Breadcrumb
Music Alumni
Alumni in the News
A Grateful Dead Tribute Band — in Drag — Raises Money for Trans Youth in Tennessee
"When Melody Walker and her friend Caitlin Doyle first envisioned the Grateful Dead tribute band Bertha, Tennessee’s legislature hadn’t yet introduced legislation limiting drag performance."
How Steelpan Was Used in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
"Fortunately for Williams’ vision, and the score itself, a new hope emerged thanks to percussionist Greg Goodall who knew someone that could handle the job: Los Angeles pannist and percussionist Tyler Hunt."
The World of Robots: Follow the career journeys of CSU alumni working in the robotics field
"Ken Ballinger’s CSU journey began with pursuing a music education degree at Cal Poly Humboldt, but continued about a decade later as he entered Sacramento State to earn a second bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. For Ballinger, the two seem more connected than expected."
Olson wins statewide Young Musicians competition
"California Federation of Women’s Clubs, has announced that Andrew Olson, Crescent City resident and student at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, is the recipient of the 1st place award in the prestigious “YOUNG MUSICIANS” state-wide competition."
Featured Alumni
Alumni Updates
Jonathan Souza
Music, 2001
Jonathan Souza, Cal Poly Humboldt Class of 2001 (Humboldt State University), earned his B.A. in Music Education and has built a distinguished career as a music educator, arts leader, conductor, and advocate for equitable access to arts education. He currently serves the Gilroy Unified School District in dual leadership roles as Teacher on Special Assignment for Arts and Music in Schools Initiative Support while also continuing his longstanding work running music education and choral programs at Gilroy High School.
In Gilroy Unified, Souza has played a central role in advancing arts education at both the school site and district levels. He facilitated the development of the district’s TK-12 Strategic Arts Plan, guiding a collaborative process that engaged educators, administrators, families, and community stakeholders in shaping a shared vision for arts education. He also helped lead the plan through adoption, marking an important step in strengthening and sustaining high-quality arts learning opportunities for all students across the district.
Souza also helped spearhead Gilroy High School’s successful application for the 2026 California Department of Education Exemplary Arts Education Program recognition. His leadership in that process included coordinating data collection, organizing evidence across disciplines, shaping the program narrative, and working closely with colleagues to highlight the rigor, impact, and breadth of arts education at the school. His work reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and the transformative power of the arts in public education.
Alongside his educational leadership, Souza recently reached a major professional milestone with his Carnegie Hall debut as a guest conductor with MidAmerica Productions, leading a festival chorus and the New England Symphonic Ensemble. The appearance reflected both his artistic excellence and his enduring commitment to building meaningful musical experiences that connect performers, audiences, and communities across generations.
Throughout his career, Souza has received numerous school site and district honors in recognition of his teaching and leadership. His broader professional awards include the 2008 North Coast Section California Music Educators Association Music Educator of the Year Award, the 2010 Wells Fargo Outstanding Educator Award from the Humboldt County Office of Education, and the 2022 Arts Leadership Award from the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
Whether conducting, mentoring teachers, leading strategic planning, or advocating for expanded access to the arts, Jonathan Souza’s work is grounded in the belief that music and arts education are essential to student growth, belonging, and success. His career reflects the values of artistry, leadership, and service, and the foundation he received at Cal Poly Humboldt continues to inform and inspire his work.
Richard Caldwell
Music, 1969
Richard retired in 2015 after 20 years as a Navy musician, followed by 25 years of band instrument repair in the Seattle area. He made the trip to Humboldt in 2018 for the Marching Lumberjack band's 50-year celebration.
Nick De Anda
Music, 2023
Nick graduated this past summer with a master's in classical guitar performance from the University of Alicante in Valencia, Spain. He was one of twelve from around the world and one of two from the United States to be selected to attend this intensive, high-caliber six-month program on the gorgeous Iberian coast. Nick was also the founding member of Mariachi de Humboldt, and can now be found volunteering with Guitars4Vets, teaching guitar to local veterans with PTSD, on top of performing and teaching privately near his hometown in Garden Grove.
Melody Walker
Music, 2008
Music alumna Melody Walker was nominated for a 2025 Grammy Award for Best American Roots song for "American Dreaming," which she wrote with country musician Sierra Ferrell. The song appears on Farrell's album "Trail of Flowers," released in early 2024. The 2025 Grammy winners will be announced on Feb. 2, 2025.
Viola Leone Cottrell Adkins
Music, 1970
V. Leone Cottrell Adkins received her Bachelors (’68) and Masters (’72) degrees in music from Humboldt State. Leone was already a professional musician having played string bass for Portland and Seattle Symphonies as well as being a highly trained opera singer when life‘s turn of events brought her to Humboldt County. At Humboldt, Leone was on staff in the Music department as accompanist and Assistant Opera Workshop Director. Between 2016 and 2019 Leone made several road trips with her daughter to California, documenting the impressive motorcycle racing career of her oldest brother, Jack W. Cottrell.
Arthur Grusensky
Music, 1978
Arthur Grusensky, Music, 1978, headed immediately after graduation to the University of Bologna in Italy where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and studied at Conservatorio di Musica G.B. Martini in flute. He subsequently became licensed in Ohio, Massachusetts, Utah, Colorado and California. A dedicated athlete he started and ran a small animal hospital in Moab for nine years - mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and kayaking during his time there. Ultimately returning to Hermosa Beach, California he specialized in high speed spay & neuter, studied Filipino martial arts(escrima) and became a world traveller going to exotic locations to trek such as Nepal, the Tibetan plateau(zanskar and Ladakh), bike tour the Karakoram Highway in northeast Pakistan and cross the Himalayas at 13,400 feet outside Manali.
Richard Caldwell
Music, BA, Teaching credentials 1970, 1969
Richard Caldwell, 1969 Music & 1970 Teaching Credential, retired in December after 25 years of Band Instrument repair. Caldwell writes, “Thanks to the College for having a summer session Instrument repair course in 1969. I am still in touch with Val Phillips and Dan Gurnee here 45-plus years later.”
Lewis E Sbrana
Music, Education, 1956
Lewis E Sbrana, 1956 Music, says life after 33 years of teaching music in public schools continues to be sweet and productive. Sbrana founded a concert band for seniors in 1999 with 12 stalwarts and it's now grown to over 80 members. Making music is the catalyst for bringing people together both artistically and socially.
Joe Newnam
Music, 2005
Joe Newnam, 2005 Music, moved to Mammoth Lakes, Calif, upon receiving his music teaching credential. Newnam rebuilt a district-wide public school music program, which resulted in developing middle and high school jazz bands and choirs. After marrying his soulmate in 2009, the couple purchased a small ranch in Trinity County, where Newnam again rebuilt a very successful district wide music program. During this same time, Newnam released “Sitar Joe, Venus Tribe.” Selections from the album have been featured on syndicated radio shows, and broadcast worldwide from the Middle East to India and the U.S. Last year Newnam and his wife moved to a mountain forest log home on 20 acres in Washington, where the couple raises organic food and animals while caring for their lush forest. Newnam is currently the owner and lead instructor of a private music instruction studio in Washington, plays and studies Kirtan music with a working ensemble, and works professionally as an actor for a SyFy Channel series currently being filmed.
Peter Jain
Music, 1989
Peter Jain, 1989, Music, published his first prose poetry and photography book 25 years after graduating from HSU. “Let the Dance Begin—Greetings from Humboldt” was released in September.