In her new book, Instruments of Empire: Filipino Musicians, Black Soldiers, and Military Band Music during U.S. Colonization of the Philippines, CSUDH Assistant Professor of Asian-Pacific Studies Mary Talusan Lacanlale doesn’t just reveal the hidden history of the Philippine Constabulary Band—she uncovers some of her own family history, as well. The Philippine Constabulary Band, a group of Filipino musicians originally formed in 1902, toured the world for several decades to great acclaim, but they also helped to convince audiences that the American colonization of the Philippines was worthwhile and just. The band dissolved at the outset of World War II, and its history was all but ... Read More
College of Arts and Humanities
Class of 2021 Graduate Matthew Hernandez Takes First at Statewide CSU Student Research Conference
Matthew Hernandez is on a roll. On May 1, the English literature major took first place at the 35th Annual California State University Student Research Competition (SRC) in the Humanities and Letters undergraduate category. The win comes two months after he advanced to the statewide competition, having placed first in the same category at the CSUDH Student Research Conference. Hernandez says the two SRC wins were a memorable way to cap off his final semester at CSUDH. “It was a wonderful experience competing with others in the CSU system,” says Hernandez, who was one of seven CSUDH students selected to represent the university at SRC. “But I didn't feel any more daunted going into ... Read More
Oscar-Winning Short Showcases Music of CSUDH Conductor, Orchestra
Oscar Night 2021 was quite a bit different from previous years for Charles Dickerson, supervisor of Special Ensembles in the CSUDH Music Department and executive director and conductor of the Inner City Los Angeles Youth Orchestra (ICYOLA). That’s because this year, “If Anything Happens I Love You,” a short featuring the music of Dickerson and the ICYOLA, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Dickerson attended a small dinner party at the home of one of the film’s producers, where they all watched the broadcast together. “Man, when it was announced that we won, we screamed at the top of our lungs,” says Dickerson. The animated film focuses on parents’ grief ... Read More
Just Transitions Listening Project Seeks Solutions for Fossil Fuel Employees
Alternative energy industries are booming, driven by the growing corporate, consumer, and government awareness of the impacts of climate change. As growth continues, how will the tens of thousands of unemployed fossil fuel workers find “just transitions” to good-paying jobs they will need to support their families? With that question in mind, CSUDH Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies Vivian Price joined a team of five researchers from universities across the country to launch the Just Transition Listening Project (JTLP) in the spring of 2020, led by the Labor Network for Sustainability. Their goal was to learn from workers, and environmental justice and Indigenous activists about ... Read More
CSUDH Musical Comedy ‘Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play’ Livestreams May 6-8
(Carson, CA.) California State University, Dominguez Hills’ (CSUDH) Department of Theatre and Dance will present its production of the musical comedy “Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play.” The livestream will take place May 6, 7, and 8 at 7 p.m. in the University Theatre. Written by Anne Washburn, with music by Michael Friedman and lyrics by Anne Washburn, “Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play,” tells the story of a group of post-apocalyptic survivors recalling and retelling "Cape Feare,” an episode of the television show “The Simpsons.” The livestream of “Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play” takes place May 6, 7, and 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 per performance. To reserve a ticket, visit ... Read More
