Rudolf Budginas

Sunday, October 11, 2009
7:30 p.m.

Music Appreciation, Applied Piano Instructor Rudolf Budginas was born in a family of musicians in Lithuania. He began his Studies at the age of four, and made his debut at the age of nine with the Lithuanian National Symphony. Thereafter, he rose to international prominence; As an accomplished soloist he has performed in throughout the world. His thriving concert career brought him to the United States and a recent Los Angeles Times review described his performance; Keeping aloft the spirit of Beethoven, Rudolf Budginas offered soulfulness. Dr. Budginas obtained his Masters degree and Doctorate of Music Arts degree from the University of Southern California. Among his numerous awards are the first Prize in the International Liszt Piano competition, Vitols International Piano competition, and the prestigious Yamaha of Europe award. He is currently teaching applied piano and music appreciation at Cuesta College, performing concerts worldwide, and is the conductor of the Thomas Aquinas University chamber Orchestra as well as a frequent guest conductor of various orchestras.

Daniel Rodriguez

Friday, November 13, 2009
7:30 p.m.

To those who have come to love him as the so-called “singing policeman,”—the New York City cop who helped bring the country an uplifting spirit of promise and hope with his stirring rendition of “God Bless America” after the September 11 terrorist attacks—it is no surprise that Daniel Rodriguez has always been a spiritual man. His first two albums, the debut SPIRIT OF AMERICA and the romantic FROM MY HEART, both included a spiritual song as a testament to the driving force in his life, and he has welcomed the opportunity to work with institutions such as the USO, the City of Hope, Dr. Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral and numerous law enforcement organizations.

Chapter 6

Friday, February 12, 2010
7:30 p.m.

Chapter 6 is a professional a cappella ensemble from Illinois. Comprised of six vocalists and one arranger, Chapter 6 is the only vocal ensemble to win both The International Competition of Collegiate A Cappella (2001) and the prestigious National Harmony Sweepstakes (2004). Among subsequent honors, Chapter 6 has appeared with The National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center, and was featured on "American Idol: Season 7" in conjunction with bandmate Luke Menard’s Top 16 run. Chapter 6 tours the United States, Canada and Asia , performing in a wide variety of venues. Their family-friendly show features a light-hearted, high-energy blend of pop/jazz harmonies that is sure to bring spontaneous bursts of applause and laughter. Engaging performances feature a diverse repertoire of American popular music, from Gershwin to Stevie Wonder, as well as original songs ranging from the comical, "Lost in Canada," to the personal, "God’s Love." In addition, clever medleys including “The Wizard of Oz” entertain music lovers of all ages; their signature six-minute version of the classic MGM film earned a Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (2005).

nube

Friday, March 19, 2010
7:30 p.m.

nube, - “cloud” in spanish-, is an eclectic ensemble that exquisitely blends contemporary Latin American and world music. co-founders Paraguayan harpist Nicolas carter and guitarist Renato Lombardi from Argentina fuse the dynamic rhythms of Latin America with musical elements from around the globe creating contrasting musical landscapes. Their soulful and relaxing music evokes the warmth of a South American ambience. the greater ensemble includes world percussionist Michael Bissonnette and bass player Dan Arlig. The breadth of their repertoire reveals an array of textures from the diverse string instruments they employ which are combined with the mystical flutes and panflutes along with a variety of percussion elements typical of the Americas.

Presidio Brass

Friday, April 9, 2010
7:30 p.m.

Hailing from “ America’s Finest City”, San Diego, CA, Presidio Brass is a dynamic force in American brass chamber music. With a unique and exciting repertoire written specifically for the ensemble, the Presidio Brass is committed to providing engaging musical programs as well as developing close ties to their audience. Presidio has concretized nationally, presenting formal recitals as well as educational outreach programs throughout the United States. Members of the ensemble have been seen with major symphony orchestras, including the London Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic; can be heard on soundtracks ranging from video games to major motion pictures; and have been educated at several of America’s finest institutions, including the Juilliard School, Boston Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music and USC. Presidio Brass was formed primarily to promote musical education and appreciation in the next generation.