JOSÉ A. DÍAZ, PRINCIPLE OBOE
The Honorable Edward L. and Anita M. Shanahan Endowed
Principal Oboe Chair

"The Fresno Philharmonic is one of the best regional orchestras in the state. I'm proud to be a member." -José A. Díaz

BIOGRAPHY

Name: José A. Díaz, DMA

Instruments played: Oboe, Oboe d'amore, English Horn, and flute (a very long time ago)

Member Since: 1982

Prior to joining the Music Faculty in 1982, José A. Díaz was actively engaged as a performing musician with orchestras and chamber ensembles in Mexico and across the state of Texas. Since coming to Fresno he continues to contribute to the professional musical and cultural life of the central San Joaquin Valley as performer, adjudicator, clinician, and guest speaker for various musical organizations. He joined the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra as the orchestra’s English Hornist in 1982. Four years later, he was appointed Principal Oboe and has held that chair ever since. In 2006, his position was endowed and titled the Hon. Edward and Anita Shanahan Principal Oboe Chair. In addition to performing with the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, he performs regularly with the Fresno-based Orpheus Chamber Ensemble and the California Wind Quintet.

José’s unpublished dissertation “A Pedagogical Study for Oboe of Four Orchestral Works by Maurice Ravel” has made its way into oboe studios throughout the world. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Oboe Performance from the University of Texas at Austin where he studied with Richard D. Blair. Additional studies were with Richard Kilmer, Philip West, Ronald Roseman, Marion Gibson, John DeLancie, and Ray Still.

José was Chair of the Music Department from 1998 – 2004. In addition to teaching and performing, José has reviewed Music Appreciation texts for Macmillan and contributed test questions in Music History and Aural Skills for the Praxis Music Test, a nationally certified music examination for teacher credential candidates. He was a founding member of the highly acclaimed University High School and served on its Board from 1999-2004.

José currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Fresno Coalition for Art, Science, and History, the Fresno Metropolitan Museum of Art Education Subcommittee, and is a Site-Evaluator for the Accreditation Commission of the National Association of Schools of Music. He was appointed Associate Dean for the College of Arts and Humanities in 2004. Jose’s many responsibilities an Associate Dean include development and cultivation of collaborative educational programs with artistic and cultural organizations in the Central San Joaquin Valley.

FUN FACTS

Hometown: Sanger, CA

Favorite Symphony: Mozart 41

Birthday: August 2

Coke or Pepsi? Neither, Ginger Ale

Favorite Food: Pesto

Favorite Color: Gold

Worst School Subject: Political Science

Favorite Sport: Baseball

Favorite Ice Cream: Almond Almond Fudge

Favorite Band/Artist: Luciano Pavoratti

If you had a superpower, what would it be? To be at two places simultaneously

Last Concert Attended, and did not perform in: Kronos Quartet

What inspires you? Music

RELATED LINKS

Musician Roster

Cynthia Stuart, violin
Claudia Shiuh, viola
Kathleen Sutherland, cello
Heidi Franklin, Bass
Janette Erickson, Flute
Ginger Kroft Barnetson, Clarinet
Lauren Varley, Horn
Ron Franklin, Trumpet
Laura Porter, Harp