Choongwoo Steve Ko wins 2023 ACDA Composition Focus Prize
USC Thornton alumnus Choongwoo Steve Ko (MM ’16) has won the 2023 ACDA Composition Focus Prize for his Tenor/Bass Choir score, “A Thousand Winds.” The American Choral Directors Association describes this prize as “a new initiative structured to meet identified gaps in repertoire needs of ACDA members and their ensembles.” This year’s contest drew over… Continue reading Choongwoo Steve Ko wins 2023 ACDA Composition Focus Prize
Karen Parks awarded with Most Distinguished Alumni by Furman University
USC Thornton vocal arts and opera faculty member Karen Parks received the Most Distinguished Alumni award from Furman University on Feb. 11 at the Bell Tower Ball, an annual gala event that celebrates alumni achievements. Parks, a Fulbright Scholar, Olivier Award nominee and Billboard chart-topper, was presented the award by Furman University’s president Dr. Elizabeth… Continue reading Karen Parks awarded with Most Distinguished Alumni by Furman University
Celeste Butler presents multimedia performances at the Grammy Museum
Popular music and arts leadership alum Celeste Butler (BM ‘18, MS ‘19) premiered two multimedia performances titled “Harlem South: A View Through the Lens” at the Grammy Museum on February 18. Featuring a cast of Grammy award-winning musicians and original compositions, the production spotlighted African American life in 1920’s South Carolina through the photography of… Continue reading Celeste Butler presents multimedia performances at the Grammy Museum
Remi Wolf to perform at Coachella and Bonnaroo music festivals
USC Thornton popular music program alumna Remi Wolf (BM ‘18) will perform at the 2023 Coachella Valley and Bonnaroo music festivals. Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival will take place April 14-16 and April 21-23 in Indio, California. Wolf will perform on April 15 and 22. The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, taking place June… Continue reading Remi Wolf to perform at Coachella and Bonnaroo music festivals
USC Thornton hip-hop class receives guest visit from Rolling Loud festival co-founder, Tariq Cherif
The students of MUSC 320, a hip-hop course taught by USC Thornton faculty members Sean Nye and Jae Deal, left class on February 2 elated after a guest visit from Tariq Cherif. Cherif, the co-founder of Rolling Loud music festival, led a presentation and Q&A from 6-7 p.m. in Taper Hall. In the spirit of… Continue reading USC Thornton hip-hop class receives guest visit from Rolling Loud festival co-founder, Tariq Cherif
Patrice Rushen and Joanna Demers featured in Shondaland article on music and time
On Feb. 20, USC Thornton Popular Music program chair Patrice Rushen and Musicology department faculty member Joanna Demers were featured on Shondaland. In the article, Rushen and Demers explained the benefits of nostalgia in music education. Rushen discussed how and why songs live long past their release dates, referencing her 1982 Grammy-nominated R&B single “Forget… Continue reading Patrice Rushen and Joanna Demers featured in Shondaland article on music and time
Ken Foster publishes new book in arts and cultural leadership
USC Thornton professor of practice and director of the arts leadership program Ken Foster has published the second edition of his book, Arts and Cultural Leadership: Creating Sustainable Arts Organizations. This latest edition is described as “a valuable resource both for present-day arts and cultural leaders who are working to adapt to the current environment… Continue reading Ken Foster publishes new book in arts and cultural leadership
Yura Lee interviewed by Violinist.com
Yura Lee, USC Thornton Alice and Eleonore Schoenfeld Endowed Chair in String Instruction and principal violist of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, was featured on Violinst.com. In the interview, Lee spoke about stepping into a demanding career at a young age and rediscovering her love for music, especially chamber music, as a violist. “I think everything… Continue reading Yura Lee interviewed by Violinist.com
Thornton alumni win at African American Film Critics Association Awards
Two USC Thornton alumni have received awards at the 14th Annual African American Film Critics Association Awards (AAFCA), which honors outstanding achievement in film. Screen Scoring alum Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ‘08) won Best Song for “Life Me Up” from the film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Composition alum Michael Abels (BM ‘84) has been named a… Continue reading Thornton alumni win at African American Film Critics Association Awards
Billy Childs composition to be featured at “Treelogy” concert
GRAMMY Award-winning artist and USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Billy Childs (BM ‘79) will premiere a piece honoring endangered California trees in a three-part concert, Treelogy, on Feb. 23, 2023. Treelogy’s music series will tour California to raise awareness of the state’s trees in response to the unprecedented rise in wildfires. Childs is one of… Continue reading Billy Childs composition to be featured at “Treelogy” concert