under the guidance of FC instructor, Deborah Davidson. My work has been requested by the College Administration to be displayed in the Campus Theater lobby and the Administration building from 2000 to 2003. Active as a Free lance illustrator/ artist.

Achievements include:

Red, ripe & blues - 1st place, divisional & best of show at the 2003 Orange county fair and represented Orange county in the 2004 California State Fair, Sacramento in the 'Best of the Best' competition earning the top honors of the 'Award of Excellence, 1st place.

Red, ripe & blues - 1st,Mean ol' world - 2nd, Crossroads - 3rd place at the 2003 Los Angeles county fair.

Lone Cat, 3rd place professional - 2005 OC fair.

Cow-a-blusa, Theme award -2007 OC fair

Exihibited at Azo gallery,Covina,CA.

Exihibited at The Legacy Arts studio & gallery, Garden Grove, CA.

Carl M. Cartagena
Carl M. Cartagena

Carl M. Cartagena, 27, from Pomona, CA. Violinist, Keyboardist, Music Producer, Computer Tech., Recording Engineer.

Education:

'99 to '03 Diamond Bar High School (completed), Diamond Bar, CA; '03 to '05 Cal Poly Pomona, Electrical Engineering (unfinished), Pomona, CA; '06 to '08 Fullerton College, Recording Certificate Program (completed), Fullerton, CA

Work History:

'05 to '08 ZN Technology (LED (light emitting diode) research and development in a clean room laboratory) Laboratory Technician/Assistant, Brea, CA

'11 to '12 Threshold Sound and Vision / Spin Move Records, (Music Producer for the development of new music and remixes), Santa Monica, CA

'12 to Present - Interscope Studios, Runner Studio Assistant, Santa Monica, CA

I currently work as a Runner Studio Assistant at Interscope Studios working 15 hour days 7 days a week. So far, so good. I also work as a studio office manager for an independent music production company in Hollywood.

Larry Castle
Larry Castle

Larry Castle is the owner and founder of the Music Tailor. He is a former member and co-captain of the National Champion Cal State University Fullerton gymnastics team. Larry also studied music at Fullerton and mastered in musical composition and arranging. He played in the college orchestra and various jazz ensemhbles as a bass player, both Upright and Electric. After college, Larry played professionally for 15 years.He eventually started teaching gymnastics again as a hobby and liked it so much that he decided to get into it as a full time coach in 1986. He ended up assisting Mark Young and Diane Amos over at West Valley Gymnastics in California, eventually working with Amy Chow. Diane liked a piece of music called Hernando's Hideaway, so Larry started putting together an original arrangement of the piece, playing each part and layering it together with the technology that existed back at that time. This was sometime back around 1992.Muriel Grossfield came out to the gym and worked with Diane putting together the floor routine.Everybody liked the music, so Larry and Diane began working on putting together music for the rest of the team. Pretty soon coaches and choreographers from other gyms started calling Larry to help them with putting together their music. It wasn't long before he was arranging pieces for other National Team members. Larry decided to form a business in April of 1994. Since he tailored music to fit individual floor routines, The Music Tailor seemed a fitting name for the business. Larry decided to come out out with Demo Cd's that the gymnastics community could listen to choose their music. His concept was to use his own arrangers and musicians. This was not an easy task, as he had to come up with a sound that would compete with high end studios with big budgets. Now, the company has expanded as is doing music for Aerobics, Ice Skating, and Fitness. Larry is also an artist and has a successful business in the field. The is a link to his artwork on this site. The Music Tailor is currently distributing around the world. It is quite exciting as we have expanded into Rhythmic music, Aerobic music, and Fitness music. In fact, we did the music for the 2000 Rhythmic Compulsories for the United States Gymnastics Federation. For more information, see http://musictailor.com/

Courtney  Chambers
Courtney Chambers
Courtney Chambers always knew she wanted to do music. She writes, "From the time I was born I was screaming a melody. When I was a little girl, my father would tell people I was going to be a singer one day, I would emphatically interject with “No dad, I’m going to be a music artist!”. Somehow even at that age, being called a singer sounded like I was going to end up a lounge act in Vegas and I knew I wanted to do more than just sing music, I wanted to create it. I wrote my first song when I was 10 and continued to write throughout high school, but had little interest in getting involved in choir or band, I sort of kept to myself musically. When I went to college I suffered from temporary insanity and thought I’d go to school to become a psychologist, but after dating a nutjob, I decided music was my destiny and went for my dream and studied music at Fullerton College as a voice major. I’m really glad I changed my mind. In 1996, I started performing locally throughout LA and OC and in 2001 released my first record “Imperfect Like Me”. After a year, I already had the music for my next record and decided to put together a band for this one and in 2004 I released my sophomore album “Higher Places”. But by the time I had released the record, so much music for the next record was pouring out of me already and I was anxious to get back to the studio. This time I recruited the help of Sean Hoffman (of American Music Club) to produce my next endeavor.. I was stretched musically, emotionally and mentally, but every drop of blood was well worth it and in 2007 released my 3rd album “Bigger & Brighter”. With the aid of my good friends and bandmates, Jeff Hawley on bass, Mel Flores on drums and percussion as well as Sean on guitar and keys, the songs came together and came to life. Those who have moved me and influenced my work over the years: Patty Griffin, Sarah McLachlan, Neil Young, Jeff Buckley, Aretha Franklin, CCR, Our Lady Peace, Peter Gabriel, Beethoven, Tori Amos, Sheryl Crow, and Radiohead just to name a few. So what are my plans? To keep making music until the wheels fall off. " For more info: Courtney Chambers www.myspace.com/thecourtneychambersband and www.courtneychambers.info
Marc  Chester
Marc Chester
Marc transferred from FJC to Cal State Long Beach in 2004, majoring in composition. While at Long Beach he has been quite busy scoring several student films, scored music for a large independent documentary based on the film "The Rebel", has written music for Snap Kick Productions, and was commissioned to write a french horn solo. He plans on graduating with a B.M in the Spring of 2008.
Jack Cooper
Jack Cooper

Dr. Jack Cooper, Associate Professor and Jazz and Studio Music Area Coordinator (B.A., M.A.,Cal. State, Los Angeles; D.M.A., Univ. of Texas, Austin), has a wide range of experience as performer, composer, and educator. Most recently he is the recipient of the 2010 University of Memphis Alumni Association Distinguished Achievement in the Creative Arts Award.  As a saxophone/woodwind performer and staff arranger, Dr. Cooper performed, recorded, and toured with the U.S. Army "Jazz Knights" from 1989 to 1995. As a woodwind doubler, he has performed with Manhattan Transfer, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Ray Romano, Macey Gray, Brian McKnight, the Temptations, the IRIS Orchestra and many others. His lead alto and woodwind playing can be heard on the critically acclaim 2009 release “Coming Through Slaughter” featuring trumpeter Tim Hagens.  Dr. Cooper has performed with and written music for jazz artists Peter Erskine, Marvin Stamm, Bobby Shew, Mulgrew Miller, Gary Foster, Benny Powell, and Christian McBride.   His most recent CD recording of his compositions is with Centaur Records, “The Chamber Wind Music of Jack Cooper” (Centaur 3027, released in 2010).   

His compositions and arrangements have been performed and/or recorded by the Dallas Wind Symphony, the Westchester Jazz Orchestra, the Woody Herman Orchestra, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Grand Junction Symphony, the Summit Jazz Orchestra (Germany), the U.S. Army "Jazz Ambassadors," the U.S. Navy "Commodores," the Rob Parton Jazz Orchestra, the Cavani String Quartet, the Ceruti String Quartet, Alma Latina, DEKA Jazz and the Brass 5. Dr. Cooper's television music composition credits included "the Jenny Jones Show," "Hollywood Xtra, "SOCAN, and news broadcasts in the Washington, D.C. area. He has been a staff arranger and clinician for Alfred/Belwin Jazz Publications since 1992. His music is also published by UNC Jazz Press, ReallyGoodMusic.com, Increase Music, and Three-Two music. Jack Cooper is musical director and founder of the Jazz Orchestra of the Delta. Their CD, "Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter," was released in June 2003 on the Summit Record Label and features music entirely composed and or arranged by Dr. Cooper. He collaborated with award winning choreographer Mark Godden to produce the ballet "Two Jubilees" which was premiered in February of 2006.

Listen to Dr. Cooper's The Time Awaits for piano and studio orchestra (Quicktime required). Jack Cooper joined The University of Memphis as a faculty member in 1998.

Jenna  Davi
Jenna Davi
in fall 2006 transferred to Cal State Northridge to study in the music industry program. At Fullerton Jenna studied both music and theatre, served as a student leader on both the jazz and theatre festivals, and earned a vocational certificate in Musical Theatre.
Marcus  Davis Jr
Marcus Davis Jr
At the age of 26 Marcus has already accomplished what many hope to achieve in a ones lifetime. Marcus Kim Davis Jr. was born and raised in Orange country California. The eldest of two children. Marcus found his passion for singing in High School. Recruited to join the high school choir immediately Marcus fell in love with performing. A true born leader Marcus started his first group "The Accapela Fellas" consisting of him and some high school friends. After high school Marcus attended Fullerton College where he studied music and was also part of the performing group "Bravo". Marcus continued to perform in many different touring groups doing background vocals for different artists. He also worked on putting together a demo and due to the high priced fees of music producers and studio time Marcus was inspired to create his own recording studio. He started in his parent's garage with a four-track recorder. Through the years his studio grew and so did his knowledge for music. Marcus started his own business "ATM Productions," where he helped develop new artists.Marcus's first big break was when award winning producer and artist Kashiff took him under his wing. Marcus produced five songs for Kashiff's album and fro there, the work continued to come.

In 2004 Marcus went to Osaka Japan and performed for 10 months in a stage show called "Synergy" for Universal Studios. After a successful run he was then noticed for his music production talent and was asked to put together a 2005 new stage show called "Enwhy" where he would produce cast, and perform in a the show also for Universal Studios Japan. After another successful contract with more experience not only as a performer but also as a respected producer Marcus took on another challenge that led him to the Philippines. He produced and wrote an entire album "Feel Good Music," for the Philippines newest star Amber. With a hit album on the market and a number on song on the radio Marcus continues to produce Amber's live show as well as hits for other artists in the Philippines. Marcus is also currently working on his album which as already sparked interests of mainstream radio stations and also major recording companies.

Paul Delgado
Paul Delgado

Paul Delgado transferred from Fullerton College to Biola University in Fall 2008, where he is in process of finishing his degree. Paul is now the Director of all Musical Activities at First Christian Church in Whittier where he regularly conducts the choir in Sunday anthems and masterworks. Just recently his semi-professional choir, The Paul Delgado Singers, toured Italy where they sang in several cathedrals and met many new friends from around the world. Paul is also now being asked as a clinician and adjudicator for choral festivals all around Southern California. They will soon release their first album, themed in the Christmas/Holiday Spirit, be on the lookout for it on itunes.

Steve Dillard
Steve Dillard

HornTrader.com opened for business in 1998 and is owned and operated by Steve Dillard. The Web site was the first of its kind and still the best site to find quality horns, related gear, and information for the discerning trumpeter. Steve brings extensive professional experience to HornTrader.com. Not only has he spent many years in the trumpet manufacturing industry working with Benge and Calicchio, he is also a very active freelance trumpet player. As an apprentice to Dominic Calicchio, Steve learned the fine art of brass craftsmanship with hands on experience. At Benge under Zig Kanstul, Steve had many jobs including slide maker, quality controller and shipper. Throughout the years, he's stayed well informed in the industry both through his association with top leaders of brass technology such as Zig Kanstal, Bob Reeves, Stomvi and his relationships with highly regarded leaders in trumpet performance like Wayne Bergeron (LA Studios), Boyde Hood (LA Phil) as well as the many fine trumpet players Steve has met around the globe. Steve has always had a penchant for retail and at one time was the largest distributor of Reunion Blues gig bags in Southern California. Since owning and operating HornTrader.com he has come to be one of the primary sellers of Professional pre-owned and vintage horns on the internet. He is well known in many countries throughout the world and his site is visited by thousands each month. Steve's first love has always been playing trumpet. He maintains a busy playing schedule and has had a professional performance career spanning over 25 years. He currently resides in San Diego County with his wife and two children where he manages HornTrader.com.

Gary  Drysdale
Gary Drysdale

Gary Drysdale originally played clarinet in his school band in Whittier, CA before switching to  the guitar and electric bass in 1965. He attended  the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood and joined the Jazz Studies program at Fullerton College. His  professional performances began shortly thereafter. In the Central Coast, he's active as a clinician and player, having  performed with Lanny Morgan, Charlie Shoemake, Red Holloway, Mike Vax, Julie Kelley, Doug McDonald and John Stowell, to name a few. He has studied with Lee Ritenour, Tommy Tedesco, Howard Roberts, Ron Eschete and Bruce Forman. "El Diablo" (a nickname he rather enjoys) currently performs with the Sugar Daddy Swing Kings, San Luis Jazz Band, as well as the Royal Garden Swing Orchestra. Gary is very highly respected and admired in and around San Luis Obispo and maintains one of the most active private guitar studios in the area.   Website: http://rgso.net/6.html

Eden Espinosa
Eden Espinosa

Born February 2, 1978 in Anaheim, California, Eden is the daughter of Christian composer Eddie Espinosa. She is of Mexican decent and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Eden knew from a young age that she wanted to be a singer, but it wasn't until her high school days that thoughts of Broadway began to creep into her mind. During her college years Eden attended Fullerton College and worked at several Southern California theme parks, where she played roles such as Ariel and Pocahontas. It was during this time that she was discovered by casting directors for Brooklyn (a.k.a. BKLYN), who then introduced her to John McDaniel and Jeff Calhoun. The rest, as they say, is history. Eden was off to NYC after a brief stop in Denver for the BKLYN workshop. Once in the city, much to her delight, she originated the title role of Brooklyn on Broadway. Her first Broadway appearance, however, was not for BKLYN, but for another show you may have heard of: Wicked. Eden was the understudy for Nessarose and the standby for Elphaba in the original cast of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's Tony-award winning musical. She performed the lead role several times in Idina Menzel's absence, including a one month stretch while Menzel was out shooting the film Ask The Dust. Later, after BKLYN closed its Broadway run, Eden took over the role of Elphaba and was finally able to make it her own. We're so glad she did.

These days Eden is living once again in SoCal, and after nearly a year of starring as "Elphaba" in L.A.'s open-ended production of Wicked alongside former co-star, Megan Hilty, Eden is at present focusing on a career in film and television. Since her return to L.A., she has appeared in several television spots including turns on NBC's Law & Order and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, cable's Robot Chicken, and ABC's Ugly Betty. Eden has also made several live appearances around town at shows like Upright Cabaret, The KTLA Morning Show, 88's Cabaret, and The Hollywood Santa Parade.

As far as music outside of the theater goes, Eden is a big fan of singer-songwriters like Eva Cassidy, John Mayer, and Dave Matthews. She also listens to a lot of her friends' indie CDs. When asked if she'd like to record her own music, Eden says, "I'd like to record, and I've had a strong notion that I didn't want to do that till I had something to say, my own style, and my own niche."

 

Mark Fabulich
Mark Fabulich
Mark Fabulich has accepted a new job in Los Angeles as the Orchestra Librarian/Manager at The Colburn School, which is quickly becoming a Curtis/Juilliard level conservatory of the West Coast! It is an amazing school with ridiculously talented students and beautiful facilities. In addition to my job at The Colburn School, I will be working part-time for the L.A. Philharmonic's library. His wife Rachel has accepted a job at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music as a full-time Suzuki violin/viola teacher.
Phil Felix
Phil Felix
Phil Felix attended Fullerton College from 1995-1999. While there he completed his general education classes and began to study music. After finishing his time at Fullerton, Phil went on to receive a performance scholarship on french horn to CSU Long Beach. There he studied horn performance, instrumental conducting and music education and completed his degree in 2002. Phil then went on to teach music full time in the Laguna Beach unified school district where he taught both middle school and high school students. He has continued to play and conduct professionally and has worked with numerous brass quintets and orchestras in the southern California area. In addition, Phil was the conductor of the Yorba Linda Orchestra for 3 years. Currently, Phil has just accepted a position as a graduate teaching assistant with the University of Arizona, and will complete his master's degree in instrumental conducting.
Teresa  Flores
Teresa Flores

Teresa Flores is originally from Los Angeles and started playing percussion at the young age of 13. She attended Fullerton College where she studied jazz with Matt Johnson and classical percussion with Robert Slack.


In 1997, Ms. Flores received the Woman of the Year award from the Fullerton College Music Department. In 2001 she received her Bachelor's of Music from the University of Southern California Thornton School Of Music. At USC she studied with Erik Forrester and guest professors Raynor Carroll, David Johnson, Ndugu Chanceller and Morris Lang. While at USC the Thornton Percussion Ensemble performed at the 1997 and 2000 Percussive Arts Society International Conventions. In 2001-2003, Ms. Flores worked as a percussion instructor for the Pasadena College Tournament of Roses Honor Band. While in Los Angeles, Ms. Flores performed with various groups including the Pacific Symphony Institute and the Debut Symphony Orchestra. In 2006, she received a Master's of Music degree from Florida International University having studied with both Keith Aleo and Michael Launius. While in Florida, Ms. Flores has performed with the South Florida Symphonic Pops, the Klezmer Company Orchestra, Symphony of the Americas and the Palm Beach Symphony. Currently, Ms. Flores teaches music for Miami-Dade public schools and is the drummer for the trio, the JET Pink Girls.

Mando  Fonseca
Mando Fonseca
The "founding father" of The Alley Cats actually started singing at the age of four by performing Christmas carols for The Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mando started in grade school performing in the Kindergarten Pajama Choir - and hasn't stopped singing since! He attended Fullerton College where he met original members Royce, Todd, and Andre. Soon after, The Alley Cats were born. After he graduated from Fullerton College, he continued his education at California State University , Fullerton , where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and a minor in music
Brandon and Bryan Forrest
Brandon and Bryan Forrest

Brandon received an A.A degree in Liberal studies as well as a Recording/Production Certificate in May of 2008. He is now a sophomore at the University of Southern California as Music Industry major with a minor in Business.

John Gerhold
John Gerhold

Dr. John Gerhold teaches music at Bakersfield College

In 1965, John Gerhold was born in a small Pizza Hut restaurant in Fullerton, California.  Perhaps inspired by this event, at 15 he wrote his first serious composition, "Adagio for Stringy Cheese (Fromagio Adagio)."  Since then, there has been no stopping him.

Although obtaining his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from UC Irvine and his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of British Columbia (coincidentally, also called "BC"), John never forgot that he began his formal music training at Fullerton College while still attending high school.  So, from BC to BC and from community college theory student to community college theory teacher, John embraces the cyclical nature of his life.  He has composed commissions celebrating the centennial of Orange County (Expansion Explosion, 1988)  and Bakersfield (Huddled Masses: Deconstructions on an Immigrant Theme, 1998).  He hopes to also compose to celebrate his own centennial (2065).

John currently teaches Elementary Theory (MUSC 4AB) and Intermediate Theory (MUSC 4CD).  He is also the advisor of the BC Composers' Club, which hosts the annual BC Student Composers' Concert. In addition to all this, he is also an officer on the board of the Music Association of California Community Colleges.

Ernie Gonzalez
Ernie Gonzalez
a former Music Business student. He was awarded an internship at Def Jam records and met Glen Ballard (award winning major record producer and prexy of Java Records). He is now Glen's assistant doing A&R for the label. "I signed my first band the band is called Fragile System. Java isn't exclusive with a major anymore so we have freedom to sign who ever we want which is great, we have a girl on columbia/java and Fragile system, who has got a lot of interest." "Glen Ballard is definitely a great guy to work for."
Scheila  Gonzalez
Scheila Gonzalez
Scheila Gonzalez has been recognized by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and the Los Angeles Jazz Society as one of the up and coming talents in Southern California. Known mostly for her work as a saxophonist, Scheila Gonzalez is one of the most versatile young artists in the Los Angeles area. Hailing from Anaheim, California, she now makes her home in the city of Northridge in the San Fernando Valley. Scheila is an exceptional performer who embraces opportunities to play in diverse musical situations. Regardless of what style she's playing, every note is soulful and she performs with the joy and ease of a true professional. For the past seven years Scheila has been the keyboard, saxophonist and vocalist for the hot L.A. dance band FLIPSIDE. This hard driving R&B/dance band performs locally and has toured the western United States and Europe on several occasions. Since 1995 Scheila has also been a member of Ann Patterson's Maiden Voyage. This jazz big band which is comprised of some of L.A.'s most talented female jazz musicians has toured Japan, been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. as featured performers for the Mary Lou Williams Women's Jazz Festival and performed at various venues in and around the Los Angeles area. Ms. Gonzalez is also a member of the HMA (Hispanic Musicians Association) Salsa Jazz Orchestra led by trumpet artist and music educator, Bobby Rodriguez. Most recently Scheila has performed at jazz festivals throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean as a member of the New York based all-female jazz band DIVA. In addition to performing with all of these groups, Scheila currently co-leads the new ten piece jazz ensemble DEKAJAZ. This ensemble has performed at various venues throughout the L.A. area.
Ms. Gonzalez began her musical studies at the age of five when her mother enrolled her in piano lessons. At the age of twelve she began to play the saxophone. Although she continued private piano lessons until she graduated from high school, the saxophone was to become her primary instrument. She was a self-taught saxophonist until her second year at Fullerton College. There she studied for two years with Professor Ernie Del Fante. After graduating with honors from Fullerton College, Ms. Gonzalez transferred to California State University, Northridge where she also graduated with honors. As a music student at CSUN, Scheila had the opportunity to study jazz and classical saxophone with Professor Jerry Luedders, William Calkins, and Gary Foster.

Throughout her college years Scheila performed and was a featured soloist with a variety of different ensembles. Some of her experiences include the CSUN Jazz ‘A' Band, CSUN Vocal Jazz, Fullerton College Jazz I Band, The Lemon Street Stompers (Dixieland jazz), jazz combos, flute choir, wind ensembles, and the Steel Drum Ensembles at both Fullerton College and Cal State, Northridge. In 1994 she was selected through a nationwide competition to be in the 1994 ALL-AMERICAN COLLEGE JAZZ BAND's Tribute to Duke Ellington at EPCOT Center, Florida. It was with this group that she had the opportunity to perform with such artists as the late Joe Williams, Dr. Billy Taylor, Della Reese, Rosemary Clooney, Maynard Ferguson, Diane Schuur, and the legendary Lionel Hampton. Over the years Ms. Gonzalez has also performed with with Rich Matteson, Lanny Morgan, Pete and Conti Condoli, Gary Foster, Dorothy Donnegan Don Rader, Tom Ranier, Earl Palmer, Al McKibbon, Ndugu Chancelor, Richard Simon, Thurmond Green, Buddy Collette, Clora Bryant, Nancy Wilson, Garth Brooks, Billy Davis, Marylin McCoo, Ray Parker Jr. and Billy Preston.

Ms. Gonzalez has been the recipient of numerous awards. In 1996, she received the Shelly Manne Memorial New Talent Award from the Los Angeles Jazz Society. She was honored at the Jazz Society's annual awards banquet where she performed with Eric Reed, Robert Hurst and Marvin "Smitty" Smith

Troy  Griffin
Troy Griffin
Staff Sergeant Troy Griffin hails from Los Angeles, CA. Upon graduating High School from the Hamilton Academy of Music in 1993, he attended Fullerton College, a sister school of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, for two years, studying and performing with many of the world's most noted drummers. As a member of numerous professional ensembles, Sergeant Griffin has performed with many of the music industry's greatest artists, including: Arturo Sandoval, Bill Watrous, Douglas Yeo, Tom Ranier, Michael Kamen, and Elton John. He has studied with Ndugu Chancler, Jerry Steinholtz, Andrew Eberhard, Nancy Zeltsman, and Matt Johnson.

After attending Basic Training, Sergeant Griffin joined the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West in May 2000, joining the band's popular music ensemble Galaxy, as well as performing with the Concert Band on numerous occasions. During his tenure in the band, Sergeant Griffin has garnered many awards recognizing his talents and abilities, including Airman of the Quarter, Musician of the Quarter and the 2003 Travis Chief's Group Sharp Award.

In his spare time, Sergeant Griffin enjoys leading music groups in local churches, mountain biking, motorcycles and spending time with his family.

Bobby Hatfield
Bobby Hatfield

Bobby Hatfield, whose wholesomely passionate tenor carried the upper harmonies of the pop-soul duo the Righteous Brothers, died in 2003 at age 63 and lived in Newport Beach, Calif.

The cause was unknown, David Cohen, his manager, said. Mr. Hatfield's body was found in bed shortly before the Righteous Brothers were to perform at Western Michigan University, Mr. Cohen said.

Mr. Hatfield and his partner in the Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley, were influenced by the intimate and expressive style of black soul singers, but unlike most previous white groups they sought to emulate the raw intensity of those singers. In hits like ''You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin','' ''Unchained Melody'' and ''(You're My) Soul and Inspiration,'' Mr. Medley and Mr. Hatfield channeled an emotional power that had rarely been heard in white pop.

Robert Lee Hatfield was born in Beaver Dam, Wis., and grew up in Anaheim, Calif.

Mr. Hatfield attended Fullerton Junior College and Long Beach State University, both in California, and sang in groups that played at proms and fraternity dances. In 1962 Mr. Hatfield's group, the Variations, merged with Mr. Medley's, the Paramours. The men formed a duo later that year and reportedly took their name after a black fan exclaimed at one of their concerts, ''That was righteous, brothers.''

Unlike Elvis Presley or Jerry Lee Lewis before them, the Righteous Brothers maintained a well-scrubbed image. ''Lovin' Feelin' '' was a No. 1 hit in 1965 and has become one of the most popular songs in radio history. A spokeswoman for BMI, the music-licensing organization, said that the song had been broadcast more than 10 million times in the United States. But ''Lovin' Feelin' '' was an unlikely hit. Before it was recorded, the Righteous Brothers had only minimal success; the group's biggest hit was ''Little Latin Lupe Lu,'' which was recorded for the Moonglow label in 1963 and reached No. 49 on the charts.

Phil Spector signed the group to his Philles label in 1964 and wrote ''Lovin' Feelin' '' for them with his songwriting team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. That hit was recorded with Mr. Spector's trademark ''wall of sound'' technique, with an abundance of instruments, including four acoustic guitars, three basses and three pianos. Mr. Medley sang the verses in a sonorous baritone and Mr. Hatfield joined in on the choruses with soaring harmonies.

Worried that the song was too long to be played by D.J.'s, Mr. Spector listed a false running time on the record's label. Instead of its actual length of 3 minutes and 50 seconds, the last two digits were reversed, so the label read 3:05.

The Righteous Brothers recorded several more hits with Mr. Spector, including ''Unchained Melody,'' ''Ebb Tide'' and ''Just Once in My Life,'' before signing a million-dollar contract with Verve Records. At Verve the group recorded another Mann-Weil song, ''(You're My) Soul and Inspiration,'' with Mr. Medley as producer fastidiously recreating Mr. Spector's wall of sound. It became a No. 1 hit in 1966. In the mid-60's the group was also a regular act on the weekly television show ''Shindig!''

The group broke up in 1968 and for a short time Mr. Hatfield retained the name the Righteous Brothers on tour, with Jimmy Walker filling in for Mr. Medley.

Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Medley reunited in 1974 and had a No. 3 hit with ''Rock and Roll Heaven,'' a tribute to dead rock stars. Mr. Medley retired in 1976, but the two reunited again in 1983. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in 2003.

 

Jeff  Hawley
Jeff Hawley
recieved his BA from CSU Fullerton. Jeff grew up in Tulare Ca and moved to Fullerton to pursue music at Fullerton College. He received 3 'downbeat' Student Music Awards for his work writing, producing, engineering, and playing with Fullerton College. Jeff has been a featured artist at the Fullerton College Jazz Festival, Western States Jazz Festival, and the Monterey Jazz Festival at Sea.  Jeff has played at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, and the Reno Jazz Festival.
Brien Henderson
Brien Henderson
Brien has relocated to San Francisco, currently working toward a BM in music composition at San Francisco State University. He has received commissions from presenting organizations and private patrons, and will be studying composition in the summer of 2008 at the European American Musical Alliance, enjoying studies and seminars with Sofia Gubaidulina and Robert Beaser of the Juilliard School. Brien also founded the Mission Saxophone Quartet as performer, arranger, and composer.
Laurie Jackley
Laurie Jackley
has been Director of the Capella Choirs since 2004. She has been part of the Kitsap community since 1983, when she moved to Bremerton from Fullerton, California, after marrying her husband Brock. Prior to that time, Laurie graduated from Fullerton College, California, with a Associate Degree in Fine Arts as well as California State University, Fullerton, CA, with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science.

Laurie and her husband have four children, including Brock's oldest daughter, Audra. The youngest three have each has been part of the Cappella Choir program. After attending Olympic College on a music scholarship and graduating with a AA degree, Linda, the oldest, will be entering the University of Las Vegas, NV, as a Junior in Vocal Performance. Brianna, currently a junior at Central Kitsap High School, attends Olympic College full-time, as a Running Start student. Brianna's highlight of her Cappella Choir experience was the choir's tour to New York City. Brent is currently in fourth grade and studies the drum set as well as sings with Cappella Choirs. He has been with Cappella Choirs since the age of five and continues to perform with Ragazzi, a boy's group in Cappella.

When not helping with Cappella Choir duties, fundraising, or transporting her children to their respective interests, Laurie is busy working at Dave's Loans and Guns, Jewelry Etc., Inc., which Laurie and her husband own and operate. She also enjoys performing with Lyrica, Ladies Chorale Ensemble of Puget Sound.

Laurie and Brock have been major contributors in time or money to other charities, including, Western Washington Performing Arts Center, Central Kitsap Theater (CSTOCK), Festival of Trees (Harrison Hospital), Central Kitsap High School Choir Boosters, CKHS Grad Nite, Olympic Aquatic Center, Soroptimist of Port Orchard, Rotary of Port Orchard, Kiwanis of Port Orchard, and the KCDCC Jefferson-Jackson fundraising dinner-auction.

Laurie also finds time to volunteer as Treasurer of the Central Kitsap High School PTSA, Math Olympiad Coach in the Central Kitsap School District, as well as Classroom Helper at Cougar Valley Elementary School. She also serves as Vice-Chair and executive board member of the Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee.

Cory  Johnson
Cory Johnson
Cory Johnson received his Master of Music Degree in Composition from CSU Long Beach. He has won numerous awards for composition, including the Irwin Kostal Award from The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers. A number of his pieces have been performed at venues across the country, including major choral festivals, and he has been commissioned to write for professional choral groups, universities, and churches. Mr. Johnson's choral music is published by Kensington Choralworks and Pavane Publishing, distributed exclusively through Hal Leonard. One of his most critically acclaimed pieces, "The Lark at Heaven's Gate Sings," was featured on a DVD recording by the choral group Zephyr: Voices Unbound and included in samplers for AIX Records, Creative Labs, and Audi Motors. As an orchestrator, he has worked on various film/commercial projects for William Kidd, DeRoche Music, and Lundquist Productions, including music for attractions at Universal Studios Florida.

As a jazz pianist, Cory has performed with his group Dawn Brooks and the Cory Johnson Trio on the set of the TV show "Alias," in a sold-out show at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, on the Queen Mary, and at numerous corporate events and benefit concerts.

The group recently released their debut jazz CD, "Got a Little Rhythm," which can be heard and purchased through their website, www.dawnandcory.com. As an organist, Cory plays weekly at Riviera United Methodist Church in Redondo Beach and St. John the Baptist Church in Costa Mesa. He also directs the contemporary band at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Newport Beach.

As a proud alumnus of Fullerton College, Cory was pleased to return to campus in 2007 to teach a variety of music theory courses. He currently lives in Huntington Beach, California with his wife Daw

Matt  Johnson
Matt Johnson
The Los Angeles Times called Matt Johnson "a hurricane on sticks." Considered one of Southern California's most versatile drummers, Matt Johnson has an extensive list of credits that includes jazz recordings, radio and television commercials, numerous TV and film soundtracks and countless live appearances on national and international stages. Modern Drummer Magazine said Johnson possesses "captivating technique and creativity." Bill Kohlhaase of The Los Angeles Times said, "His brush work recalls the footwork of a great dancer," World-renown bassist Andy Simpkins proclaimed, "Matt Johnson is my favorite drummer. Flat out!"

Well known for his jazz stylings, Johnson is equally versed in all forms of pop drumming and has performed with a range of musical personalities from Andy Williams and the Smothers Brothers to the Jack Sheldon, Tom Kubis and Steve Allen Big Bands.

Along with his busy performance schedule, Johnson currently serves on the music faculty at Fullerton College and the Idyllwild Arts Academy. He currently puts his years of performance experience to work as an in demand guest artist/clinician and adjudicator at high school and college jazz festivals as well as performing as Master of Ceremonies for Forum Music Festivals.

Johnson, a Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award recipient, began his professional music career as a Disneyland musician in 1978 and is currently an artist/clinician for Orange County Drum and Percussion, Aquarian Drumheads and Paiste cymbals. He is a member of the American Federation of Musicians, the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists and the Percussive Arts Society.

Mario  Jose
Mario Jose

San Francisco Bay Area native Mario Jose has been singing and performing since he was just a little guy. Jose is 21 years old and recently graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. There is no doubt about it—this boy was born to entertain.

After graduating high school in 2006, Jose headed to Southern California to attend Fullerton College, where he attained a solid base of classical and jazz vocal techniques while studying under Brandon Brack, Jamie Shew, and John Tebay, and performing in venues ranging from the Orange County Performing Arts Center to Knotts Berry Farm.

At Berklee, Jose performed all over Boston. He was in Pitch Slapped, a student-run a cappella group that won the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella contest this spring. He also performed in numerous big-stage shows at the college including Berklee's Pop/Rock Showcase; Shining Stars: The Music of Earth, Wind and Fire with special guest Philip Bailey; The Great American Songbook: The Music of Motown; Encore Gala; Berklee Meets Don Was featuring Don Was; and Singers Showcase.

Mark Kamp
Mark Kamp

Mark Kamp Attended Fullerton College and San Diego State University. He was given bachelorÂ’s degree in Music Education. Mr. Kamp was the band director for Monte Vista High School inSpring Valley for two years, then at Pacifica High School for three years, and since 1986 has been teaching elementary music in the Santa Ana Unified School District. He is active in all aspects of the music program at Orange First Christian Church (DOC)Â…choir, hand bells, and woodwinds/percussion. Mark joined the Orange County Preservation Bands in 1989 and became conductor 2003. He has proven extremely popular with the musicians and audience, alike.

Ron Kidd
Ron Kidd

Piano, French Horn and Music Composition Instructor

Ron gave his first lesson in 1973 at the Penny-Owsley Hammond organ store in San Bernadino, California. After leaving that company to play professionally his next teaching experience was with tutoring freshman through senior college students in Music theory, form and analysis and counterpoint while he attended Fullerton College in Fullerton, California. He returned home in 1981 and again started work as a sales/teacher for Cooper Music, The Baldwin Piano Company and finally Jim Scott Music.

His teaching practice grew steadily during that time until he left Jim Scott in 1987 to teach full time at Harmonies Music. In 1993 he was hired by Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia as a piano teacher and eventually became the director of that program with five educators on his staff. In October of 2001 he and his wife became owners of Harmonies Music, Inc.,and states that we intend to see that our Conservatory continues to offer the very best music education in piano, voice, drama, strings, classical guitar, electric guitar and bass, french horn and composition, theory and creative studies.

Ron  Kobayashi
Ron Kobayashi
Ron Kobayashi, pianist and leader of the Ron Kobayashi Trio, has performed with Mel Torme, Margaret Whiting, Eric Marienthal, Phil Upchurch, Teddy Edwards, Tim Weisberg, Kenny Burrell, Paula Kelly Jr., Herb Jeffries, Peter White and "The Modernaires," He was a featured performer on the internationally distributed "Johnny Yune" television show, and has been featured on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. In 1992, Ron performed for President Bill Clinton and has recorded as a solo artist for the Casierra Record label.THE RON KOBAYASHI TRIO have shared the stage with such notable artists as David Benoit, Eddie Palmieri, Cirque Du Soleil, Strunz and Farah and The Fabulous Thunderbirds.


The Trio has played numerous jazz festivals including The San Bernardino Music Festival, The Orange County Art and Jazz Festival, The Yorba Linda Arts Festival, The Dana Point Jazz Festival, The Mission Viejo Music Festival and the Playboy Jazz Summerfest in Pasadena. They have also worked in Laughlin, Nevada; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Orlando, Florida.


In 2002, Ron served as Music Director for the 10th Annual Hollywood Diversity Awards, where such stars as "The Rock," Michael Clarke Duncan and the cast of NBC's "West Wing" were honored.

Tracks from the Trio's discs are currently being used by DMX Music in retail and hotel chains across the country.

"The latest Ron Kobayashi Trio CD "No Preservatives" is currently being played on radio stations throughout the nation. Their earlier disc "Exotic Places" made the "Top 30 Albums" in 1998 on radio station KSBR. In 1996, the Trio was voted "Best Jazz Group in Orange County" by readers of the Orange County Weekly Magazine.

What are the Critics saying?

"If you define jazz...as spontaneity, emotional expression and communication among musicians, you won't find anything better than "No Preservatives," raves the Orange County Register.
The LA Jazz Scene calls the disc a "five star session."

Brad  Lewis
Brad Lewis

I was born in Toronto, Canada and partially raised in South East Los Angeles. My parents bought in O.C. in early ‘70s. I attended Fullerton College, studied cello, and recording/ engineering. Lived in Hollywood in the late 70s/early 80s and was in a band called the Que (compared to 13th Floor Elevators) at the time. We toured, opening for The Bangles when they were starting out. Studied guitar with New Orleans legend Ernest Mclean (Fats Domino, Lloyd Price, etc) in Hollywood, but it was at Long Beach City College in the early ‘90s where I met Tom Richmond, harmonica player in the band and also a great writer. We met in the music program there where I studied jazz guitar with Frank Potenza. That was 19 years ago now. I had my own country band at the time (Cheyenne) and we got Band of the Year from The Golden West chapter of the California Country Music Association. Received our award at the famous Foothill Club in Long Beach, where I played on Monday nights with another pick-up band. We were playing five nights a week when I decided to go to school and work on a music degree.  I worked with “Guitar God” Will Ray at this time in his band The Gila Monsters, and did several recording projects, and performed regularly at the Palomino where I was featured on banjo, guitar, and mandolin.

 

http://lazybradlewis.com/

John Grover Lewis
John Grover Lewis
Formerly touring in the United States and Japan as vocalist/keyboardist for Richard Carpenter of THE CARPENTERS, FC Alumni and music educator John Grover Lewis has directed several prominent California vocal/instrumental programs in music education and performance. With a Bachelors of Music, and Masters work from Cal State University at Long Beach, a Single Subject Credential and Masters in Education from UC Irvine, John holds extensive training as musical arranger, conductor, and pianist under international choral director, clinician, and publisher: FRANK POOLER / Vocal Jazz studies at Fullerton College with: BRENT PIERCE, GARY MCROBERTS /Piano performance studies extensively under EDITH NAHAS. John was musical director for several years at Southern California's: "Tibbies Music Hall" featuring the world renowned YOUNG AMERICAN SONG AND DANCE COMPANY, and was featured by THE AMERICAN CHORAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION for piano performance and arranging. John is a vocal/jazz recording producer and arranger for Abbamedia, (http://abbamedia.org/vocalmedia) a recording concern based in Orange County, California, out of which his music recording productions to date have won eight ANGEL AWARDS from Excellence In Media, and Hawaii's Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for the recording: "Dreams Do Come True." John's arrangements and compositions are enjoyed by listeners and academic institutions around the world. From his work studies with music cognition programs such as THE MIND INSTITUTE, and California educational grant "MUSIC IS" (school wide music training resulting in an average 27% jump in Math, English, and Social Studies), to his innovative multi-media performances with his students, John has enjoyed many successful years in building academic and local community fine-arts programs.
Michael  Licari
Michael Licari
Michael Licari was an accounting major at Cal State Fullerton, when he decided to study music at Fullerton College because of the department's reputation. He has gone on to become an Emmy award-winning composer (1998, 1996, 1994, & 1992 EMMY Awards for Outstanding Music Composition, Guiding Light on CBS). He has also composed music for many TV shows, films, infomercials, commercials, and corporate events. He also has released his own compositions and plays bass locally in a jazz band. His awards include: 1999 & 1996 BMI awards, Contributed to the 1995 EMMY Award for Another World (NBC), Contributed to the 1988, 1987 & 1983 EMMY Awards, Santa Barbara (NBC), 1998 EMMY nomination for Sunset Beach (NBC), 1997 EMMY nomination for As The World Turns (CBS) & Guiding Light (CBS), 1996 EMMY nomination for As The World Turns (CBS). For more information see http://licarimusic.com/
Dave Lindgren
Dave Lindgren

is both a professional musician and educator. He was introduced to the wonderful world of music decided to pursue the rhythmic side of things by joining the school orchestra in the percussion career.  Since then David has studied music education and theory at Fullerton College then Cal State Fullerton in sunny California. During his years of study, David played in various bands as a bassist to various levels of success both in live performance and commercial television and film works. He recently completed his first full film score for a release at Sundance film festival.

Currently Mr. Lindgren is a resident of Ahwatukee, Arizona, while continuing his film scoring.

activities and working as a studio bassist for two valley music studios. He also is the bassist for a local Christian solo artist and percussionist for local theater productions. 

Johnny Lloyd
Johnny Lloyd
Johnny Lloyd Johnny Lloyd has been a musician and poet his whole life, starting with trumpet at eight. He studied Jazz and Classical Music at Fullerton College in Orange County and poetry at the University of California, Irvine. He started dancing after seeing street dancers doing Lindy Hop at a Jazz concert. In 1996 he started teaching dance in San Diego where he developed the Lindy Hop scene as San Diego's first Lindy Hop teacher. While continuing to produce music and poetry he intensely studied early Jazz Dance and the early forms of Hip Hop (Boogaloo, Popping) and became a sought after teacher in Lindy Hop and Vintage Swing Jazz. He now teaches and performs full time internationally, having taught regularly across Europe and the States for ten years.

Johnny is an Associated Artist with "Hajusom - a Utopian Space" In Hamburg, Germany. On their website, http://www.hajusom.de/html/home/gb.php they describe their mission: " Since 1999 , especially juvenile and young adult refugees and migrants from the most diverse countries of origin in Africa, Asia and Europe come and work together. As a trans-national art project, Hajusom brings together people who are active citizens of a complex globalised world yet who bear within themselves their own individual maps. They are protagonists obliged to turn their backs on their national outlooks and make migration visible as a central force for social change. In their role as artists, they now recreate their own experiences and present them in various formats: In theatre performances, video and CD productions, space installations and texts. Since its foundation and in the context of its art and research projects some extending over several years, Hajusom has dedicated itself to the subjects of fleeing troubled areas and migration in the globalisation era. The project permits its actors to develop their own language capable of transporting their experiences, their knowledge and their dreams. In addition when working together, various forms of art and indeed of communication are researched and developed which are exemplary for the process whereby national borders are losing their meaning in a world going through a period of upheaval. We have to get used to the idea that our identity is fundamentally changed by contact with others, just like their identities change through contact with us, without the one or the other denaturalising themselves or dissolving themselves in a multicultural magma. Edouard Glissant In the meaning as described above, Hajusom is concerned with the concept of a deep cultural mixture: As a microcosm, Hajusom is effective as a utopian space where in a process of collective artistically creative work, such a concept of (inter) relations can be achieved as a contrast to political, cultural and religious dominance."
Brian Lynch
Brian Lynch
Recording alumni, went on to graduate from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. He founded Classic Audio in 2003 and added Video in 2005. His 2005 career included working for CCI Digital in the Client Services Dept., Recording Engineer for Costa Mesa Studios and Transfer Manager/Non-linear Editor for The Video Editor. He continues with Classic Audio in his own studio in the Brea/La Habra area.
Jeremy Lynch
Jeremy Lynch
Jeremy Lynch graduated from legendary Hemet High School in 1990, after which he studied music at Fullerton College, University of Nevada, Las Vegas on scholarships and continued my studies at San Diego State University after moving to San Diego in 1998

He has toured the Nation extensively with such national bands as Warsaw and Dave's Big Deluxe. He has performed with such legends as the Skatalitles, Let's Go Bowling, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, The Stalker Dan Band, MU330, Reel Big Fish, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, John Faddis of the Carnegie Hall Jazz All Stars, Steve Turre of the Saturday Night LIVE band, Wynton Marsallis, and the legendary Lionel Hampton, Don Menza, Bobby Shew, Rob McConnell, McCoy Tyner, Bob Mintzer, ... and last but MOST IMPORTANTLY....Comedy juggling GENIUS...PETE MATTHEWS on the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship.
Robert  Mader
Robert Mader
Mader grew up in Hemet, Calif., and studied music at Fullerton College. He received a music scholarship to UNLV 20 years ago and stayed in Las Vegas. Mader has performed with such artists as Clint Holmes, KC and the Sunshine Band, the Temptations, Don Rickles, Frankie Avalon, Mary Wilson, Tony Bennett, the Four Tops and Little Anthony and the Imperials. He also has performed in productions such as "Enter The Night," "Phantom of the Opera," "The Producers" and "Legends in Concert." Robert plays with the Fat City Horns, who are performing with Bette Midler at Caesars Palace.

For more information about the concert with Bette Midler, see http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/feb/18/brassy-just-bette/

 

Golda McCormack
Golda McCormack
Recording student Golda McCormack has been accepted to the NYU Clive Davis recording program. Only a handful of students are selected each term. See http://clivedavisdept.tisch.nyu.edu/page/home
Glenn Mehrbach
Glenn Mehrbach

Glenn Mehrbach is the jazz instructor at Camelot Academy in Druham, North Carolina. Glenn, who attended Fullerton Junior College and Boston University, hass been a professional musician since 1976 and has worked as pianist, composer, arranger, vocal coach and musical director. He toured internationally with cabaret chanteuse Andrea Marcovicci from 1981-99. He has performed on, musical directed, composed for, produced and arranged over 2 dozen CDs. He has also composed music for dozens of musicals, plays and other assorted musical groups and has composed and/or arranged music locally for Peace College, North Carolina Kids Theatre and the Carolina Ballet. He is currently Music Director at the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist, and Staff Associate in the Music and Theatre Departments at Duke University.

Kye Palmer
Kye Palmer

Kye Palmer is a trumpet player who currently performs with the Tonight Show Band.  Palmer, a native Californian attended Fullerton College and holds a bachelorÂ’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona[1], studied with such legends as trumpet great Bobby Shew and jazz vibraphonist Charlie Shoemake. Palmer currently performs with the Chris Walden Big Band and other big bands in the Los Angeles area. Kye has also performed with the Hawk-Richard Jazz Orchestra, Woody Herman Orchestra, Bob Dylan, Tony Bennett, Joe Williams, and Diane Schuur, as well as touring Japan with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Poncho Sanchez Latin jazz band. TV appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, Good Morning America, the Today Show, and Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He has recorded for several major motion picture soundtracks, including Three to Tango, Stuart Little, and Me, Myself & Irene. Kye has also appeared on the BSO's Grammy award winning recording of "Caravan", the certified gold CD Best of the Big Band, as well as Vavoom and Boogie Woogie Christmas. On April 10, 2006, Kye Palmer replaced Lee Thornburg in the Tonight Show Band.

Flo Paris
Flo Paris
Flo Paris attended FJC in fall of '98 joining both the Vocal Jazz and Concert Choirs. She moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2002 with her husband to pursue a career as a recording artist. She was asked to join the progressive rock band, "Glass Hammer" and toured and recorded with them before moving back to her home town of San Luis Obispo, CA. While in TN, she recorded her first solo album, "Practice Room" (named for the practice rooms in Fullerton, where she wrote part of the album) which was released on July 1st 2006. Currently, she tours Tennessee and California, and her album is available at her shows as well as online through Amazon.com, iTunes, and other major online digital music stores. She lives with her husband, Josh Oakes and their 2 daughters.
Dana Parker
Dana Parker
After graduating from Fullerton College, Dana Parker went on to complete both his bachelors and his masters in commercial music from California State University, Los Angeles. Now he is busy stepping out and showcasing his remarkable skills as a composer, songwriter and singer. At a recent performance at a Borders Books & Music store in Costa Mesa, a steady stream of customers were lured into the café to watch him; many came up during an intermission to chat with him and purchase Eclectic or copies of previous efforts Kicks Iron or Project 3*2*7. His latest album was reviewed by the Orange County Register. Dana also freelances as a technician for Fullerton Colleges Campus Theatre Operations. www.danaparker327.com.
Bernie  Parsons
Bernie Parsons
Bernie Parsons was a music major at Fullerton from 1972 - 1976 until the time when he went on the road with an orchestra to Europe and Great Britain. Attended Cornell University and studied privately with Harold Mitchell, Claude Gordon, Richard Cruz and others. He played with Disney for quite a few years and has been a private trumpet teacher for the past 30 years. He also owns a music and video productions company. He currently plays freelance and principal trumpet with a number of fine musical groups, television and film studio work - including the Claremont Symphony, EV Free Orchestra, Brea Blvd. Brass Quintet, Cypress College Symphonic Winds, Biola Theatre Orchestra, Salvation Army Brass Band, The Golden State British Brass Band. He has coached the trumpet section of the Orange County Youth Symphony and numerous High School groups. His students are educators, professional musicians, attend major Universities and perform with very respected ensembles. His son, Josh, is the band director at Kennedy High School - an alumni of Fullerton and holds his BA and Masters from Biola University - currently pursuing his Doctorate from Boston University.
Eric  Persing
Eric Persing
It is almost impossible to go a day without hearing the work of Eric Persing. The thousands of original sounds he has created are used constantly by top composers, producers, remixers and musicians from all over the world. Persing is the founder of Spectrasonics, a company specializing in developing World Class software 'virtual instruments' since 1994. He has produced over 25 of the sampling industry's top selling titles and gone on to create the award-winning Atmosphere, Trilogy and Stylus RMX software virtual instruments. Eric's ground-breaking instruments and sound libraries are the best selling and most widely used in the world. Spectrasonics products are in constant use on thousands of major film, television, music, game and multimedia productions. In addition to being the Creative Director of Spectrasonics, Eric was a longtime consultant and the Chief Sound Designer for Roland Corporation Japan from 1984-2005, creating the key sounds for many popular Roland synthesizers, samplers, CD-ROMs, expansion boards, signal processors and groove devices - from the vintage Jupiter and JX series, to the legendary D-50, D-70, JD-800/990, R8, S-series samplers, JV-880/1080/2080, the Sound Canvas, JP-8000/8080, MC-505/909, The V-Drums, XV-5080, Fantom series, the V-Synth and many others. As a studio musician, remixer, producer and composer/arranger in Los Angeles, he has also contributed to numerous Grammy award winning albums and Acadamy award winning film scores, working with an eclectic group of artists including Marcus Miller, Sergio Mendes, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, Danny Elfman, Herbie Hancock, James Newton-Howard, Eddie Jobson, Michel Colombier, Diana Ross, Arif Mardin, Mezzoforte, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Roby Duke, Deniece Williams, The Katinas, Larry Carlton, Sandi Patti, Hans Zimmer, Leonard Cohen, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Richard Souther, Randy Newman and Celine Dion, amongst many others. Eric's lifelong love of the creative process is the driving force behind his pursuit of musical excellence. For more information about Eric and Spectrasonics, see http://www.spectrasonics.net/artists/epersing.php
Ron  Powell
Ron Powell
Ron is an accomplished musician and exciting performer. Ron takes pride in his experience, longevity, and ability to move an audience. His versatility and showmanship have made him one of the most sought after percussionists in the world. Ron has been touring since 1978, working with many great artists including ten years with Kenny G., nine years with Diana Ross, and fourteen years with Sergio Mendes.

Through his experience with Sergio, Ron learned the intricacies of Brazilian percussion. He has also played with Tania Maria, Oscar Castro-Neves, and his own band L.A. Samba. Other notable credits include; Sheena Easton, Dianne Reeves, Ricky Lee Jones, Barry White, El Chicana, Miami Sound Machine, and Santana.

Ron has done many music related projects, which include the coordination of the African drum section of the Lion King Parade, at Disneyland in California.

Royce  Reynolds
Royce Reynolds
Royce Reynolds was raised in Whittier, California , where he began his performing career at the wee age of five, lip-syncing with the neighborhood kids to Boz Scaggs and K. C. and the Sunshine Band. Then, it was off to Fullerton College without a sports scholarship. Then, while walking the halls of the music department he heard the Vocal Jazz Ensemble singing. He said, "Now THAT'S Music!" That's the day he found his calling, and has been hooked on a cappella music ever since. Immediately, he signed up for the Concert Choir where he met his voice, and founding member of The Alley Cats, Mando.
Kimberly  Roberts
Kimberly Roberts

Someone once asked me how long I’ve wanted to be a singer.  The answer to that question is easy - I’ve always wanted to be a singer.  My grandma says that when I was three-years-old I used to sing bible songs I learned in church and my face would light up.   When I was three and a half-years-old I had my first dance recital for tap and ballet class.  Even back then, I loved performing on stage.  During my childhood, my parents enrolled me in a Christian school located in Yorba Linda, California where I performed in the school’s church choirs and took Jazz, Ballet, Tap, and Gymnastics classes.  I started writing lyrics and melodies at age nine.

By the time I was in junior high, I still wanted to sing but I also discovered I had a passion for acting, especially Musical Theatre.  I auditioned for the Fullerton College Summer Theatre program for two summers called, Standing Room Only (SRO).  In SRO, I performed and took college classes on singing, dancing and music theory.  Additionally, I also performed in a few musicals with the Yorba Linda Community Theatre.  In school, I was actively involved in the junior high Show Choir and Concert Choir and performed all over the county including the Richard Nixon Library, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm. 

As I grew older, my desire to become a professional singer and share my God given talent with the world increased.  It was clear to everyone around me that my first love was the arts.  I knew I always wanted to inspire people and music gave me an outlet to express my feelings, overcome adversity, and make a difference in people’s lives. 

In high school, my passion for the arts continued.  I joined every choir the school offered - Concert Choir, Women’s Ensemble, Vocal Jazz, and Show Choir.  I also joined the drama club and performed two One Act pieces.  Starting sophomore year, I competed throughout the region in the award winning Company C show choir.  At age 15, I was selected for the Young Americans (YA) and performed small variety shows throughout Southern California.  At age 16, I was selected for Celebration Dinner Theatre in which I was a Singing & Dancing waitress at Cal Poly Pomona College. 

At age 17, after high school graduation, I moved out on my own.  I attended Fullerton College and participated in Bravo-Song and Dance Troupe, and was one of the worship Team Leaders at Canyon Hills Friends Church.  My second semester of college, I moved to Northern California and performed in the local Musical Theatre program at College of Marin.  I graduated with my Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Music.  After completing my first degree, I wanted to find out what the Christian Bible belt music scene was like so I packed my bags and headed to Memphis, Tennessee where I attended Christian Brothers University (CBU) for my last two years of college.  I was awarded scholarships for Music and Academics and I graduated with a degree in Information Technology Management and Music Performance.

During my time at CBU, I competed in talent shows and performed all over Shelby County with the college choirs. As part of my degree requirements, I prepared and performed solo, a 15 set Senior recital that included pieces in Broadway, Jazz, and Gospel and classical pieces in Italian, German, and Latin.

Upon graduation, I moved to Missouri to work for the Boeing Company, as I needed an income to support myself while pursuing my musical aspirations.  Later, I returned to California.  I have continued to sharpen my songwriting skills and seek out collaboration opportunities and have taken classes in Piano, Guitar, Ballet, Jazz and Hip-Hop.  I perform whenever an opportunity strikes, whether it is for the CEO’s Christmas party at my work, weddings, or funerals.

In recent years, I competed at Lou Pearlman’s, Fashion Rock in Orlando, Florida and spent seven months at the L.A. Talent Academy ( LATA).  I completed LATA workshops on singing, dancing, and performance techniques with industry professionals and performed in two showcases.  I also competed in the Contemporary Christian vocal and songwriting categories at the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Music in the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.  Most recently, I collaborated with an independent producer and wrote and recorded ten original Pop crossover Contemporary Christian songs.

I have been praying for an opportunity to become a professional recording artist.  If I get the chance to go on tour I would like to perform an entertaining, heart-felt, and inspiring show.  I want to use my original songs to share my life-learned lessons with audiences and be a positive role model for young people.  Through my own personal and spiritual life struggles, I have learned not to compromise personal values, to stay true to myself, and the importance of persevering to reach my goals and dreams.  I would like to share this valuable message with my fans through my music.

Bart Robley
Bart Robley

Bart Robley began teaching in Denver, Colorado before moving to Southern California (in 1989) to pursue his musical career and education. He then studied at Fullerton College and began playing live in Southern California. Bart has studied directly under some of drumming's greatest percussionists such as Gregg Bissonette, Ralph Humphrey, Rick Latham and Dave Lombardo. Adding these drum legends' influence to Bart's own thundering style has resulted in a powerhouse of versatility.

"I feel Music is one of the most important gifts we have been given," says Bart. "It's there at every memorable occasion in our life." Bart plays full time with "The Sam Morrison Band" all over the world. He also endorses Bosporus Cymbals, Gretsch Drums, TrickDrum Bass Pedals, Aquarian drums heads and sticks, GLS Audio, SKB cases, and Peavey Electronics.

Bart Robley is now offering lessons at his private studio In Fullerton.   http://www.bartrobley.com/index.html

Luis Roncayolo
Luis Roncayolo
attended Fullerton College and California State University, Long Beach for jazz studies, and he graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. For four summers he attended the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara and has attended the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. He was a member of the New World Symphony in Miami for three years and with that group went to Japan and the United Kingdom. Upon his arrival in Bloomington, Indiana he became involved in the Early Music Institute of the Indiana University School of Music and was an original member of the Bloomington Early MusicFestival. He has a Masters of Music from Indiana University and is currently working on a Doctorate of Music degree. He is currently faculty at Eastern Illinois University.
David Royer
David Royer

David Royer started Mojave Audio in 1985 in the garage of his house. The location was Fullerton, California, and Mojave Audio was a one-man, custom pro audio gear shop. David is best known for his ribbon microphone designs with Royer Labs, but he originally started out designing and building vacuum tube microphones, mic preamps and compressors for engineers in the Los Angeles area.
Since the mid 1990's, David's custom Mojave products have been used on a number of well-known recordings and have achieved legendary status among a small circle of high-end engineers. Mojave Audio Inc. was launched in 2005 to bring David's condenser mic designs to the world.

David Royer is one of an elite group of microphone designers who know that music and sound are inseparable from electronic design. Everything David designs comes from his deep, lifelong love of music.

David's focus on sound started in his home, where he grew up absorbing the classical and folk music that his parents played constantly. From an early age, he was transfixed by the orchestral recordings he heard, leading to a love of classical music that continues today. At 21, David decided to create his own recordings and purchased an Ampex 960 tape recorder and a couple of off-the-shelf consumer microphones. Unhappy with his early results, he started experimenting with his microphones and soon began an in-depth, lifelong study of microphone design and electronic theory.

After a four year hitch in the Navy, where he honed his skills in electronics and acoustics as a sonar technician, David started designing his own microphones. He founded a small company called Mojave Audio in his garage in Fullerton CA, where he modified amplifiers and made his own condenser microphones, mic preamps and compressors. Building gear under the Mojave and DVA labels, he created a number of condenser mics that have become studio staples among a small group of high-end audio engineers. In 1997 David designed his first ribbon microphone, The R-121, which led to the opening of Royer Labs in 1998. In a short period of time it became a breakthrough ribbon microphone that reintroduced ribbons to engineers around the world. David also designed a number of ribbon "firsts," including phantom powered ribbons and tube ribbon mics.

David  Salisbury
David Salisbury
David Salisbury, is a local percussionist and percussion teacher. He grew up in Southern California and majored in music at Fullerton College and Cypress College. For many years he studied jazz drumming with Bob Raite and mallet percussion with Emil Farland. David received a Bachelor of Science and a Ph.D. in instructional psychology from Brigham Young University and later taught instructional psychology at Florida State University. David has performed with the Prince William Band, the NOVA Manassas Symphony, the HOTS Jazz Ensemble and the George Mason University 2007 Jazz Connection. He is currently pursuing a music degree at George Mason University. David is a member of the VA/DC chapter of the Percussive Arts Society and organizer of Drumfest!, a Northern Virginia annual student drummers competition. You may contact Mr. Salisbury at: dsalisbury@verizon.net
Michael Scott
Michael Scott
Guitarist Mike Scott is an active freelance musician in the Los Angeles area. Recognized as an accomplished classical and jazz guitarist, he performs and records frequently in both styles. Mike has performed throughout Southern California with many of Los Angeles' finest jazz musicians at venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Disney Hall at the Los Angeles Music Center, the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, the Palos Verdes Center for the Performing Arts, The Jazz Bakery, and Catalina's Jazz Club.

In addition to his work in Los Angeles Mike has also performed throughout the United States. He has had the pleasure to work with such legendary performers as Stevie Wonder, Monica Mancini, Quincy Jones, Abraham Laboriel, Vince Mendoza, Shelly Berg, Gregg Field, Seamus Blake, Take 6, Ernie Watts, Michael Feinstein, James Galway, John Williams and Michel Legrand. He has also worked with the Colorado Symphony, the Pasadena Pops Orchestra and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. Mike has recorded a CD of original music with a jazz quartet featuring Josh Nelson (piano), Mike Valerio (bass), and Lorca Hart (drums). A versatile musician Mike has also played for a number of musical productions including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease, Man of La Mancha, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hello Dolly, and a production of William Shakespeare's "As You Like It".

Mike Scott earned both the Master of Music and the Bachelor of Music Degrees in Music Performance from the University of Southern California. At USC he studied classical guitar with Brian Head, and jazz guitar with Joe Diorio, Frank Potenza, Pat Kelley and Steve Trovato.

Bryant Simpson
Bryant Simpson
Bryant Simpson began playing bass while attending Fullerton Union High School. He then moved across the street to Fullerton College and for the next 2 years played electric and acoustic bass in their award winning jazz ensemble under the direction of Terry Blackley and Jim Linnahon, and in various other student-based groups including the jazz combo, vocal jazz ensemble and the ?Rising Sounds? show group. After graduating, Bryant studied privately while maintaining steady work in the Orange County area Top 40 scene and as a member of the jazz quartet ?Blueprint?, featuring FC alumnus Ron Kobayashi. Although his roots were in funk, R&B and jazz, Bryant also had a love for rock music and soon joined the local Orange County rock group ZOT. The group was soon signed to Elektra/Asylum records and enjoyed brief success until they disbanded in the mid 80?s. This began a virtual avalanche of performing and recording with artists from a variety of musical genres including Latin pop star Maria Conchita Alonso, Fleetwood Mac guitarist, Lindsey Buckingham, Duran Duran?s Andy Taylor, Sex Pistol?s Steve Jones, producers, Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, The Cars), Keith Olson (Fleetwood Mac, Ozzy Osborne), Pat Moran, (Robert Plant) and many other rock projects in the on the LA sence. Bryant returned to the jazz scene as a member of B-Sharp, a trio which featured the late recording artist Jeff Buckley. The following year Bryant began a two year stint with jazz saxophonist/recording artist Karl Densen (also a FC alumnus) and he continued performing and/or recording with artists in the jazz and R&B world include Big Jay McNealy, Jimmy Witherspoon, Miki Howard, Rashaan Patterson, Thelma Houston, Linda Clifford, Colour Club, Ce Ce Peneston and the Derek Bordoux Group, and also Contemporary Christian artists, BASIX, Joe Nathan, American Idol finalist, Mandeza and various LA area choirs. These days, you can find Bryant performing just about anywhere. He values the strong musical foundation that was built at Fullerton College and credits them for instilling the importance of embracing a wide variety of music, something that has benefited him greatly in his musical career.
Joshua Smith
Joshua Smith

Joshua Smith has been playing saxophone for nearly 20 years. Joshua has participated in elementary bands, Jr. High and High School concert band, jazz band, and marching bands, including concerts, festivals/competitions, and auditions. During his formal studies he attended Fullerton College where he studied under renowned saxophonist Bruce Babad. Joshua completed his B.A. of Music Education at Vanguard University of Southern California where he developed his instrumental skills on the saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Joshua has studied under and played with several jazz greats including Don Lanphere, Bill Perkins, and Bud Shank. He has also studied under high caliber musicians such as Dr. Ken Foerch, Ron Stout, Darrel Gardner, Don Sheldon, and many more. Joshua is especially known for his teaching skills. Josh has completed his academic work for CA Teaching Credential at Biola University and is well versed in a variety of teaching techniques, which cater to the diverse needs of individual students. In addition, Joshua has “grown up” in the elementary and Jr. High/High School band environment, which gives him a unique, first hand perspective on the needs of elementary and Jr. High/High School band students. Currently Joshua teaches 7th – 12th at OCCS, where he has held his position for nearly 6 years.

Natasha  Suzuki
Natasha Suzuki

Natasha Suzuki began as a pianist, playing classical for 12 consecutive years when in third grade she discovered a love of singing. She later graduated from Fullerton College with her AssociateÂ’s Degree in Music with an emphasis on Classical Voice and Music Theory. She then went on with a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, graduated with her BachelorÂ’s of Music Degree in Professional Music. She has been teaching since high school and has taught all styles and genres to children of all ages, always promoting the idea of individualized methods. She currently teaches at Horipro Music Academy.

 

Cory  Tcheng
Cory Tcheng
Cory Tcheng attended Fullerton College where he received an Associate of Arts degree in Music Performance. While there, he studied guitar with Dr. Joseph Jewell with an emphasis on jazz. He studied music theory with Dr. Bruce Miller and performed regularly with the school's jazz ensembles. This included a 2005 performance at Carnegie Hall.Cory has been teaching guitar since 1997. He has taught privately at the Orange County Music Academy in California, The Academy of Music and Art, and now Upbeat Music. He has performed with various jazz, rock, and funk groups, and continues to do so while maintaining a steady teaching schedule.

http://www.upbeatmusicchicago.com/teachers/default.php?nav=teach&teach=Cory

Travis Tingley
Travis Tingley
Travis has been a professional musician since graduating from high school. He studied music at Fullerton College where he had the opportunity to study under faculty members Joe Jewell and Bruce Babad in the Jazz studies program. He has performed across the country as a touring musician with The Kry and his own band 24E and has been part of several local worship ministries including The Fold, Rancho Community Church, and Sunrise Christian Fellowship worship teams. Travis most recently spent time as youth worship leader at Life Church in Temecula before taking the step toward full time ministry at Impact Church in December of 2005. Travis oversees the Impact Church Worship Ministry. He has been happily married to his wife Emily since September of 2005. Aside from music Travis enjoys fishing, gourmet food, and watching 24.
Rhoda  Tuit
Rhoda Tuit
Rhoda Tuit was born and raised in Pasadena, CA. Being the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. R. Norheim, music has been an integral part of her life. She attended Hillcrest Academy from 1960 to 1964, studying piano with Leona Erickson and singing in the choir under C.F. Erickson.
After attending Fullerton College Rhoda received her B.A. in Music from San Diego State University. She earned her Masters of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Southern California. Rhoda has taught piano at the college level for 35 years, the last 25 at Santa Monica College.She lives in Santa Monica, CA. Special interests include gardening, Spanish, baseball and two grandchildren, ages eight and six. Rhoda is grateful for God's very special gift of music and feels that teaching music in public education is a ministry. She is especially happy when it can be used directly to glorify God at times like this convention.
Edmund  Velasco
Edmund Velasco
Velasco, Edmund (Alfred), tenor sax; b. Whittier, CA, 1963, picked up the tenor sax at the age of ten. He studied saxophone with Thomas Axworthy while attending Imperial Jr. High in La Habra. While attending La Habra High School he studied with Ernest Del Fante. After high school he studied music at Fullerton College. He continued to study with Ernest. In 1985 he was featured as a soloist with Fullerton College during their performance at the 1985 Playboy Jazz Festival at The Hollywood Bowl. He then continued his studies at California State University, Long Beach under the guidance of John Prince. While attending there he studied with Leo Potts. During this time he also studied with: Bob Shepard, Dave Moody and Albert Alva. Long Beach also opened the 1988 Playboy Festival where Edmund was a featured soloist as well.Edmund has been leading his own jazz quintet (The Edmund Velasco Quintet) since 1995. The quintet has toured Europe and the East Coast. They have performed at several festival around the world and can be seen regularly at their starting point, Steamers Cafe in Fullerton. They especially known for performances that feature all original compositions by members of the quintet. Edmund has been a member of The Estrada Brother Latin Jazz Band featuring Rueben Estrada for the last few years. They work regularly around Southern California. He is also a regular with the singer Chris Williams and his Quintet. He is curently represented by Jeff Glosky in New York (jviv@jevivent.com) with Jeviv Entertainment.

While attending Cal State, Edmund met his future wife, Wendy Morton, a cello masters student. They are married and have two children, Lauren (b.1993) who currently plays violin and Julian (b.1995).

Recordings:
Prime Time; Unforgettable; Alligator Rhythm (1995); The Blues In Me (2000); Smoke Rises (2003)
Awards:
'The Blues In Me' was nominated for The Jazz Album Of The Year by The Los Angeles Music Awards

Dr. Betty Virgoe
Dr. Betty Virgoe
Dr. Betty Virgoe has an Associates of Arts degree in music from Fullerton College, a Bachelors of Music with a minor in music therapy from California State University at Long Beach, a Master of Music from the University of California at Riverside and a Dual-Master of Music degree in music performance from Claremont Graduate University. She also has a Secondary Teaching Credential in Choral Music from CSULB and the California Community Colleges Instructor Credential. Betty has been a member of the American Federation of Musician for over 25 years. Dr. Virgoe teaches Music Appreciation, Music History, History of American Popular Music, and History of Rock at Cypress College.
Hugh  Von Kleist
Hugh Von Kleist
Hugh von Kleist has been playing and studying the saxophone for the past ten years. Hugh has studied music at Fullerton College and is currently completing his bachelors in jazz studies at California State University at Long Beach. Hugh has studying privately with Leo Potts and Eric Merinthal. Hugh has played with many industry professionals for television, live concert work and clubs. "I hope that, through my music, I can touch the soul of those who hear me." -Hugh von Kleist
Tyler Walton
Tyler Walton

Tyler Walton is a professional drummer with many years of experience both performing live and recording in the studio. Tyler began playing drums professionally while in high school, where he worked in several rock, blues, and Top 40 bands all over Southern California. Upon graduating high school, Tyler enrolled at Fullerton College, where he studied as a commercial music major for 3 years. During his time at Fullerton College, Tyler performed with all of the school's top, award-winning big band, jazz, latin, and classical ensembles. He also began his study of orchestral percussion, and he received multiple honors awards for his performances on timpani and marimba. Tyler also continued to stay busy working professionally in a variety of musical settings outside of the college environment, including teaching drum lessons at several of Orange County's top music schools.

After graduating from Fullerton College with an Associate of Arts degree in music, Tyler set his sights on Los Angeles, where he enrolled at Musicians Institute in Hollywood. While studying at MI, Tyler performed with several prominent rock/pop artists in the Hollywood area, and was featured playing drums with singer/songwriter Shaley Scott on NBC's hit music reality show "Star Tomorrow.", as well as performing on CBS's "CSI". Tyler graduated Musicians Institute in March of 2007 with an Associate of Arts degree. He now stays busy freelancing and teaching in Orange County and Los Angeles.


Tyler currently teaches Drums at Premier Music on Mondays and Wednesdays...call 714-744-8100 or email premiermusic@sbcglobal.net for available lesson times!

 

Mark Wein
Mark Wein
mark graduated fullerton college in 1992, and since then has been performing, recording and teaching in the southern california area. you can find the album "desert center" that he recorded with the band "felt" on itunes and cdbaby.com. mark is also the owner of premier music in the city of orange, which is a teaching studio that offers private instruction for instrumental and vocal music as well as ensemble classes and performing groups. you can find mark at http://www.markwein.com, http://www.myspace.com/markwein and http://www.premierschoolofmusic.com
Seth Weiss
Seth Weiss

Seth Weiss, the baritone for SOLID GROUND, has been involved in ministry and music from a young age. He had the opportunity to be involved in several musical programs at the church where his father was on the pastoral staff. He attended Fullerton College where he received classical training and sang in the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and their award winning Vocal Jazz Ensemble.  He was asked to sing a solo for the premiere of In the Gardens, a musical cantata written by Bill and Gloria Gaither.  Not long after, Seth sang baritone for The Watchmen Quartet, from Southern California.    http://solidground.us/sethbio.html  

Brooke Wilkes
Brooke Wilkes
started her musical career at a very early age in the Anchorage Alaska area. She has appeared on the same bill with such celebrities as the Beach Boys, Ben E. King, Jewel, the Pointer Sisters, Richard Carpenter, L.A. Music Awards Career Achievement Recipient & Santana lead singer Greg Walker, Scooby Doo’s Matthew Lillard, Whose Line is it Anyway star, Wayne Brady, Vanessa Williams, Kristine W. and Doc Severinson. Brooke's voice has been featured on numerous T.V. programs, feature films and radio commercials and her original recordings have been aired around the country. Her debut CD "Never too Late" received a nod from Music Connection Magazine, naming her album one of the top 10 of the year. Her latest album entitled "THE VANILLA LIFE", is available on CDBaby.com.Brooke's fans continue attending her exciting live appearances at Disneyland as well as various L.A. based hot spots. Check out her official website for up to date show listings. The L.A. Music Awards will be held at the Music Box on Hollywood Blvd in November. For the latest concert information see http://www.brookewilkes.com/
Gregory  Woll
Gregory Woll
Gregory R. Woll received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Fullerton, his Master of Music Degree from North Texas State University and his Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree, specializing in 20th Century Music, at the Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Woll has given workshops, clinics and concerts throughout the United States and Europe. At the Walt Disney Company, his projects range from Instrumental Coordinator for the Disney entertainment Arts Program and consultant for the "Disney and All That Jazz," to presently being Musical Coordinator of the Disneyland Magic Kingdom Korps.

As a trombonist he has worked with such diverse groups as Manhattan Transfer, The Los Angeles Classical Ballet, The Righteous Brothers, The Pacific Symphony, Frank Sinatra, The Artisan Brass Quintet (Fullerton College Faculty Ensemble) and many others. Dr. Woll currently teaches Upper Brass, Music Theory, Jazz Lab Bands, Cabana Boys.

Bob Wright
Bob Wright

Coming from a family of South Georgia Gospel Singers and musicians, Bob began playing trumpet at age nine after he heard his first Maynard Ferguson Album ("Maynard Ferguson Plays Jazz for Dancing"). The LP was made in 1956; he got it in 1959. All he can remember about that time is, after hearing "Hey There" on that LP, saying to himself. "I want to do that!!!" Bob studied with various teachers though most of his High School years. He began playing in bands, combos, and The Columbus (GA) Symphony while still in High School. He studied Music as a Music Major at UGA for three years until he was drafted and then spent nine years in the Navy.

He accepted a job at Hughes Space and Comm. in El Segundo, CA upon leaving the Navy. He started back playing music in LA in 1979. He met some really great players and singers in LA and became friends with many of the big time music people there. He played in clubs in LA, Anaheim, Sherman Oaks, Long Beach, etc. During his time in California, he finished a BS in Physics at Cal State Fullerton and was in the MS program at USC (University of Southern California). He also studied trumpet with Jim Linahon of Fullerton College and LMP Studios and attended many LA Jazz Workshops and Clinics. He moved back to Georgia in 1991 after becoming fed up with Southern California.

Bob had not played trumpet for thirteen or fourteen years until he met someone who encouraged him to come listen to a Big Band in Atlanta. He went with her one night to a rehearsal and got hooked again. Thanks to Past President and SJO founder, Henry Mason, for allowing him to continue to play and return to the music he loves through encouragement and friendship. It has been 4 years since he returned to playing the instrument he loves. Since then, he has really gotten back into playing Jazz and Musicals. He even takes trumpet lessons over the Internet with a fine instructor and player, Jeff Purtle! How kewl is that? Bob is a regular with several Big Bands and several Jazz Combos around Atlanta. "Life is good again”

Bob is currently an Account Support Advocate for Hewlett Packard.

David Wright
David Wright
David has been teaching in Southern California for over 20 years. Since his studies at Fullerton College and U.C. Irvine, he has spent his time teaching Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Composition, as well as performing as a solo artist and in various rock and jazz ensembles. His acoustic guitar CD, "Americana", on Casierra Records has won critical acclaim. He now keeps a busy schedule teaching, performing, composing (with Kevin Tullius of the L.A. Jazz Quartet and Trio Lesento) and doing occasional film work (in the soon to be released "The Clean and the Narrow"). David has recently collaborated with Frank Sibley on the companion CD to the instruction book, "Jazz Guitar Solos".