{"id":175757,"date":"2026-02-13T00:28:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T00:28:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/175757\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T00:28:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T00:28:10","slug":"csuf-jazz-program-receives-2-million-gift-from-johnny-carson-foundation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/175757\/","title":{"rendered":"CSUF Jazz Program Receives $2 Million Gift From Johnny Carson Foundation"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The Johnny Carson Foundation discovered Cal State Fullerton\u2019s School of Music more than 10 years ago, when it was seeking a band that could capture the musical essence of \u201cThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson\u201d for an exhibit at the Fullerton Museum Center.<\/p>\n

In its search, one group of artists stood out among the rest \u2014 the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, led by Grammy Award-winning pianist and Professor of Music Bill Cunliffe.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The success of the exhibit performance paved the way for an invaluable partnership between Cal State Fullerton and the nonprofit organization. In recognition of the School of Music<\/a> and its role in preparing future generations of musical artists, The Johnny Carson Foundation donated a $2 million gift to create the Johnny Carson Endowed Fund for Jazz, which will support students in the jazz and commercial music program.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"PortraitBill Cunliffe, Grammy Award-winning pianist and professor of music<\/p>\n

\u201cThe NBC Orchestra was the heart and soul of \u2018The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.\u2019\u00a0That music is preserved with the work that Bill Cunliffe and the Cal State Fullerton Jazz Orchestra continue to do,\u201d said Jeff Sotzing, vice chairman of The Johnny Carson Foundation board. \u201cThe grant from the Johnny Carson Foundation will help keep this music alive for a long, long time.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The endowment will provide funding for scholarships, competitions, professional development opportunities and more. Including this gift, the foundation has committed $2.6 million to the university since it first began working with Cunliffe and his students.<\/p>\n

Cal State Fullerton\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cBy 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,\u201d said Arnold Holland, dean of the College of the Arts<\/a>. \u201cThe creation of this generous endowment guarantees that this program will continue to launch successful careers for performers and composers for years to come.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"StudentStudents gain hands-on professional experience as part of the School of Music\u2019s ensembles.<\/p>\n

Students also apply their knowledge as members of the school\u2019s ensembles, including the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, Fullerton Big Band and Latin Ensemble, Jazz Small Groups, and the Jazz Singers. Taking the stage with these groups has helped several alumni strengthen their artistic portfolios and transition into professional groups after graduation, said Cunliffe.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe great thing about Cal State Fullerton has always been its contribution to music education, but it is now making a significant contribution to performing and recording music. We are responsible for graduating professionals to the music industry who are really making a difference,\u201d he said. \u201cOur alumni go on to perform in films and TV, at places like Disneyland and with groups such as the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the Mina Choi Orchestra.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rodolfo Zuniga<\/a>, drummer, composer and associate professor of music, who leads the program, added: \u201cWe are building strong-minded, independent thinkers. We prepare them to be versatile jazz musicians, confident in their musicianship.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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