By Lupe Duran |Staff Writer|
The CSUSB Music Department has a busy schedule this year as it prepares for a variety of events that are sure to fulfill many musical tastes.
Whether you like jazz, opera or classical music the department’s events will feature students, faculty and professional musicians.
“We do a lot of events,” said Music Department Chair Todd Johnson.
The next music department production is the CMS Small Ensemble event on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Admission prices for the event are $6 for students, $9 for seniors, staff and faculty and $11 for the general public and earnings will go towards a scholarship within the music department.
Not every event requires paid admission. Throughout each quarter the department hosts free admission events featuring professional musicians on Tuesdays and student performances on Thursdays.
The next Tuesday show on Oct. 26 will feature “White Fort Duo,” whose two members play what some may call classical music with a twist as it features electric guitar and electric violin.
“This is definitely a show that the more broad student population might enjoy,” said Johnson.
Also coming up is the CSUSB Jazz Ensemble’s 2nd annual Latin event, “Caliente,” that will not only feature salsa, latin jazz, live music and a DJ but dancing lessons as well.
“Expect to have lots of fun, lots of dancing and listen to some good music,” said Dr. Robert Knop, the Jazz Ensemble director. “We had this event last year and it was a big success.”
“Caliente” is set for Nov. 8 and the cost of admission is $11 for students, $13 for seniors/faculty and staff and $17 for general admission. Dancing lessons will begin at 6:30 p.m. with live music following at 7:30 p.m.
Coming up on Nov. 27 is the Fall Showcase which will feature some of the top faculty professional musicians and later the Winter Showcase which will include top faculty professional musicians along with top student musicians.
“The Winter Showcase allows us to put the faculty and students on the same level,” said Johnson.
As far as a Christmas production, nothing is set yet, but Knop and Marketing and Public Affairs Specialist Diana Reyes recommend to stay tuned as something may be in the works.
The big event set for Spring 2013 is a collaborative production between the Music and Theater Departments in their rendition of the comedy-musical, “Hairspray.”
“Hairspray” includes 1960s style music and is the story of a young Tracy Turnblad, a girl who wishes to appear on the popular dance show, “The Corny Collins Show.” When Tracy gets a chance to dance on the show she sets out to integrate it.
“I think it will be a really enjoyable performance and a really cool production,” said Johnson.
There are many more events within the Music Department planned for this year which can be found on the CSUSB Music Department page at music.csusb.edu, as well as on the department’s Facebook and Twitter pages.