STACEY Y. KIKKAWA — Director of the Choral and Vocal Music Program at Fullerton Union High School
Stacey Y. Kikkawa's career encompasses diverse contributions aimed at further shaping and elevating the realm of choral and vocal music education. She currently serves as the proud Director of the Choral and Vocal Music Program at Fullerton Union High School. Since 2006, Ms. Kikkawa has demonstrated her leadership in high school music education across both Northern and Southern California. Her professional journey encompasses California Distinguished Schools such as Campolindo High School in Moraga, CA, and Beverly Hills High School in Beverly Hills, CA.
Ms. Kikkawa's educational background includes a Master of Music in Choral Conducting earned at California State University, Fullerton, where she had the privilege of studying under the baton of Dr. Robert Istad. Her academic accomplishments were recognized when she received the Elliot and Kathleen Alexander Memorial Scholarship in 2012. She graduated from Chapman University, earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Performance, with a dual emphasis in Conducting and Voice under Dr. William Hall and Margaret Dehning.
In addition to her instructional roles, Ms. Kikkawa has made multiple contributions to the choral community through her involvement in prestigious professional organizations. From 2014 to 2018, she was elected as the Southern Region Representative for the California Choral Directors Association (CCDA). Subsequently, from 2018 to 2022, she was appointed to the position of Repertoire and Resources Chair for High School, further showcasing her dedication to advancing choral education. Notably, in 2022-2023, Ms. Kikkawa undertook the responsibility of serving as the State Choral Festival Coordinator for the California Music Educators Association (CMEA), emphasizing her commitment to enhancing the quality of choral experiences for students statewide.
In addition to her academic and administrative accomplishments, Ms. Kikkawa performs as a mezzo-soprano, having been a staff singer of the Grammy-Award winning Pacific Chorale since 2013 and the Long Beach Camerata Singers. Currently, she serves as faculty at the Arrowbear Summer Music Camp and is on adjunct faculty at Chapman University.
AMELIA THOMPSON — Collaborative Artist/Assistant Director
Amelia Thompson is a Southern California native and a graduate of the USC Thornton School of Music. An accomplished vocalist, Thompson has sung backup vocals live and in studio for artists such as Barry Manilow, reggae artist Ky-enie King, and the Rolling Stones. As an accompanist, she has had the pleasure of working with the National Children's Chorus, Long Beach Camerata Singers, and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. In 2023 she made her solo debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Disney PRIDE with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) where she holds the Principal Accompanist position. She also had the privilege of accompanying Wayne Brady at GMCLA’s Hurray for Holidays. Mr. Brady said of Thompson, “She’s dope.” At present, Miss Thompson is also the pianist at First Church of Christ, Scientist in Beverly Hills and sings 1st Soprano with the Pacific Chorale in Orange County.In addition to her musical endeavors, Miss Thompson is also an experienced Polynesian dancer currently studying at Hālau Hula Ke`Alohi `O Ilikai under the tutelage of Kumu Hula Kapinao`kēhaulani Gabriel.
REBECCA RAMIREZ — Director of Fullertones
From Downey, California, Rebecca Ramirez is a versatile vocalist, pianist, arranger, and educator. She specializes in many musical styles including jazz, R&B, and pop. Rebecca enjoys performing with all types of ensembles across the Los Angeles area as a featured vocalist. She is a current Senior at CSU Long Beach, Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. She is an Ella Fitzgerald Scholar and is completing her Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies. Rebecca is the current director of Coastline Acapella Ensemble at CSU Long Beach and has been the assistant director of Downey High School’s Epic Jazz Choir and Elysian since 2021.