Bulldog Marching Band selected to perform in 2025 Rose Parade parade
The Tournament of Roses Association selected the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band as a participant in the 2025 Rose Parade, held on Jan. 1 in Pasadena.
Read MoreTag: Music Department
Hard of hearing music alumnus presents Silent Garden Lecture on ‘Embodied Sound’
With Madonna in the CD player and the volume maxed, the subwoofer drove expanding orbs of pressure that moved the room. Lying on the floor, a young Ethan Castro felt the waves vibrate through him and envelope his core, igniting a passion that would guide his life’s path.
Read More‘Walk in Peace’ brings together Fresno State and City College choirs for and emotional evening
This unique performance features the combined choirs from both institutions and promises to be a moving and uplifting celebration of music, unity, and the enduring legacy of Dr. King.
Read More‘Winter Evening’ album features Fresno State faculty and staff
The collection of luscious romantic songs by Tchaikowsky, Rachmaninov, Medtner and others written to the poetry of Pushkin, Goethe and Baudelaire was released through Centaur Records and is available on most streaming platforms.
Read MoreTwo new piano professors entertain with unique concert
The Fresno State Symphony Orchestra kicked off its 2022-23 season with two new Department of Music piano faculty members Dr. Peter Klimo and Dr. Michael Krikorian on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Read MoreFresno State Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Two Pianos at an Exhibition’
The Fresno State Symphony Orchestra kicks off its four-concert series for the 2022-23 season with two new Department of Music piano faculty members Dr. Peter Klimo and Dr. Michael Krikorian.
Read MoreMusic Department presents Percussion Studio Recital
The Fresno State Music Department invites the community to enjoy an exciting evening of percussion music at 8 p.m. Monday, April 18, in the Concert Hall.
Read MoreViolin and Viola Festival culminates in a Gala Concert
Violinist Timothy Kantor, violist Kate Hamilton and violinist Gina Coletti will join Fresno State faculty cellist Dr. Thomas Loewenheim, violinist Dr. Limor Toren-Immerman with accompaniment by Drew Quiring for the tenth annual Fresno State Violin and Viola Festival Gala Concert held at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 23 in the Concert Hall.
Read MoreStudents present original works at the Composers Recital
he Fresno State Music Department invites the public to a thrilling evening of music by student composers at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, in the Concert Hall.
Read MoreStudent of Distinction: Peyton Esraelian
“After graduating from Fresno State, my next course of action is to continue teaching and performing in the Fresno area while I work towards auditioning for a master’s program in percussion performance. The ultimate goal for my career is to earn a position with a full-time professional symphony orchestra while working with a wide variety of students.”
Read MoreStudent of Distinction: Amanda Steinhauer
“After graduating, I will be pursuing a career in private music teaching and am currently planning to live and teach abroad in Luxembourg, Europe, while teaching lessons virtually to students in Selma and around the Valley. Down the road, I will continue furthering my academic career.”
Read MoreDr. Anton Belov returns to Fresno State for 5th Art Song Festival
“It takes three artists to bring an art song to life: a poet, a composer and a singer.” – Dr. Maria Briggs
Read MoreWalk in Peace: A celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month
In an annual tradition, the Fresno State choirs directed by Dr. Cari Earnhart and Fresno City College choirs, directed by Julie Dana, combine for “Walk in Peace: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month.”
Read MoreBulldog Marching Band selected as 2023 Rose Parade participant
The Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band was selected by the Tournament of Roses Association as an official participant of the 2023 Rose Parade on Jan. 2, 2023, in Pasadena.
Read MoreConcert choir to perform at state conference
For Jordan Pulido, there is nothing quite like making music with others. To feel the energy the music creates and experience that energy flow through others is how he finds his inspiration.
Read MoreLive music is back for the 2021-22 season!
Live music is back and the Fresno State Department of Music has announced their events for Fall 2021 and many of their events for Spring 2022 semesters.
Read More3 CAH faculty receive Provost’s Awards
Dr. Kenneth Froelich, professor of music, was selected for Fresno State’s 2021 Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching,
Read MoreStandard Bearer: John Spankowski
“No childhood experience left a more positive impression on me than my time in primary and secondary music classes. Music touches people in ways that no other subject does. It exercises our aesthetic being and explores inexpressible human emotions.” ~ John Spankowski
Read MoreStudent of Distinction: Jeffrey LaRose
“I aim to… inspire my students to achieve their impossible, and embrace the opportunities to mentor new teachers who are beginning their journey.” ~ Jeffrey Larose
Read More4th Fresno State Art Song Festival, 2021: Prize Winners
Six students were named as winners in the 4th Annual Art Song competition at Fresno State. During the competition, the poetry and composition finalists worked with vocalists to perform original works during the festival
Read More4th Art Song Festival features Grammy winning bass-baritone Gerald Finley, student singers, poets and composers
Two Fresno State poetry students and five music composition students have been selected as finalists in the fourth annual Art Song Festival competition which will take place on Feb. 26 and 27 on Zoom.
Read MoreChoirs combine in celebration of MLK, Black History Month
In an annual tradition, the Fresno State choirs directed by Dr. Cari Earnhart and Fresno City College choirs, directed by Julie Dana, combine for “Walk in Peace: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 26 on YouTube.
Read MoreNew faces: The Music Department welcomes Dr. Stephen Ivany
We are excited to welcome Dr. Stephen Ivany as he joins the Department of Music as the Assistant Professor of Trombone and Euphonium.
Read More#TBT College of Arts and Humanities Student Stories
These extraordinary students in the College of Arts and Humanities have followed their passions to find the right mentor, overcome obstacles, and collaborate with each other to teach children how to make the world a better place. Here are three stories that will make you proud to be a Bulldog!
Read MoreRemembering the life of Dr. Jack Fortner
Dr. Jack Fortner, music professor emeritus, composer, and founder of the Orpheus chamber ensemble, died from cancer on Thursday, June 25, in São Paulo, Brazil. He was 84 years old.
Read MoreMasterclasses with film composer Robert Allaire model some advantages of virtual instruction
When the in-person classes became impossible, Boone and Allaire moved to Zoom’s virtual environment. To the surprise of everyone involved, that move made the experience better.
Read MoreVoice student advances to semi-finals in second national competition
Fresno State Music Department graduate student, Christopher Rodriguez, has advanced to the semi-final round in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) “2020 National Student Auditions.”
Read MoreFresno State Wind Orchestra releases virtual performance video
Graduate conductor Kevin Misakian directed the Fresno State Wind Orchestra in a virtual presentation of “Furioso” composed by Dr. Gary Gilroy, Professor of Music at Fresno State.
Read MoreGraduate vocal performance student moves into 2nd round of national competition
“Christopher Rodriguez made a lovely gift for his mom on Mother’s Day,” said Dr. Maria Briggs – Okunev, assistant professor of voice. “He advanced to a second round of the National Classical Singer Competition.”
Read MoreMusic student wins international ‘Volterra Project Composer Award’
Music composition student Christian Cruz, who will graduate with a master’s degree in music composition, has won the “Volterra Project Composer Award.”
Read MoreMusic Dept. and M.F.A. Creative Writing program collaborate for 4th Art Song Festival
The unique competition adds another layer to the annual Art Song Festival competition.
Read MoreUndergraduate Dean’s Medalist | Greyson Canterbury, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
“I learned that diversity is something to be celebrated and that a large part of my identity is the path that I choose. I am Chinese and White, and I have chosen to embrace Spanish.”
Read MoreAmid COVID-19 concerns, a senior recital goes on in an empty hall, with a large audience
The stage was set. A xylophone, two clustered sets of percussion instruments, a set of timpanis, and a grand piano for the accompanist filled the performance area of the Fresno State Concert Hall. The room of 270 seats was largely empty and the doors locked.
Read MoreCongratulations to the winners of the Fresno State Concerto Competition
Six finalists will compete for the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the Fresno State Wind Orchestra and the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra.
Read MoreDouble Reed Day features internationally known guest artists, master classes, exhibitions, and a concert
Guest artists and members of “Imani Winds” Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboist, and Monica Ellis, bassoonist, will teach and perform.
Read MoreSymphonic Band performs the last concert of the year
The Fresno State Symphonic Band will perform a unique mix of historic and contemporary pieces under the direction of Steve McKeithen at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Concert Hall.
Read MoreFresno State Symphony Orchestra presents their ‘Winter Celebration’ concert
A holiday tradition returns as the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra performs a special concert for the holiday season with traditional favorites including Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus Overture,” the famous waltz “Under Thunder and Lightning” (Unter Donner und Blitz), and the “Radetzky March.”
Read MoreKeyboard Concerts Series presents award-winning pianist Kenny Broberg
Kenny Broberg, an international award-winning pianist, will perform works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Franck and Medtner at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 22, at the Concert Hall as part of his 2019 tour with dates in the United States, Canada and Australia.
Read More$300K endowment provides lasting support for Clendenin Brass Quintet students
In 2018, the Clendenin Brass Endowed Scholarship was created with $300,000 in memory of June Clendenin by her son, Dr. W. Ritchie Clendenin, former professor of trumpet at Fresno State.
Read MoreFall tradition returns with ‘Band Spectacular’ concert
The fall tradition continues as three of Fresno State’s finest ensembles unite for an evening of music both inside the Concert Hall and on the lawn outside.
Read MoreMariachi Espectacular showcases student bands throughout the Fresno area
The sounds of western Mexico come alive as the next generation performs folk favorites at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Concert Hall.
Read MoreAlumna, flute professor Elisa Moles to perform a faculty recital
A prizewinner of national competitions and soloist in venues around the country, Fresno State professor of flute Elisa Moles will perform a faculty recital at 7 p.m., Nov. 8 in the Wahlberg Recital Hall.
Read MoreMusic by composition student to be featured in Horn Studio Recital
The Horn Studio Recital will feature a new composition for horns by Fresno State student Alexander Gooch.
Read MoreFresno State Opera Theatre presents a free showing of children’s opera ‘Lucinda’
A free on-campus performance of the children’s opera “Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena” will be performed at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Concert Hall. Parking is $5.
Read MorePercussion Ensemble takes center stage at Fresno State
The Fresno State Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of David Gabrielson, will perform at 8 p.m., Nov. 4 in the Concert Hall.
Read MoreCanceled – Faculty Gala performance of ‘Carmina Burana’ to raise funds for scholarships
An eruption of the senses in a journey through life’s indulgences, Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” is among the most popular pieces for classical music concert-goers. The opening, ‘O Fortuna, is immediately recognizable as the backdrop to many scenes in movies, television and commercials invoking drama unparalleled by other musical numbers.
Read MoreFresno State brings world renowned musicians for International Cello Festival
This year, Fresno State is proud to welcome Prof. Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, one of the most notable musicians of his generation and respected mentor. He was Professor of Cello at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, President of the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Japan, Music Director of Kirishima International Music Festival, and is currently the President of the famed Suntory Hall in Tokyo. He is a recipient of the National Academy of Arts Prize in music by the Emperor, Japan’s Medal with Purple Ribbon, the highest honor in Japan, and was awarded Person of Cultural Merit in 2013.
Read MoreSelections of ‘Carmina Burana’ to be performed at Fall Choral Concert
The Fresno State Concert Choir and Masterworks Chorus under the direction of Dr. Cari Earnhart, director of choral activities, will combine with two pianos and a percussion section to perform six selections from Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” during the Fall Concert Choir at 2:30 p.m., Oct. 27 at the Concert Hall.
Read MoreMusic Department presents Percussion Studio Recital
The event will showcase 27 percussion music majors and minor performing solos on marimba, timpani and snare drum.
Read MoreMusic Dept. presents the Symphonic Band Concert
The Fresno State Symphonic Band invites the community to attend their first concert of the school year under the direction of Steven McKeithen at 8 p.m., Oct. 10 in the Concert Hall.
Read MoreWorld renowned guest artist to perform at Fresno State Violin and Viola Festival
The Fresno State Music Department invites the community experience two nights of exquisite strings during the 2019 Fresno State Violin and Viola Festival concerts at 8 p.m., Oct. 4 and 5 at the Concert Hall, featuring renowned guest artists, violinist Martin Beaver, and violist, Che-Yen Chen.
Read MoreMusic Department presents Dr. Emily Stanek, Guest Artist Flute Recital
Stanek is a Flute Professor at Willamette and Corban Universities, Oregon known for performances with Oregon Symphony, Eugene Symphony, Eugene Opera, and Vancouver Symphony.
Read MoreKeyboard Concerts presents Francesco Piemontesi
Born in Locarno, Switzerland, and a protégé of the great Alfred Brendel, Francesco Piemontesi rose to international prominence after winning prizes at several major competitions including the 2007 Queen Elisabeth in Brussels.
Read MoreMason Lamb, Dean’s Medalist
When asked what accomplishment he is most proud of, Mason Lamb didn’t look his many music premieres — including his orchestral concert overture which was played by FOOSA at the Walt Disney Concert Hall — instead, he looked to his daughter.
Read MoreTheresa Lopes, Student of Distinction
For Theresa Lopes, music is a powerful medium which brings people together and improves lives. She has been especially interested in how music can enrich the lives of the handicapped. In her Honors Project through the College of Arts and Humanities Honors Program, Lopes has explored and investigated “The Current Status of Music in Special […]
Read MoreFresno State choral groups hold concert ahead of tour
The concert marks the beginning of the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir Spring Choir Tour and will include be something for everyone with music by Poulenc, Palestrina, Whitacre, Forrest, Kverno and more.
Read MoreFresno State and Fresno Pacific wind ensembles share a stage for annual gala
The community is invited as the Fresno State Wind Orchestra and the Fresno Pacific University Wind Ensemble perform at the 40 annual Dr. Lawrence R. Sutherland Wind Festival Gala Concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 in the Fresno State Concert Hall.
Read MoreFresno State Wind Orchestra to perform in concert
The Fresno State Wind Orchestra will perform under the direction of Dr. Gary P. Gilroy at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 28 in the Concert Hall.
Read MoreFresno State Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble combine for an evening of jazz
It promises to be a night of swing as both of the Fresno State jazz ensembles perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 1 in the Concert Hall.
Read MoreFollowing an injury, master cellist Patricia Fronda turns to science to help fellow artists
After obtaining an injury to her hand, cellist Patricia Fronda was inspired to advocate for greater awareness of injury in the performing arts. She has now redirected her efforts towards the field of occupational therapy and hopes to provide musicians with more specialized treatments.
Read MoreBlack History Month choral concert to honor MLK
“Walk in Peace: A celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Fresno City College Old Administration Building Auditorium.
Read MoreDepartment of Music Faculty Concert to raise funds for scholarships
Fresno State’s Department of Music will present its Annual Faculty Concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan 26 in the Department’s Concert Hall.
Read MoreChildren inspired as audience grows for Christmas opera ‘Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena’
The opera that Fresno State commissioned, workshopped and performed in 2016 titled “Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena” has now been seen by over 15,000 people across the country, according to Dr. Anthony Radford, Fresno State professor of voice and opera. “This holiday season it was performed for the first time at Coker College […]
Read MoreCommunity invited to celebrate the season at the Holiday Choral Concert
The public is invited to the Fresno State Holiday Choral Concert “Here We Come A-Caroling” 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9 in the Concert Hall. Tickets are $12 general, $8 seniors and $5 for students. Music includes traditional holiday music and carols. The show will feature performances by the Fresno State Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Masterworks Chorus […]
Read MoreFresno State Symphony Orchestra presents ‘From Russia with Love’
The Fresno State Symphony Orchestra, directed by Dr. Thomas Loewenheim, will present its second concert of the season “From Russia with Love” on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8:00 p.m. in the Department of Music Concert Hall. Tickets are $15 general, $10 for employees and seniors and $5 for students. The concert will present three beautiful works […]
Read MoreFresno State Jazz Festival revival is part of a larger vision for the program
It had been nearly 20 years since the last Fresno State Jazz Festival, and after a day of performances by visiting schools, the main concert began in the Fresno State Concert Hall on the evening of Nov. 29. Richard Giddens, Director of Jazz Studies for the Fresno State Department of Music directed the Fresno State […]
Read MoreTigran Hamasyan delights audience with an innovative live performance
By Annie Rubio Music is a universal language, with messages and emotions that can be understood regardless of one’s background. Modern artists are always seeking new ways to push the boundaries of their craft, to continuously innovate. Armenian jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan artfully melds modern and traditional sounds into his music and he also ties in […]
Read MoreEmma Hill wins Senior Cello award at 2018 CalASTA State Solo Competition
Congratulations to music performance major Emma Hill who received the Senior Cello award at the 2018 CalASTA (California American String Teachers Association) State Solo Competition on Oct 20 at the Ann E. Pitzer Center on the UC Davis campus. At the competition, 43 competitors were divided into Novice, Junior and Senior divisions. According to CalASTA […]
Read MoreMusic monsters emerge for ‘Jazz-O-Ween’ concert
The Fresno State Jazz Orchestra directed by Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr. and the Fresno State Jazz Ensemble directed by Craig VonBerg will come together for a spooky night of music for the “Jazz-O-Ween” concert presented by California State University, Fresno. Event Details Time & Date: 8 p.m., Oct. 31 Place: Fresno State Concert Hall Tickets: […]
Read MoreCelebrating the life of legendary musician and Fresno State jazz teacher Brian Hamada
According to family, local jazz drummer, teacher, and musical mentor Brian Hamada passed away on August 10th, 2018. Brian’s daughter, Madeline Hamada said on Facebook, “For the past few years, my family has privately and quietly struggled through my dad’s battle against cancer. Whether you knew about our journey or not, we thank you for […]
Read More‘Don Giovanni’ lecture-recital brings together musical artists and humanists
Spanish and voice students took their learning outside of the traditional classroom and into Fresno State’s Concert Hall on Friday, for a cross-disciplinary lecture-recital that examined Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.”
This collaborative effort between the Department of Music and the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures combined operatic singing, lecture and a question-and-answer segment in a 50-minute class performance.
Read MoreKenneth Froelich’s composition wins judge’s citation
Composer Dr. Kenneth D. Froelich, a professor of theory and composition in the Music Department, received a Judge’s Citation in the “Sonata of the Year” category of the 2017 American Prize Chamber Music category, for his composition “A Sonata for Clarinet and Piano.” You can hear Froelich’s piece here on Spotify, from his “Nerd Songs” album. […]
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The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 