Composer Nicolás Lell Benavides named 2024 Guggenheim Fellow
USC Thornton composition program faculty member Nicolás Lell Benavides (DMA ’22) has been named a 2024 Guggenheim Fellow. Established in 1925, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation awards monetary prizes to 188 fellows across 52 scholarly disciplines and artistic fields. “It’s humbling to be recognized by colleagues whose work I admire so much, and to… Continue reading Composer Nicolás Lell Benavides named 2024 Guggenheim Fellow
Jason Goldman interviewed by Voyage LA
On March 25, Voyage LA published an interview with chair of USC Thornton’s Jazz Studies department, Jason Goldman, as part of the “Conversations” series. Goldman discussed the highlights of his career, like touring in Michael Bublé’s band and starting The G Note Podcast. “I am most proud of my family but if we are talking… Continue reading Jason Goldman interviewed by Voyage LA
Patrice Rushen awarded at USC Academic Honors Convocation
Patrice Rushen, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Popular Music program, was honored with the USC Associates Award for Artistic Expression at the Academic Honors Convocation on April 2. The annual event honors standout students and faculty among USC’s large community of scholars. In her opening remarks, President Carol Folt recognized Rushen for “giving… Continue reading Patrice Rushen awarded at USC Academic Honors Convocation
Beatriz Illari and Lynne Snyder explore AI’s influence on music listening habits
Beatriz Illari, chair of USC Thornton’s Music Teaching & Learning department, co-published an article with doctoral student Lynne Snyder for The Conversation, which explores how AI is shaping the music listening habits of Gen Z. In the article, they explain the positive and negative effects of modern-day listening practices going private. With most young people… Continue reading Beatriz Illari and Lynne Snyder explore AI’s influence on music listening habits
Saxophonist Andrew Harrison to debut with Santa Rosa Symphony for 2024-25 season
Saxophonist and USC Thornton alumnus Andrew Harrison (DMA ‘15) will make his performing debut with the Santa Rosa Symphony for the 2024-2025 season, directed by Francesco Lecce-Chong. Titled “Rach & the Hollywood Sound,” the concert takes place on January 11-13, 2025 at Green Music Center. Harrison is a lecturer of Classical Saxophone at Sonoma State… Continue reading Saxophonist Andrew Harrison to debut with Santa Rosa Symphony for 2024-25 season
Gustavo Dudamel to conduct Nina Shekhar’s New York premiere of “The Mother is Standing”
Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will conduct USC Thornton Composition alumna Nina Shekhar’s The Mother is Standing at the New York Philharmonic’s Spring Gala on April 24. Dedicated to Shekhar’s mother, the piece examines the love between a mother and child across cultures and religions. This year’s Spring Gala… Continue reading Gustavo Dudamel to conduct Nina Shekhar’s New York premiere of “The Mother is Standing”
Jongnic Bontemps wins Outstanding Original Score at 55th NAACP Image Awards
At the 55th NAACP Image Awards, Jongnic Bontemps (GCRT ‘12) won Outstanding Original Score for TV/Motion Picture for the film, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. The awards ceremony was held on March 16 at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The annual NAACP Image Awards celebrate the achievements and performances of people of color in… Continue reading Jongnic Bontemps wins Outstanding Original Score at 55th NAACP Image Awards
Choral students, faculty and alumni attend Western ACDA conference
USC Thornton’s Choral & Sacred Music program was well represented at the Western American Choral Directors Association conference that took place on March 6-9 in Pasadena. Robert Istad (DMA ‘06) performed with the CSU Fullerton University Singers while Shawna Stewart (DMA ‘13) performed with the Biola University Chorale. Michelle Jensen (DMA ’23) presented a concert… Continue reading Choral students, faculty and alumni attend Western ACDA conference
Austin Wintory conducts 2024 Game Developers Conference performance in San Francisco
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Austin Wintory (‘07) conducted a live instrumental performance at the 2024 Game Developers Conference on March 20 in San Francisco. Co-hosted by voice actor Troy Baker, the performance showcased influential and award-winning game scores throughout history, with a focus on this last year. The concert was presented in accompaniment with… Continue reading Austin Wintory conducts 2024 Game Developers Conference performance in San Francisco
Michael Mennell
Michael Mennell is a Southern California-based bassist and vocalist. He has maintained a 22-plus year teaching career in Los Angeles, and he continues to mentor young players and singers while maintaining a full schedule of recording sessions, live engagements, and tours. Mennell has recorded with artists including John Fogerty, Billy F. Gibbons, Keith Urban, Joe… Continue reading Michael Mennell