Thornton faculty and alumni record 25th anniversary album for Chandra X-ray Observatory
USC Thornton faculty and alumni participated in a recording at Sony Pictures for the upcoming album Chandra-X: Into Darkness, a musical celebration marking 25 years of space exploration and research through the lens of the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Produced by Thornton faculty member Christian Amonson, the project will feature a 95-piece orchestra comprised of several… Continue reading Thornton faculty and alumni record 25th anniversary album for Chandra X-ray Observatory
New York Philharmonic performs Nina Shekhar’s “Lumina” in China
On June 28, the New York Philharmonic performed composer Nina Shekhar‘s (MM ’20) “Lumina” at the Guangzhou Opera House in China. Her piece was featured alongside works by Mahler and Brahms. The concert was conducted by music director of the New York Philharmonic, Jaap van Zweden. *** Photo by Shervin Lainez
Patrice Rushen honored at 2024 Black Music Honors
USC Thornton Popular Music program faculty member Patrice Rushen was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ninth annual Black Music Honors. The ceremony, which recognizes artists who have contributed to African-American culture and American music, took place on May 18 in Atlanta, Georgia. “We are extremely proud to bring more visibility to these… Continue reading Patrice Rushen honored at 2024 Black Music Honors
Jensen McRae releases new single “Massachusetts”
Singer-songwriter and USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Jensen McRae (’19) released her first single of the year, “Massachusetts,” which was featured in KCRW‘s Best New Music section. She shared on X that the song is about “all the pieces of a person that get left behind after they leave.” McRae released her debut album, Are… Continue reading Jensen McRae releases new single “Massachusetts”
Bobby Borg publishes new book on music marketing
Bobby Borg, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Music Industry program, published a new book titled Music Marketing for the DIY Musician. In this third edition, Borg provides a step-by-step guide for musicians to create a low-budget, customized marketing plan that will prepare them for success in the music industry. The book includes marketing… Continue reading Bobby Borg publishes new book on music marketing
Michael Abels composes score for “Star Wars: The Acolyte”
Award-winning composer and USC Thornton alumnus Michael Abels (‘84) scored the newest series in the Star Wars universe, The Acolyte, which premiered on Disney+ on June 4. The score blends the traditional music of Star Wars with edgy and percussive sounds unique to this new story created by Leslye Headland. “We decided pretty quickly we… Continue reading Michael Abels composes score for “Star Wars: The Acolyte”
Troy Quinn named pops conductor of Santa Rosa Symphony
Troy Quinn, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Conducting program, was named the pops conductor of the Santa Rosa Symphony. Quinn will make his 2024-25 Symphony Pops Series debut on February 16 with the Classical Mystery Tour: The Music of the Beatles concert. He is the second pops conductor in the Santa Rosa Symphony’s… Continue reading Troy Quinn named pops conductor of Santa Rosa Symphony
Patrick O’Malley releases debut orchestral album “The Horizons” with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Composer and USC Thornton alumnus Patrick O’Malley (MM ’15, DMA ’19) has released his debut orchestral album The Horizons with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Constantine. Featuring violist Brett Deubner, O’Malley’s viola concerto is accompanied by his pieces “Soliloquy,” “Obliviana” and “Rest and Restless.” “The viola concerto concerns itself with rejuvenation and… Continue reading Patrick O’Malley releases debut orchestral album “The Horizons” with BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Dean Jason King quoted by TIME Magazine
USC Thornton Dean Jason King was quoted in a TIME Magazine article where he discussed the significance of the song “Les Fleurs” by Minnie Riperton. The song appears on the soundtrack of the new Amy Winehouse biopic, Back to Black. King explained how Riperton’s lyrics, composition and vocals combine to make “Les Fleurs” the perfect… Continue reading Dean Jason King quoted by TIME Magazine
Chanda Dancy to score Zoë Kravitz’s film “Blink Twice”
USC Thornton Screen Scoring program graduate Chanda Dancy (GRCT ‘04) will compose the score for Zoë Kravitz’s film Blink Twice, coming to theaters on August 23. Starring Channing Tatum, the psychological thriller follows a tech billionaire who invites a woman to his private island for a dream vacation, when strange things occur. Dancy is an… Continue reading Chanda Dancy to score Zoë Kravitz’s film “Blink Twice”