Cal State Fullerton Jazz Orchestra Concert Study Guide

Venue: The performance takes place at the Main Concert Hall.
Photography and Recording: Patrons are strictly prohibited from taking photographs or making recordings during the performance to ensure the enjoyment of all attendees.
Social Media: Highlights, including photos and video content of ensembles and guest performers, are available on the School of Music’s social media channels.
Electronic Devices: All attendees are required to silence phones and electronic devices.
Digital Programs: Patrons using digital programs on mobile devices are asked to decrease screen brightness as a courtesy to others.
Safety: Patrons are instructed to locate the nearest available exit, noting that it may differ from the entrance used.
Physical Programs: The host, Bill Cunliffe, noted the rarity of printed programs in current concert settings.

The concert begins with the Cal State Fullerton Jazz Orchestra performing instrumental works.
"Once I Had a Secret Love": This piece was famously performed by the ensemble with Doc Severinsen several years ago. Featured soloist: Brian Watson on trumpet.
"Groove Merchant": Composed by the legendary Thad Jones. The song originally appeared on one of Jones' first albums for the Solid State label. It remains a staple of the jazz repertoire, frequently performed at the Village Vanguard in New York City even 50 years after its release. Featured soloist: Spencer Bowie on saxophone.

Host Bill Cunliffe discussed his extensive professional relationship in Los Angeles with the late arranger and composer Bill Holman.
Career Significance: Holman's Wikipedia entry is noted as being exceptionally long due to his collaborations with nearly every major singer or pop group throughout the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Artistic Style: His music is characterized as swinging, interesting, and frequently ironic. Holman was known for his skepticism toward modern technology.
Passing: Bill Holman passed away last year at the age of 96.
"Press 1": - Written approximately 30 years ago and recorded around 2002/2003. - The title refers to the automated telephone prompts used to reach a live person, a concept Holman found frustrating. - Featured soloists: Milo Penner on trombone and Matthew Nelson on tenor saxophone.

Brian Clemens: A 2019 graduate of Cal State Fullerton. He currently resides part-time in London where he leads his own big band.
Tawanda: A guest vocalist collaborating with Clemens. - She won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition (referred to as the "Saravan songstress contest") in 2020. - She has recorded multiple albums and recently performed at Campus Jack's.
"My One Desire": An original composition by Brian Clemens. The melody famously came to him while he was sleeping; he recorded the idea into his phone upon waking and later developed it at the piano.
Dialogue & Age Exchange: Tawanda mentioned writing a song at age 17. She joked that she is now 18, then clarified she is actually 19 but credits her youthful appearance to good skincare and the environment at Cal State Fullerton.
"If You Were Mine": A upbeat selection intended to encourage audience engagement (such as a "shoulder shimmy").
International Jazz Day: The performers noted that the previous day was International Jazz Day and thanked the audience for supporting American jazz traditions and live music.

The concert served as a farewell to several senior students. Bill Cunliffe acknowledged the following graduates: - Julian Quiros (Trumpet). - Brian Watson (Trumpet) - Watson will return to Cal State Fullerton for his Master's degree. - Eddie Castaneda (Trumpet). - Davide Nicolaid (Drums). - Matthew DeCamera (Piano). - Brad Harris (Drums) - Harris will be attending UCLA for graduate school.
"Ass Kick Dynamite": A tribute piece composed by graduate Matthew DeCamera and arranged for the big band. Featured soloists included Ilias Valdes, Matthew Nelson, and Brad Harris on drums.

Mina Choi: A distinguished alumna, pianist, composer, and arranger. She leads the Mina Choi Orchestra, which released an album titled Stories.
Dave Binney (David Binney): - A renowned improviser who grew up in Ventura and moved to New York at age 18 to establish his career. - His work spans various genres: acoustic jazz, trance, electronic music, and ambient music (sometimes labeled as fusion). - He frequently collaborates with the multi-instrumentalist Lewis Cole.
"For My Friends": Composed by Dave Binney. Originally recorded on a trio record featuring Lewis Cole and Perra Krzytyich. Binney dedicated this piece to his close friends.
"Simplicity": A composition by the Venezuelan pianist Edward Simon. Binney recorded this with Simon; Bill Cunliffe described it as a remarkably simple yet gorgeous tune that holds up to development.
"Squares and Palaces": From Binney's quartet record featuring Craig Taborn, Brian Blade, and Scott Colley. The arrangement includes brass and features parts that build rhythmically on top of each other.

Bill Cunliffe expressed a deep appreciation for Film Noir, noting the quality of music produced by Eastern European and Russian composers who fled to Los Angeles after World War I.
Portrait of Jenny: A 1948 supernatural love story produced by David O. Selznick and directed by William Dieterle. - Stars: Joseph Cotton (as an impoverished painter) and Jennifer Jones. - Music: Originally to be scored by Bernard Herrmann, but completed by Dmitry Tiomkin. The score is notable for its early use of the Theremin. - Success: The song "Portrait of Jenny" became a major hit for Nat King Cole several years after the film's release.

Fullerton Friends of Jazz: A community support group recognized for their contributions and social events held at the Elks Lodge.
"Welcome to Life": The concluding piece, composed by Dave Binney and arranged by lead trumpet player Jacob Wallenbrooke.
Cal State Fullerton Jazz Orchestra Roster: - Saxophones: Ben Jones, Jared Guabara, Spencer Bowie, Alejandro Ramirez, Matthew Nelson. - Trombones: Ethan Holmes, Luis Hernandez, Paulina Ramirez, Milo Penner. - Trumpets: Eddie Castaneda, Julian Quiros, Jacob Wallinbrook, Brian Watson. - Rhythm Section: Elias Valdez (Guitar), David Nicolade (Drums), Bradley Harris (Drums), Kevin Karagozian (Bass), Matthew Iskata (Piano), Matthew DeCamera (Piano).
Director: Bill Cunliffe.