Buddy James is Professor of Music at Cal State East Bay, where he leads the Department of Music, directs Choral and Vocal Studies, and serves as Artistic Director of Schola Cantorum. He was also the founding director of the School of Arts and Media and has taught at USC, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, and several other universities.
An active conductor and clinician, he has led choirs and workshops across the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Highlights include guest conducting in Lithuania, directing the East Bay Singers in Japan, and leading ensembles representing the U.S. at international festivals in Mexico and Vilnius. He received Cal State East Bay’s Outstanding Professor Award in 2016.
Also an accomplished baritone, Dr. James has performed with the Akron Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra broadcasts, and professional choirs in Los Angeles and San Francisco. He holds advanced degrees in music from USC, UC Irvine, and the University of Akron, and is a founding leader in several national choral organizations.
Dawn Reyen, Schola Cantorum’s Assistant Conductor and Accompanist, received her undergraduate degree in piano performance from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont and her masters degree in Choral Conducting from Loyola University in New Orleans. She has accompanied professionally since the age of 12, and enjoys working in many different musical styles and genres.
In addition to her work with Schola Cantorum, Ms. Reyen is the founder and conductor of Palo Alto-based Aurora Singers; music director at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City; music teacher for pre-K through 8th grade at St. Raymond School; Music and Movement teacher for Ragazzi Boys Chorus; and freelance accompanist/coach.
As Assistant Conductor, Ms. Reyen assists the Artistic Director in rehearsal preparation, acts as Schola Cantorum’s accompanist for both rehearsals and concerts, and leads showtune/standards singalong events each year, as well as outreach programs.
