JAZZ STUDIES & COMMERCIAL MUSIC

The Jazz Studies Program at CSUF offers students a chance to prepare themselves for the world of professional performance and composing/arranging opportunities in the Southern California region and throughout the nation. The Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in Jazz and Commercial Studies prepares students for this vibrant field.

Performing Ensembles

Ensembles include the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, Fullerton Big Band, Jazz Small Groups (combos), and the Jazz Singers. From participation in these groups, students are prepared to take their place in the jazz and commercial performing opportunities available in the region.

The Jazz Ensembles and Combos are active in performing a wide variety of styles; from cutting edge contemporary styles of Maria Schneider and Jim McNeely to the classics of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. They perform concerts on campus and at top local, regional and international jazz festivals. Students may also audition for any of the jazz combos. The CSUF jazz groups have been selected as the winning ensembles & combos at the Reno Jazz Festival, Fullerton College Jazz Festival and the Pacific Coast Jazz Festival.

The Jazz Singers performs music that encompasses a wide variety of contemporary and historical jazz styles. In Jazz Singers an emphasis is placed on solo improvisation.

Jazz Studies & Commercial Music Faculty

• Dr. Charles (Chuck) Tumlinson, director, jazz ensembles and small groups
• Bill Cunliffe, director, small groups (combos), Fullerton Big Band, jazz piano
• John Proulx, jazz singers director
• Barry Perkins, trumpet
• Jeff Ellwood, jazz saxophone
• Ron Escheté, guitar
• Luther Hughes, bass, combos
• Paul Kreibich, drum set
• Charles Sharp, jazz history

AUDITIONS

All students wishing to study jazz at Cal State Fullerton must audition.

Click here to learn more about the Music Department Admission Information including audition information.

Both scholarship and regular auditions for incoming students are scheduled in the spring of each year. Students who hope to begin study in a spring semester may make special arrangements for an audition through the area coordinator.

To Learn More

Contact: Chuck Tumlinson at
(657) 278-5523

Write:
California State University, Fullerton
Department of Music
P.O. Box 6850
Fullerton, CA 92834-6850