SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DANCE
ARTS EDUCATION FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY


The School of Music and Dance Faculty & Staff
 
Grammy nominees, published authors, recording artists, and acclaimed musicians and dancers who have performed in the world's greatest concert venues make up the San Diego State University's School of Music and Dance Faculty.
 
Alphabetical
By Division
Staff
General Directory
 
Faculty Highlights 2007-08
 
Richard Thompson, Associate Professor of Piano, participated in the African American Music Symposium at Millersville University in Pennsylviania, April 2008. Thompson performed his own compositions and works by H. Leslie Adams, as well as performing with university faculty and students. The event was sponsored by the University Theme Program, Frederick Douglass Celebration of Black Culture, Cultural Affairs Committee and Commission on Cultural Diversity.
 
leslie seitersIn July, Assistant Professor of Dance Leslie Seiters performed "an attic an exit" at the 2007 International Contemporary Dance Festival in Bytom, Poland . This new work was performed at the International Platform for Choreographers in Portugal November, 2007. Also, Leslie Seiters and four dance majors from the School of Music and Dance traveled to the College at Brockport, NY, to participate in the American College Dance Festival Association's Northeast Regional Conference in March, 2008. Seiters was accompanied by dance students Dina Academia, Desiree Cuizon, Camille Sampson and Ahmiel Siemen, who performed Seiters' piece "blank inside." Seiters' choreography was one of twelve dances selected for a Gala Concert at the end of the Festival, which was a presentation of pieces selected for their exemplary artistic quality.
 
rewoldtDuring the 2007-08 Season, Assistant Professor of Saxophone Todd Rewoldt performed solo recitals at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, San Diego State, Illinois State, Portland State University (OR), and St. Augustine's College (NC). In December 2007, Todd made his debut with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra Winter Pops.
 
Fred Benedetti, Professor of guitar, recently appeared as soloist with the California Chamber Orchestra in a performance of Fandango, a Spanish style quintet for guitar and strings by Luigi Boccherini. He was also featured as soloist at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts with the Poway Community Symphony Orchestra, performing Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto di Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra.
 
In addition to celebrating the release of their new album, the edgy, virtuoso SDSU-based trio SWARMIUS with special guest percussionist Joel Bluestone, continued their sonic fusion of hip-hop, house-lounge-techno, death/speed metal meets modern-classical by performing two concerts in San Diego (University of California - San Diego and the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla) and an East Coast Tour at "Roulette" in SoHo, Eastman School of Music, Yale, Temple University, and NYU.
 
danceKathryn Irey, Lecturer in Dance, was honored at SDSU's Mortar Board 18th Annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Dinner on Wed., November 14, 2007. The Mortar Board Faculty and Staff Appreciation Dinner honors persons who have made significant contributions in the fields of education and academic achievement. Honorees are also recognized for their scholastic achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedication to
service.
 
westwind brassProfessor of Tuba, Brent Dutton, and Westwind Brass (ensemble in residence) performed for the international MI Festival in Tijuana with the Lux Boreal Dance Troop September 28th and 30th, 2007. Professor Dutton's composition And The Halls Resound was turned into a ballet by Lux Boreal as part of the program. The September 28th concert was given for 3,000 school age children and the September 30th program was given for the general public.
 
enrique toralVoice Faculty tenor Enrique Toral stared as the poet "Prunier" in Lyric Opera San Diego's production of Puccini's La Rondine on November 9, 11, 15, 17 and 18. Each performance took take place at Birch North Park Theater, San Diego. Mr. Toral also served as a judge for the vocal division of MusicFest '07, a festival sponsored by the California International Young Artist Competition taking place at the California Center for the Arts, in Escondido on November 12.
 
felix olschofkaAssociate Professor of Violin, Felix Olschofka, participated as a judge in the 2007 Queen Sophie Charlotte International Violin Competition in Mirow, Germany. The competition site, Mirow Palace, hosted the prestigious competition for young violinists September 23-30.