Percussion alumni take positions with the LA Phil and beyond

USC Thornton’s Percussion program has proved to be a door-opener for alumni and current students alike.

Alumnus Matthew Howard (BM ’12) will begin his new position as principal percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic when the ensemble opens its 2016-17 season on September 27. Howard joins Thornton faculty members James Babor (percussion) and Joseph Pereira (principal timpani) in the orchestra’s masterful percussion section.

Additionally, alumnus Steven Logan (GCRT ’15) was recently named principal timpanist of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO). Located in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city, the APO presents over 50 concerts a year and frequently hosts international soloists.

Finally, timpanist and Graduate Certificate candidate Mike Daley was selected for a fellowship in the Music Academy of the West’s training partnership with the New York Philharmonic Global Academy. In addition to training with Philharmonic artists at the Academy’s Santa Barbara campus, Daley will travel to New York City in January to perform Brahms’ 3rd Symphony with the orchestra at Lincoln Center.