Alumni Update
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Michael Annuzzi
(2009 Music, 2005-09 Guitar Ensemble) I have been very busy since graduation. I worked at a radio station in San Jose, did editing work for a guitar tutoring DVD, planned several concerts at venues in the Bay Area, and continued to write songs and promote my own music. I have been making a living by performing my original songs approximately 3-4 times per week at music venues, cafes, wineries, festivals, colleges, radio stations, and private parties. I have a lot of support and am building a solid fan base. I was recently honored with the West Coast Songwriters San Francisco’s Best Song of the Year and South Bay’s Best Performance. I was also featured on San Luis Obispo’s Coast 101.3FM and Cal Poly’s KCPR 91.3FM, and had a highlight in the Bay Area’s "Mercury News" online and print editions. I also acquired an endorsement from Godin Guitars. I am volunteering at many music business seminars and events including Grammy San Francisco and the West Coast Songwriters and I have participated in discussions about a variety of “music business” topics. I have also had the opportunity to work with producer Enrique Gonzales Muller (Dave Matthews Band, Metallica, The Doobie Brothers, Taj Mahal, and many more) and will release my album soon. I am pleased with my progress and I am excited for more to come.
Walter J. Brown
(2006 Electrical Engineering, Mustang Band 3 years) Current musical activities include performing for church.
Tom Diskin
(1971 Industrial Technology, 1967-71 & 74-75 Cal Poly Chamber Orchestra, various chamber music ensembles) I currently live in the Redding area, and am active in Shasta Symphony, Simpson University Sinfonia, and (on occasion) Paradise Symphony Orchestra. I also play in chamber music groups and participate in CMNC (Chamber Musicians of Northern California) workshops, the Ashland Chamber Music Workshop, and Idaho Chamber Music Workshop. I thank Cal Poly and especially Clif Swanson for giving me such a great start in music, one that has kept me going!
Kathryn Merek
(Agriculture, 1981-1983 Marching Band, Symphonic Band) I lived abroad for 13 years. After coming back, I started to teach in public middle school. There I still am, enjoying music during lunch with my kids. (Yes, I get my clarinet out and play with them!)
David Todd Neal
(1966 Technical Arts, Men’s Glee 3 years) Taught elementary ed, mostly K-1 for 31 years (1972-2003). Retired and moved from Southern California after 60 years in California to Colorado to be close to children and grandchildren. Play drums, piano, guitar and uke. Still like to sing.
Clarence Rail
(1952 Agricultural Engineering, Glee Club, Majors and Minors) It's good to see the Music Department still going strong. I sang in the Glee Club from September 1948 to June 1952. Also in the Majors and Minors singing barbershop songs from September 1949 to June of 1952. I would never have completed college if it hadn’t been for the Glee Club and Majors and Minors, as I was working my way through with no money, and jobs were scarce. I sing now with the Pride of Iowa barbershop chorus and in my church choir.
Adrienne Corrin Stallings
(2009 Music, 2005-09 Early Music Ensemble, PolyPhonics) Starting my second year of grad school for opera and vocal literature at Northwestern University, just outside of Chicago, Illinois. I recently performed the role of Cherubino in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro as well as Samira in John Corigilano’s The Ghosts of Versailles, for which I was favorably reviewed by Chicago Classical Review and other Chicago publications. I am part of the Baroque Music Ensemble and the University Chorale, although I must admit, no one can compete with Tom Davies and EME! I’m currently working at a local church as the alto section leader and am also employed as a private voice teacher for the school of music, in addition to graduate assistant work for our opera director, Jay Lesenger. I MISS POLY AND THE OCEAN!
Ivan R Tavarres
(1995 Computer Science, 1991-95 Jazz, Stage Band, Symphonic Band) I play in a local community band in the Cypress Fairbanks area in West Houston. I work for Target stores as a store manager.
Sandi (Tyler) Warren
(1961 Physical Education [BS], 1969 Education [MA], Women’s Choir 4 years) Retired from teaching and coaching for 32 years at Sierra College in Rocklin, CA. I have sung in a 60-voice chorale in Sacramento, CA, for 10 years and am now president of the organization. I also sang in our church choir for 31 years.