To support Cal State Fullerton’s School of Music in preparing future generations of jazz artists, the Johnny Carson Foundation donated $2 million to create the Johnny Carson Endowed Fund for Jazz.
The endowment supports students in CSUF’s jazz and commercial music program and provides funding for scholarships, competitions, professional development opportunities and more.
The Johnny Carson Foundation discovered CSUF’s School of Music more than 10 years ago, when it was seeking a band that could capture the musical essence of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” for an exhibit at the Fullerton Museum Center.
In its search, one group of artists stood out among the rest — the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, led by Grammy Award-winning pianist and Professor of Music Bill Cunliffe.
The success of the exhibit performance paved the way for an invaluable partnership between Cal State Fullerton and the nonprofit organization. Including this gift, the foundation has committed $2.6 million to the university since it first began working with Cunliffe and his students.
“The NBC Orchestra was the heart and soul of ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.’ That music is preserved with the work that Bill Cunliffe and the Cal State Fullerton Jazz Orchestra continue to do,” said Jeff Sotzing, vice chairman of The Johnny Carson Foundation board. “The grant from the Johnny Carson Foundation will help keep this music alive for a long, long time.”
Cal State Fullerton’s jazz and commercial music program prepares students to land roles with top local, regional and international jazz companies and festivals. Students in the program learn from award-winning faculty, partner with professional artists in Southern California and master an expansive skill set that sets them apart in a competitive industry.
“By blending hands-on experience in acclaimed ensembles with this newfound financial stability, our School of Music will remain a premier destination for those looking to lead in jazz music,” said Arnold Holland, dean of the College of the Arts. “The creation of this generous endowment guarantees this program will continue to launch successful careers for performers and composers for years to come.”