Ariel Alexander Joins Saddleback College Music Faculty

Ariel Alexander

Mission Viejo, CA – The Department of Music at Saddleback College is pleased to welcome new faculty member Dr. Ariel Alexander to the esteemed music faculty. She will be teaching Music Appreciation, History of Rock and Popular Song Writing.

Department of Music Chair Scott Farthing, stated, “Dr. Alexander brings to Saddleback College not only a fantastic performing resume but extensive practical knowledge in both the Business of Music and current Pedagogical Practice in Music. She has done extensive research in Music Education and will add an invaluable perspective to our already outstanding music faculty here at Saddleback College.”

Ariel has gained recognition as a Los Angeles saxophonist, composer, educator and entrepreneur. Originally from St. Louis, she earned her B.A. at Indiana University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California. She has participated in the IAJE Sisters in Jazz Ensemble, the Kennedy Center’s Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency, and the Steans Young Artist Program. She has presented concerts throughout the US, South America, Europe and Asia. Ariel has performed with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Steve Miller (Steve Miller Band), Take 6, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Patti Austin, Ruben Studdard, and Monica Mancini. As a studio musician, she regularly records for television and film soundtracks.

Ariel is also in demand as an educator. She regularly presents clinics and master classes for junior high, high school and collegiate schools and festivals. So far this year, she has presented clinics at the Jazz Education Conference, the Technology in Music Education Conference, the California Music Educators Conference, Capitol University’s Jazz and World Music Festival and the Synergy Jazz Foundation’s Workshop and Concert Series. Her recent publications include articles in Music Educators Journal, The Woman Conductor and Jazz Education Magazine.

In addition to her experience as a performer and educator, Ariel is well-versed in Music Business and Arts Administration. In 2003 she formed a non-profit jazz education program that served over 40 junior high and high school musicians. She also worked as Program Coordinator for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. In 2007, Ariel founded the mobile recording studio, Rock Star Workshop. Managing a staff of seven, she planned and booked over 150 events a year, recruited and trained event coordinators and maintained a comprehensive internet marketing program. In five years, the business recorded over 5,000 children. Ariel’s newest recording will be released in January 2013. www.ArielAlexander.com

The Music Department has established a comprehensive program which is considered to be one of the finest in California: a complete lower-division curriculum for transferring music majors, numerous performance groups, private and group lessons, a full concert series with faculty and guest artists, and general music courses. The nationally recognized faculty is dedicated to performance and to teaching in all areas such as vocal, instrumental, jazz, guitar and piano. Other music classes include harmony, musicianship, composition, history and appreciation of western art music, rock, jazz and world.

Saddleback College is located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, just east of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit. Free parking is available in Lot 12. Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the second left to “Theatre Circle,” turning right into Lot 12.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu. For Fine Arts events, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.

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