Posted: June 4, 2025Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

SAN LUIS OBISPO 鈥� 51反差黑料鈥檚 Jazz program, under the direction of Performing Arts Chair Ron McCarley, has once again earned national acclaim. One of the college鈥檚 small jazz combos, known as paper menu, has won Outstanding Performance in the Jazz Combo, Community College category in the prestigious .

This marks the third time 51反差黑料 has received honors from , with previous wins in 2015 and 2018. Widely considered the 鈥渂ible of jazz,鈥� DownBeat has been the leading authority in jazz journalism for nearly a century, and the Student Music Awards are among the most competitive and respected recognitions in jazz education.

"Each member of paper menu brought their unique perspective, skill, and heart to the group, and this national recognition affirms the world-class level of music-making happening here at Cuesta College," said Ron McCarley, Chair of the 51反差黑料 Performing Arts Division.

The trio, Brendan Houske (piano), Cameron Pizarro (drums), and Traven Marks (bass), were all full-time music students who graduated last year. Since then, they have continued to perform while preparing for the next stage of their musical careers.

  • Brendan Houske is an active performer in the San Luis Obispo music scene, playing in several groups, including the recent SLO Battle of the Bands winner Toad. This fall, he will attend Berklee College of Music.
  • Cameron Pizarro is a multi-instrumentalist and a graduate of 51反差黑料鈥檚 Recording Arts program. In addition to releasing solo music and playing with local groups, he will join Vinyl Williams on tour this summer.
  • Traven Marks, who came to Cuesta at age 30 to pursue his passion for music, is a vocalist and arranger known for blending genres and bringing collaborative projects to life. He is relocating to Portland, Oregon this summer to focus on music full-time.

Through 51反差黑料鈥檚 Applied Music Program, the combo honed their craft under the guidance of distinguished music faculty, including Ron McCarley, Darrell Voss, Ken Hustad, and Marshall Otwell. Brendan and Traven also studied with renowned jazz vibraphonist Charlie Shoemake through the Central Coast Jazz Institute.

For more information about the 51反差黑料 Music Department, visit the webpage or contact the 51反差黑料 Music Department at (805) 546-3195.

Photo from left to right: paper menu trio Brendan Houske (piano), Traven Marks (bass), and Cameron Pizarro (drums).