Professor Joseph Frank will retire from the School of Music and Dance in the Spring 2019. A world-renowned lyric character tenor, Professor Frank joined the faculty in 1991 teaching Art Song, Vocal Literature, and Performance Pedagogy, and also served as director of the School of Music and Dance from 2012-2014. Most recently, he collaborated with his former student, internationally known tenor Pasquale Esposito, in a gala evening in celebration of Mario Lanza and Enrico Caruso. The event supported the Joseph Frank Opera Excellence Endowment created by Professor Frank as a legacy to the Opera Theater Program, and featured the choirs and orchestra of San José State University.

Associate Professor Layna Chianakas retired in Spring 2018, after teaching at the School of Music and Dance for ten years as Vocal Area coordinator and head of the Opera Theater. She was a driving force for excellence and professionalism in all performances presented by her students in Opera Theater. A sought-after performing artist in opera, concerts, and recitals, she most recently performed in Dayton Opera’s production of Menotti’s The Consul, as well as Amneris in Verdi’s Aïda.  A successful opera director in her own right, Professor Chianakas has directed productions for Opera San José, including The Barber of Seville and Hansel and Gretel.

After 37 years of teaching—17 at SJSU!—Dr. Edward C. Harris retired in Spring 2017. Dr. Harris taught at CSU Stanislaus before being appointed director of the School of Music and Dance, and becoming director of bands at SJSU in 2000. He received his BM in music education and MA in clarinet performance from San Francisco State University, and received his doctorate in conducting and clarinet performance from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Harris will continue as the music director of the San José Wind Symphony. He was recently inducted by the California Music Education Association into the state Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed on only one music educator per year.

After 40 years of teaching at San Jose State University, Scott Pierson retired May 2018 as the Spartan marching band director. Pierson would spend his days mapping out marching band formations and drills at his breakfast table before headed to SJSU. Pierson’s history with the marching band started in the early 1970’s when he was a student at San Jose State and played under band director Roger Muzzy. Pierson got his teaching credential and took a job at Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose. Piedmont Hills was the only school that could play the SJSU fight song, which always delighted alumni — including Alan and Phyllis Simpkins, San Jose State grads who became influential benefactors to the marching band. They worked together on revive the Spartan marching band and Scott Pierson as director in 1978.

The Dance Program celebrates Fred Mathews for his 29 years of service and teaching. For Fred Mathews inspired countless young artists, showing them the value and beauty of making dance. His mentorship helped lead many to pursue a lifetime of dance. The dance faculty is grateful for his many years of directing the Dance Program. With grace and strength, he served as Area Coordinator, building a program dedicated to the best in dance education. His legacy will be sure to have an impact on future generations of SJSU dancers.