Genesis Glover, MLK Award Winner, Discovers Her Voice
Testing. At this year’s MLK Legacy event, the Cal Poly community honored biology student Genesis Glover as one of this year’s MLK Legacy Award winners. She accepted the award along with Christina Scholars Ortiz, coordinator for the Black Academic Excellence Center.
Glover, the vice president of the Black Student Union (BSU), received the award after growing into leadership roles on campus. She sat down with Cal Poly News to discuss her proudest moments in BSU, her ambition to be a surgeon, and the inspiration she gets from her father, alumnus and NASA astronaut Victor Glover.
Feb. 27
Presidential Inaugural Poet Headlines ‘Change the Status Quo’
Award-winning poet Richard Blanco will read from his works and deliver a moderated discussion at the 22nd annual Change the Status Quo Social Justice and Service Lecture Series at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, in Chumash Auditorium.
Only the fifth presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history, Blanco’s personal negotiation of cultural identity and the universal themes of place and belonging characterize his many collections of poetry.
Cal Poly’s Center for Service in Action’s annual event aims to empower students to use the Learn by Doing spirit to challenge social norms, ask critical questions, demand solutions and make lasting social change. Admission is free and open to the public.
Learn more about Change the Status Quo
More Upcoming
April Baker-Bell, an associate professor of language, culture and justice in education in the joint program in English and education and educational studies at the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education, will speak Wednesday, Feb. 28, 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Chumash Auditorium.
Baker-Bell will introduce antiracist Black language pedagogy as a solution to white linguistic supremacy in education, prioritizing Black language to challenge white linguistic hegemony. This event is sponsored by the Office of the Writing and Learning, the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion and the Black Academic Excellence Center.
The deadline to submit proposals for continuing Instructionally Related Activities for the 2024-25 academic year is March 1. Proposals are due to Dean’s offices and the Vice President for Student Affairs office by that date. IRAs are extracurricular “out-of-class experiences” that provide enrichment and enhance student learning. IRA funds cannot be used to pay for specific projects or field trips as part of an academic course. Demand for funding typically exceeds available funds, so recognition as an IRA does not guarantee funding. Contact Jessica Carson ([email protected]).
Student Affairs Honors Three Employees with Chandler Awards
Three staff members received 2023 Chandler Awards for contributions made toward the success of students and Student Affairs. The awards were presented to Mark Hale (Campus Health and Wellbeing), Cynthia Diaz (Educational Opportunity Program) and Roberto Espiniza (ASI).
Named to honor emeritus staff members Everett and Arlene Chandler, the Chandler Awards recognize Student Affairs employees committed to maintaining positive relationships with their co-workers, employees and students.
Learn more about the Chandler Awards
More Awards and Nominations
The Cal Poly Partners, formerly known as Cal Poly Corporation was recently recognized as a SLO Family-Friendly Workplace for implementing strong and inclusive workplace policies.
CPC was recognized as a Blue Diamond employer for offering family-friendly CPC policies, including 100% employer-sponsored health care coverage, a flexible work policy, workplace wellness programs, dependent care flexible spending, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs and many more.
Cal Poly has earned a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in recognition of sustainability achievements. Cal Poly is now the third highest-ranked campus in the 23-campus CSU, behind Cal Poly Humboldt and Chico State.
Notably, the 2023 report marks a significant improvement over the university’s 70.16% score from 2019. The university was recognized for its progress on a number of fronts, from integrating key strategies and plans to reducing green house gases by 14%.
Nominations for the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award are underway. The honor recognizes a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students through academic advising. The recipient will receive a $2,000 stipend and be recognized by President Armstrong at Fall Conference.
Faculty, staff and current students are eligible to nominate faculty for this award; however, at least one submission must be from a current student. Self-nominations will not be recognized.
The nomination should describe the nominee’s academic advising services, activities and interactions as distinct from the nominee's teaching responsibilities, as well as include any special activities that relate to student development. Nominations will close Friday, March 1, at 5 p.m.
Womxn in Facilities Faculty and Staff Association Launches
Staff, faculty and students are invited to join the new Womxn in Facilities Faculty and Staff Association. FSAs are social and community-building groups that host a variety of events, programs and initiatives, including socials, social justice efforts, mentoring opportunities with students, educational opportunities and more. Womxn in Facilities seeks to bring together womxn to become a greater force within the facilities management industry and beyond. “We are focused on supporting womxn to maximize their networks, develop career growth and increase their opportunities,” organizers said. “You’re invited to join us in building community, sharing project successes, growing your professional network, or simply mentoring and supporting other womxn across the industry.” Questions? Email [email protected].
Boards, Associations and Memberships
The Academic Senate is seeking nominations from tenured faculty to serve on the Cal Poly Partners board of directors for the 2024-27 term. Interested faculty should complete an Expression of Intent and Willingness (PDF) (feel free to use additional pages if needed) or get a description of member’s responsibilities. The completed form must be received by the Academic Senate Office by Friday, March 22.
Fundraising and Development
Cal Poly-affiliated organizations, programs and departments are invited to submit Crowdfunding applications for a chance to be selected for this year’s Poly Gives! fundraising outreach. Space is limited, so submit an application today!
Cal Poly Crowdfunding is a place where the campus community can harness the power of crowdfunding to turn many smaller gifts into big opportunities, such as money for events, expenses and other financial burdens. Cal Poly Crowdfunding campaigns typically last 30 days. To qualify, projects must be sponsored by a department and/or organization and approved and sponsored by a faculty member or advisor.
Projects will launch April 11 during Poly Gives weekend and run through May 15.
Research and Proposals
Do you know a student interested in a career as a research scientist? U-RISE at Cal Poly is recruiting students for the 2024-25 academic year. U-RISE is a program funded by the National Institutes of Health, one of the world’s foremost medical research centers, that provides research opportunities to students from underrepresented groups and develops their identities as scientists. Students will leave inspired and prepared for success in graduate school in the biomedical field.
U-Rise participants receive tuition assistance of up to $7,500 per year for two years, an annual stipend of about $14,000 for completing 10-15 hours per week on research and a paid 10-week summer research experience. Applications are due March 8.
Interested in helping find out if strawberries improve heart health? Student and faculty researchers from the Food Science and Nutrition Department are looking for postmenopausal women to participate in ReCHARGE with Strawberries, a research project looking at the impact of strawberries on heart health. Women who participate will be eligible to receive $350, free heart health assessments and a free diet consultation driven by participant goals. Anyone interested in participating should call 805-756-1175 or email [email protected].
Services
Faculty and staff are invited to have a professional portrait taken March 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Graphic Communication Building (No. 26). Campus photographers from University Communications and Marketing will take these free head shots of current faculty and staff to update professional platforms. Appointments are required.
Cal Poly Corporation (CPC) recently launched a mortgage assistance program to help faculty and staff members purchase a home on campus.
The board approved an agreement with SESLOC to create the lending program framework providing mortgage assistance for faculty and staff purchasing resale units at Bella Montana the new Vista Meadows development at Slack and Grand.
The program goal helps employees purchase these homes with no down payment or need for private mortgage insurance (PMI), needed if a borrower takes out a conventional loan with a down payment of less than 20 percent of the purchase price. The program involves a first mortgage for 80% of the purchase price and a second mortgage for the remainder of the purchase price.
Under the terms of the program, standard SESLOC market interest rates would be available, which is a significant benefit to Cal Poly employees. Contact: Sesloc's Cherise Long ([email protected]).
More Announcements
Applications are being accepted for the Utility Box Art Project, a campus beautification initiative transforming utility boxes into works of public art to enhance the vibrancy of the campus and showcase local talent. All students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to email an application by Friday, March 1, to [email protected]. Selected artists will be notified in March and will receive a $250 VISA gift card to cover necessary materials.
Temporary study structures in lot C7 will be decommissioned Friday, March 8. The C7 structures were erected as a temporary space for students to study while Kennedy Library is closed for construction. Feedback from a campuswide survey and real-time foot traffic data reveals there has been minimal demand for the two C7 structures.
The temporary study structure in lot H11 will remain open, as well as additional study spaces, like Hub24 in the UU.
The Kennedy Library transformation team plans to host another free furniture event, giving away items currently in the C7 structure. Additionally, parking spaces in lot C7 will open after the structures are taken down and removed.
The eighth Social Justice Teach-In has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 9. The annual event is a daylong series of talks and workshops by and for the Cal Poly community, centered around equity and social justice. It is hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Office of University Diversity and Inclusion. More than 50 workshops led by faculty, staff and students from across campus were selected from the proposals this year. The event will still include in-person and virtual presentations and will also encourage local residents and Cal Poly alumni to join the conversations.
Campus Dining has partnered with ReusePass, a sustainability program offering diners the choice of ordering food in a reusable to-go container. This greatly reduces resource consumption on campus while diverting single-use containers from landfills. Students, faculty and staff now can order on the Grubhub App and select through the modifiers to have their meal served in a reusable container at 1901 Marketplace’s Pom & Honey and Picos. Used containers must be returned for cleaning within 10 days to the marked ReusePass receptacles at 1901.
Last year, students across the nation participating in the Reuse Program helped divert more than 13,500 pounds of waste from landfills, conserved more than 85,000 gallons of water and saved nearly 90,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Campus Dining is proud to be a part of this effort.
Valerie “Val” Maijala retires Friday, Dec. 15, after 32 years with the California State University system, including 23 years at Cal Poly. She was on the first implementation team for PeopleSoft Finance, which led to her role as the CMS Finance lead. “Even though I’m looking forward to my next chapter, I’ll definitely miss my first-floor family in the Admin. Building,” she said. Leave a farewell message on a virtual card for her, with the option to include photos and videos as well. Colleagues and friends are invited to join her for light refreshments at a farewell celebration on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Vista Grande’s third-floor patio.
Ron “RoRo” Roach, retires Nov. 17, after 11 years unwavering commitment, dedication and leadership as a member of the Fleet Services team and as the union steward for Unit 6. Roach’s advancement to Fleet Services supervisor exemplified his passion for his work and exceptional leadership skills. Roach successfully led the department through several management changes and navigated the pandemic challenges with grace and poise. Stop by the shop and wish him well before Friday, Nov. 17, his last day on campus.
David Bains, Information Technology Services analyst/programmer, will retire in December. His last day on the job will be Friday, Nov. 17. Over the years, he helped streamline and automate business processes, trained staff and helped the campus better understand the technology. After more than a quarter century at Cal Poly, Bains plans to spend more time with family and friends and family and exploring the outdoors locally and beyond. All are invited to share a message through Kudoboard.
Cal Poly President Emeritus Robert Glidden, who was appointed interim leader in 2010 and immediately projected a sense of dedication, openness and trust as he provided the university with steadfast leadership throughout a period of presidential transition, died Dec. 5 in Lexington, Virginia.
Glidden, who succeeded President Warren Baker’s 31-year tenure, was also president emeritus of Ohio University, where he served from 1994 to 2004. Prior to his time as OU president, he worked at Florida State University, serving as a music professor, dean of music, provost and vice president for academic affairs. Glidden was Cal Poly’s only third interim president. CSU trustees praised his leadership saying he “was influential to development of the university community as he actively engaged students, faculty, staff and community members to help bolster campus involvement and pride.”
Free Virtual Conference on Well-Being Begins Feb. 26
Campus Health and Wellbeing is hosting "Well-being in Higher Education: Raising Literacy and Advancing the Conversation,” a free, virtual, weeklong conference Monday, Feb. 26, through Friday, March 1.
Over 20 higher education associations have collaborated with a goal to raise the literacy for well-being and to advance meaningful conversation among colleagues. Come together with fellow higher-education professionals to collectively engage with well-being content, brainstorm ideas, deepen cross-campus relationships and further holistic understanding of well-being and its connection to student success. Attendees do not need to be affiliated with any organization.
Learn more about the conference
More Professional Development
Professional Development Courses — Virtual and Live
Employee and Organization Development, is offering February professional development courses through the Cross Campus Collaboration series. These live, virtual workshops are offered by Cal Poly and other CSU campuses. Each provides participants a convenient, unique opportunity for learning beyond campus borders. Registration for the partial list of opportunities is on a first-come (delete, first-served) basis.
- Breath and Health: Tuesday, Feb. 27
- Atomic Habits: Wednesday, Feb. 28
- Weekly Dose of Mindfulness: Friday, March 1
Spring Book Circles for Employees
Read a book and engage with peers over three to four sessions.
“The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor. The author explores the profound impact of cultivating happiness on personal and professional achievement, revealing strategies that empower you to harness the happiness advantage, unlock your full potential and reshape your approach to challenges.
“Blindspot” by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald. This book guides readers in understanding how their unconscious mind influences their thoughts and actions, enabling a better alignment between behavior and intention.
“Anatomy of a Breakthrough” by Adam Alter. Getting stuck is a feature rather than a glitch on the road to thriving. This book provides readers with the tweaks and corrections that can allow them to escape their inertia and flourish in the face of friction.
Deadline: February 23
Equity-Minded Pedagogy Workshop Signups
The Equity-Minded Pedagogy Workshop, offered through the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology and sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office, gives faculty an opportunity to bring institutional data, human-centered design and equity-mindedness to teaching practices with the goal of eliminating equity gaps and improving completion rates.
Participants in this virtual workshop experience will be supported by CTLT facilitators as they experience being part of a community of practice along with faculty from multiple other CSU campuses.
Workshop opens Monday, March 4
The workshop opens Monday, March 4, with synchronous online sessions on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. All faculty — tenured, tenure-track and lecturers — are welcome to apply. Enrollment is limited to 30. Those who complete the workshop series will receive a $1,000 stipend. The deadline to register is 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23.
University Personnel – Employee Wellbeing has worked with the university’s Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters, to offer upcoming synchronous well-being workshops. They include:
Assertive Communication, Thursday, February 22 at 2 p.m. Improve effective communication styles. This session will discuss four styles of interpersonal behavior, assertive versus aggressive communication, self-esteem, how to address conflict, how to set boundaries and tips for effective workplace communication.
Creating a Healthy Mind: Addressing Burnout, Wednesday, March 6 at 2 p.m. Burnout leaves workers exhausted, detached from work and inefficient in all areas of their lives. Foster burnout recovery by creating a healthy mindset, increasing flexibility and adapting to stress. Learn to cultivate mindful habits, build resilience through managing energy and increase emotional intelligence through self-awareness, self-management and empathy.
Problem Solving, Thursday, March 7 at 11 a.m. Identify how people process thoughts and approach problem-solving, and become familiar with other approaches that can expedite problem-solving abilities. The workshop will show attendees how to become familiar with how they deal with problems, their thinking style, and the steps in problem-solving and solution-development.
Safer invites faculty and staff to attend a series of virtual trauma-informed workshops in February and March.
Supporting Survivors of Gender- and Power-Based Violence, Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 11:10 a.m. An hourlong workshop on how to best support students and colleagues who have experienced sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, harassment or exploitation.
The Value of an Advocate, Friday, March 15 at 10:10 a.m. This workshop explores the ways that our state-certified advocates can serve our campus partners and positively impact the survivor experience at Cal Poly.
Trainings
The Dean of Students office is offering Peace Ambassador and Observer training from 11:10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 27, conducted virtually via Zoom. Occasionally, campus organizations host controversial events that draw protestors and demonstrators, making it essential to ensure the safety and peaceful conduct of these gatherings.
Peace ambassadors assist in safety matters during social action, protests and demonstrations, potentially engaging with participants to defuse situations when safe to do so, providing support, answering questions about logistics and safety, and facilitating communication with campus administration or law enforcement.
Observers, on the other hand, play a neutral and impartial role, attending events where conflicts might arise, reporting objectively and inadvertently contributing to a calming effect through their presence.
A presentation about Instructionally Related Activities, or IRAs, and ASI Clubs will be held Monday, Feb. 26, from 1:10-2 p.m. in the ATL Building (No. 7), Room 2. Faculty, staff and students are invited to learn the difference between the more than 400 campus clubs and IRAs, such as Rose Float and the Concrete Canoe Team, how each is funded and how faculty and staff can get involved. This event is part of the Poly Connections program, which connects faculty and staff with people, places and resources across campus.
CSUBUY is scheduled to launch at Cal Poly on Tuesday, March 26. The new process will bring automated workflow, approvals, requisitioning, purchase orders, and AP (accounts payable) functionality with integration into the Common Financial System.
An open forum about the CSUBUY launch will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 9:30–11 a.m. in UU220. The forum will also include a Cal Poly procure to pay team panel and question and answer session.
Virtual and in-person trainings for CSUBUY will be available in March.
- March 13 and 15: In-person trainings
In-person training will take place March 13 and 15 in UU220 for campus requestors and approvers. Sign-ups for in-person training will begin during the open forum on Feb. 28. - March 19 and 21: Virtual trainings
Virtual training, via Zoom, will be held March 19 in the morning and March 21 in the afternoon for campus requestors and approvers. Exact times will be communicated soon.
Celebrate International Women’s Day
Join the Cal Poly International Center in celebrating International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to noon in the UU Plaza. There will be trivia, prizes, a photo booth and more.
To join the movement, the campus community is invited to use the hashtags #InspireInclusion or #IWD2024 on social media posts and answer the question: How will you forge a more inclusive world?
Cal Poly honors International Women’s Day through March by celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women with various events.
Learn more about International Women’s Day
Around Campus
The flavors of the world will come to campus Wednesday, Feb. 28, as the International Center hosts the 9th annual Taste of the World, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the green outside the Baker Center for Science and Mathematics (No. 180).
The campus community is invited to this free event, which features cuisines from South Korea, Jordan, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand and Germany, along with cultural dance performances and the chance to win prizes. Embark on a tasty culinary and educational journey while learning about programs offered through the International Center.
Recipes are curated and prepared by students enrolled in FSN 344: Quantity Food Production in the Food Science and Nutrition Department and country-specific brochures will be presented by RPTA 412: Agritourism students in the Experience Industry Management Department.
To celebrate Cal Poly Partners’ new name, the campus community is invited to March Fourth with Cal Poly Partners. On March 4, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cal Poly Partners will host the campus community at 1901 Marketplace to celebrate with the Cal Poly Marching Band, a ribbon cutting for the new dining facility and a partner fair where students, faculty and staff can learn more about the impact that the organization has had on the campus over the past 80 years, and the work that is currently being done to create a better Cal Poly experience for everyone.
Formerly known as the Cal Poly Corporation, the organization recently changed its name to Cal Poly Partners to help better reflect its work, vision and mission to be the most impactful Cal Poly partner.
Talks and Presentations
Architectural historian and Cal Poly alumna Amber Long will give a talk titled “Beyond Hearst Castle: The History of the San Simeon Townsite” on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 11:10 a.m. to noon in Room 102 of the Baker Center for Science and Math (No. 180).
Long (Political Science, ’03; M.A., History, ’15) will share her experiences working locally in historic preservation, as well as recent work done in San Simeon to restore Sebastian’s General Store, California State Historic Landmark 726, the oldest store building along the north coast of San Luis Obispo County. It was built in the 1850s and moved a half-mile west to 442 San Simeon Road in 1878. It was operated by the Sebastian family for over half a century.
Long is a principal architectural historian and founder of Long Historic Preservation Services LLC. She has spent the past 11 years working in cultural resources management, primarily with historic buildings. This free public event is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and the History Department.
Join Cal Poly ethnic studies Professor Emeritus Victor M. Valle, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Chicano author, for an hourlong talk of his latest book, “The Poetics of Fire: Metaphors of Chile Eating in the Borderlands,” at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Baker Center for Science and Mathematics (No. 180), Room 101.
Valle, in this work published in November, posits the chili pepper as a metaphor for understanding the shared cultural histories of ChicanX and LatinX peoples from preconquest Mesoamerica to 20th-century New Mexico. He uses the pepper as a decolonizing lens to analyze preconquest Mesoamerican cosmology, early European exploration and the forced conversion of Native peoples to Catholicism, as well as European and Mesoamerican perspectives on food and place. Arrive on time to enter a drawing for a free copy of the book. Contact: Jenell Navarro ([email protected]).
The Ethnic Studies Department is hosting a screening of the 2021 documentary “Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust,” Thursday, Feb. 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the ATL (No. 7), Room 2. It will be followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Ann Kaneko, Noah Williams, Big Pine Paiute Tribe water program coordinator, and historian Hana Maruyama of Japanese American incarceration and settler colonialism.
Manzanar, at the foot of the majestic Sierra mountains, is the site of one of 10 American concentration camps, where more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. This national historic site becomes the confluence for memories of Payahuunadü, the now-parched “land of flowing water.”
Intergenerational women from Native American, Japanese American and rancher communities form an unexpected alliance to defend their land and water from Los Angeles. The event is made possible with support from the College of Liberal Arts, the Office of University Diversity Initiatives and Ethnic Studies.
Workshops and Conferences
The 2024 Aspire to Grow Conference Returns Feb. 28
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is hosting the sixth annual Aspire to Grow Conference, exploring innovation in food, agriculture and natural resources, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 3:30 p.m. at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture (No.156). Featured speakers include:
- Monica Chacòn-Baucke, senior strategic inclusion manager at Nutrien.
- Gina Bella Colfer, sustainable solutions manager at Wilbur-Ellis.
- Jonnalee Dunn, growth and development manager at Henderson Farms Inc.
- Rob Goff, vice president, West Valley Farming, and research and development at Wonderful Orchards.
- Joelle Mosso, vice president, science programs at Western Growers Association.
- Katie Tougeron, Asia regional business manager, global launch manager at Valent BioSciences.
- Blong Xiong, state executive director at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency.
The Aspire to Grow Conference aims to inform and empower students from across campus about the many and varied career opportunities in these industries. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend.
Save the Date for Strategic Enrollment Management Summit
Strategic Enrollment Management will host a Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Summit Wednesday, March 13, at the PAC Pavilion. Sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m.
The summit will include a series of presentations and Institutional Research-led workshops. Block time on the calendar and keep an eye out for the opportunity to register next week. The in-person summit seeks to inform the campus community about timely happenings in the division as well provide a forum to answer questions.
The eighth Social Justice Teach-In has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 9. The annual event is a daylong series of talks and workshops by and for the Cal Poly community, centered around equity and social justice. It is hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Office of University Diversity and Inclusion.
More than 50 workshops led by faculty, staff and students from across campus were selected from the proposals this year. The event will still include in-person and virtual presentations and will also encourage local residents and Cal Poly alumni to join the conversations.
Cal Poly Jazz Combos Showcase Feb. 29
The jazz combos will present a showcase recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, in Room 218 in the Davidson Music Center (No. 45), following the Cal Poly Winter Jazz Concert on Feb. 23. Three groups will be featured at the showcase which will include classic jazz tunes as well as compositions and arrangements by the students.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the students to interact and communicate in a fashion unique to the small jazz ensemble,” said Dylan Johnson, who directs the combos. “An all-combos format gives the groups room to stretch out and play a greater variety of repertoire.” The recital is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Music Department calendar.
More Student Performances
Cantabile will present a send-off concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, in the First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo. The concert will be a preview of Cantabile’s performance at the ACDA Western Region Conference in Pasadena on March 8, one of the largest choral conferences in the U.S.
Cantabile has commissioned two pieces that will be performed at both concerts: “She Weeps” by celebrated choral composer David N. Childs of Dallas and “Charity Begins Today” by Cal Poly Professor Meredith Brammeier.
The concert will also include a modern setting by Michael Engelhardt of Hildegard von Bingen’s “O Antiqui Sancti,” and a portion will be dedicated to the theme of imagination that will include a setting of “Pure Imagination” from the soundtrack of the 1971 musical fantasy “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” as well as the impressionistic composer Lily Boulanger’s setting of “Les Sirènes.”
The Cal Poly Symphony will showcase the talents of four student soloists and a composer at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, in the Performing Arts Center.
The instrumentalists are violist Jayden Perez, who will perform the first movement of William Walton’s Viola Concerto, and pianist Simone Gabriel who will play the first movement of Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16. Soprano Melissa Scarpelli will sing Antonín Dvořák’s “Song to the Moon,” and soprano Helena Fuller will perform Lerner and Loewe’s “I Could Have Danced all Night” from “My Fair Lady.”
The orchestra will also perform “Falling from Sky” by student composer Wyatt Willard. In addition, the symphony will perform four movements from Sergei Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” that trace the story: “Montagues and Capulets,” “Juliet as a Young Girl,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Romeo at the Tomb of Juliet.” The symphony is directed by music Professor David Arrivée.
Buy Tickets to March 9 Symphony Winter Concert: Student Soloist Showcase