The AVÀÇ Tenor-Bass Festival
What?
- The 16th AVÀÇ Tenor-Bass Festival
When?
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 9am - 4pm
- Concert at 2:30 p.m. (Free and open to the public)
Where?
- California State University, East Bay
Music Building Recital Hall (MB1055) & University Theatre
How Much?
- $15 per student
Concert Dress?
- T-Shirt supplied by CSUEB
Application Deadline?
- October 1, 2026
ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF SINGERS WILL BE ACCEPTED DUE TO STAGE RESTRICTIONS. SINGERS WILL BE ACCEPTED BY ORDER OF APPLICATION. HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE TEACHERS SHOULD CONTACT DR. JAMES DIRECTLY IF INTENDING TO BRING MORE THAN 8 STUDENTS.
- Entry Form (To be filled out by school choral directors) - Entries are now closed.
Mail your check made out to CSUEB ($15 per student, no fee for directors):
Dr. Buddy James
CSU East Bay Music Department
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
Hayward, CA 94542-3064
Questions?
- Contact Dr. James at (510) 885-3128 Or email to: buddy.james@csueastbay.edu
Guest Conductor: Joseph Castro
A Bay Area Native, Joseph Castro holds a Bachelor Degree in Vocal Performance and a Master in Choral Conducting from California State University, East Bay, where he studied under the tutelage of Dr. Buddy James. He has traveled around the world performing and conducting choirs in the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Israel, New York City, and throughout the state of California. Joseph's tenure in choral conducting has its roots in various choral programs throughout the East SF Bay Area. Most recently, he has served as the Director of Choral Activities at Fremont Christian School. Under Joseph's leadership, the FCS choirs traveled to NYC and participated in the premiere of Elaine Hagenberg's most recent masterwork, Illuminare at the famed Carnegie Hall. In spring 2023, FCS choirs placed 2nd at the Golden State Choral Competition during FCS's debut participatory performance. Joseph's previous positions include the Graduate Teaching Associate of Choirs at California State University East Bay, the Choir Director at COVAH College High School in Oakland, and an assistant conductor and soloist with the Corpus Christi Choir in Piedmont.
Joseph is an active soloist and clinician for Bay Area high school, collegiate, church, and community ensembles, as well as an adjunct professor of music at Urshan College and maintains a private voice studio. The husband of Cece and father of two boys, Gentry and Caius, Joseph enjoys great music of all cultures and styles, hiking, and laughing with friends over a good meal.
Joseph is an active soloist and clinician for Bay Area high school, collegiate, church, and community ensembles, as well as an adjunct professor of music at Urshan College and maintains a private voice studio. The husband of Cece and father of two boys, Gentry and Caius, Joseph enjoys great music of all cultures and styles, hiking, and laughing with friends over a good meal.
Festival Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Registration |
| 9:00 a.m. | Warm-up |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch Break (singers bring a brown bag lunch) |
| 1:00 p.m. | Dress Rehearsal (Univ. Theatre) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Change and Picture |
| 2:30 p.m. | Concert |