Author Archive


Lynn Helding pictured in black sweater against backdrop of blue bricks

Lynn Helding named editor in chief of Journal of Singing

September 30, 2022

Lynn Helding, a professor of practice and the coordinator of vocology and voice pedagogy in the USC Thornton Vocal Arts & Opera program, has been named the new editor-in-chief of the Journal of Singing. The Journal of Singing is the only English language international periodical dedicated exclusively to voice art, pedagogy, science, technology and health… Continue reading Lynn Helding named editor in chief of Journal of Singing


Photo of violinist Moni Simeonov

Moni Simeonov appointed director of string studies at CSU Long Beach

September 28, 2022

USC Thornton Strings Department alumnus Moni Simeonov (GC ‘07, DMA ‘18) has been appointed as the director of string studies with the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. He also recently accepted the position of interim Edelman chair of chamber music with the Colburn School of Music.


Photo of conductor Angel Velez

Angel Velez music directs live performance honoring Arturo Sandoval

September 26, 2022

Thornton alumnus and conductor Angel Velez (MA ‘14) serves as music director and concert producer for “For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story” Live in Concert With Arturo Sandoval and the University of Miami’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra. This performance honoring the accomplishments of the four-time GRAMMY winning Cuban trumpeter and Presidential Medal of… Continue reading Angel Velez music directs live performance honoring Arturo Sandoval


Photo of Laura Leigh Spillane looking up into the sky outside.

Laura Leigh Spillane promoted to conductor with the National Children’s Chorus

September 23, 2022

Third-year choral music doctoral student Laura Leigh Spillane has been promoted to conduct the Concerto Ensemble with the National Children’s Chorus. She was also recently named a part-time faculty member at Saddleback College, where she will serve as director of the Saddleback Chamber Singers.


Photo of Martin Chalifour with his violin standing outside.

Martin Chalifour wins SFCV Audience choice award for “Best Instrumental Recital”

September 21, 2022

Los Angeles Philharmonic principal concertmaster and USC Thornton Strings Department faculty member Martin Chalifour won a SF Classical Voice Audience Choice Award in the Best Instrumental Recital category for A Chalifour Celebration at the LA Phil. This performance was held in February to commemorate Chalifour’s 25th year with the orchestra.


Photo of jazz group saje, wearing yellow uniforms holding flowers.

säje releases first single from their debut album

September 19, 2022

GRAMMY-nominated female vocal supergroup säje, which includes USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Sara Gazarek, released the first single from their upcoming debut album on September 12. The single is a cover of “As This Moment Slips Away” by The Bad Plus bassist Reid Anderson, and it features three-time GRAMMY-winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, saxophonist… Continue reading säje releases first single from their debut album


Photo of composer Rohan Chander accepting the 2022 Gaudeamus Award.

Rohan Chander wins the Gaudeamus Award 2022

September 16, 2022

Composer and USC Thornton Composition program alum Rohan Chander (MM ‘22) won the Gaudeamus Award, a prestigious, international award for young composers. The announcement was made at the Gaudeamus Festival in Utrecht, The Netherlands on Sept. 11. A composer and performer who performs as BAKUDI SCREAM, Chander was one of the five finalists selected from over 200… Continue reading Rohan Chander wins the Gaudeamus Award 2022


Photograph of Seth Parker Woods

Seth Parker Woods featured in score to Ken Burns film “The U.S. And The Holocaust”

September 15, 2022

USC Thornton Strings Department faculty member and acclaimed cellist Seth Parker Woods is featured in the score of Ken Burns’ new documentary, “The U.S. and The Holocaust.” Woods performs on the track “Prayer (From Jewish Life, No. 1).” “The U.S. and The Holocaust” is a three-part, six-hour series that examines America’s response to one of… Continue reading Seth Parker Woods featured in score to Ken Burns film “The U.S. And The Holocaust”


Photo of "Live in Italy" album cover

Trio of Jazz Studies faculty Peter Erskine, Alan Pasqua and Darek Oles releases album “Live in Italy”

September 14, 2022

The Peter Erskine Trio — composed of Erskine and his fellow Thornton Jazz Studies Department faculty members Darek Oles and Alan Pasqua — released the album “Live in Italy” on Fuzzy Records this May. The live album features ten tracks from the trio’s performance in Camogli, Italy. Renowned bassist John Patitucci commented, “It should come… Continue reading Trio of Jazz Studies faculty Peter Erskine, Alan Pasqua and Darek Oles releases album “Live in Italy”


Photo of percussionists on stage at the Walt Disney Music Hall

David Riccobono named assistant principal timpani/section percussion with the LA Phil

September 12, 2022

By Katalina Garber Percussionist David Riccobono (MM ‘19) recently began a new position as the assistant principal timpani/section percussion with the LA Philharmonic. In this position, Riccobono plays in both the timpani and percussion sections, which makes him one of the busiest players in the orchestra. This marks the first time that the LA Philharmonic… Continue reading David Riccobono named assistant principal timpani/section percussion with the LA Phil