The soundscape of America will ring proudly under the Fullerton sky during this year’s Concert Under the Stars, Cal State Fullerton’s signature community outreach and fundraising event. This year’s theme, “America’s Bandstand,” hits all the right notes with music spanning decades and genres.
Students from the College of the Arts will come together to perform medleys from America’s songbook — everything from “I’ve Got the World on a String” to “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” culminating with “America the Beautiful.”
“My goal this year as artistic director and producer of Concert Under the Stars is to showcase the amazing talent of our current students,” said Dale Merrill, dean of the College of the Arts. “The College of the Arts has more than 1,000 students studying the performing arts — dance, music and theater. I take great pride in their abilities and am excited to showcase all their talents this year.
“This year’s production involves 13 musical theatre majors, eight dance majors, 23 vocal music majors and 17 jazz music majors, in addition to a chemistry major from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics — and many more theatre production majors all helping backstage!” he added. “Everyone who attends will have the opportunity to see these amazing young artists who all have promising careers in the future.”
Chemistry major Juan Contreras showed up for auditions and landed a spot among so many art students. “Music has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’m grateful for the journey it has taken me on. Working with this group of incredibly talented people is such a privilege for me — it’s an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life!”
“I see it as the departments coming together,” says music-voice senior Sarah Lonsert, who will also perform. “I was in musical theatre since I was 12 and turned to classical music when I hit college, but I still harbor a deep love and respect for musical theater. To be a part of a dancing choir where we get to not only put our musicianship and choir talents to work, but also dance and be expressive on stage, is an amazing thing to me.”
Proceeds from Concert Under the Stars fund scholarships and student programs.
When:
Saturday, Sept. 17
Gates open at 5 p.m.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends in a fireworks spectacular.
Where:
Cal State Fullerton Intramural Field, north of Titan Gym
800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 92831
Cost/Reservations:
Free lawn seating is still available. Reservations are requested and can be made online.
Food/Drink:
Bring a picnic to share with friends and family, or purchase dinner from a variety of gourmet food trucks. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted on campus.
Parking:
Free general parking is located in lots A and G. Parking for the disabled is available in Lot A and the State College Parking Structure. A map is available online.
More Info:
Visit the Concert Under the Stars website.
Media Contact:
Paula Selleck, 657-278-4856