Ronald C. McCurdy and Anita Dashiell-Sparks present Nobody Knows: Voices Unmuted at the GRAMMY Museum
Ronald C. McCurdy, the assistant dean of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Initiatives for the USC Thornton School of Music, along with Anita Dashiell-Sparks, the associate dean of JEDI for the USC School of Dramatic Arts, has curated a collaborative interdisciplinary project entitled Nobody Knows: Voices Unmuted. This student-driven project features empowered voices from… Continue reading Ronald C. McCurdy and Anita Dashiell-Sparks present Nobody Knows: Voices Unmuted at the GRAMMY Museum
Meet the new faculty: Seth Parker Woods
As part of a new series this spring, USC Thornton is introducing a number of exceptional new faculty members at the school. Acclaimed cellist Dr. Seth Parker Woods joins the faculty as an assistant professor of practice, string chamber music and cello. A recipient of the 2022 Chamber Music America Michael Jaffee Visionary Award and hailed by The Guardian as “a cellist of power and grace” who possesses “mature artistry and… Continue reading Meet the new faculty: Seth Parker Woods
Seth Parker Woods
Hailed by The Guardian as “a cellist of power and grace” who possesses “mature artistry and willingness to go to the brink,” two-time Grammy-nominated cellist Seth Parker Woods has established his reputation as a versatile artist and innovator across multiple genres. Woods’ projects delve deep into our cultural fabric, reimagining traditional works and commissioning new ones to… Continue reading Seth Parker Woods
Nicole McCabe receives Jeff Clayton Memorial New Note Award from Los Angeles Jazz Society
Nicole McCabe, a master’s student in the USC Thornton Jazz Studies Department, is the 2022 recipient of the Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Jeff Clayton Memorial New Note Award. As this year’s unanimously chosen winner, McCabe will compose and premiere a new suite of original music at the Angel City Jazz Festival.
Ted Hearne commissioned by UCLA to reimagine Stephen Sondheim composition
UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance commissioned USC Thornton Composition faculty member Ted Hearne to write a re-imagined version of a Stephen Sondheim piece. The song will be played by celebrated pianist Anthony de Mare in his performance of Liaisons: Re-Imagining Sondheim from the Piano on April 10 at 7 p.m.
Molly Miller featured in Fretboard Journal
USC Thornton alumna and Studio Guitar program faculty member Molly Miller (’11, MM ’13, DMA ’16) was interviewed in the latest edition of the Fretboard Journal. The feature discusses instrumental storytelling and Miller’s early days with the guitar. “I think what I’ve learned this year in quarantine is, I’ve gotten to connect with people from… Continue reading Molly Miller featured in Fretboard Journal
Thornton Edge releases album of music by Thornton emeritus professor Frederick Lesemann
A new recording of the USC Thornton Edge, directed by Donald Crockett, celebrates the life and work of Frederick Lesemann, emeritus professor of composition at the USC Thornton School of Music. Frederick Lesemann: Songs and Concertinos features three concertinos for small ensembles, as well as a collection of three songs inspired by poetry written more… Continue reading Thornton Edge releases album of music by Thornton emeritus professor Frederick Lesemann
Nicole McCabe Quintet takes home first place at international jazz festival
The Nicole McCabe Quintet won the twelfth edition of the Keep an Eye International Jazz Award. USC Thornton Jazz Department master’s student Nicole McCabe leads the group along with fellow classmates Marcello Carelli, Ethan Chilton, Sam Reid and Thornton alumnus Logan Kane (’19). McCabe also won the award for best non-conservatory student soloist. The Keep… Continue reading Nicole McCabe Quintet takes home first place at international jazz festival
Thornton alumni perform with Beyoncé and Billie Eilish for the Oscars
USC Thornton alumni, including flutist Gina Luciani (MM ’13), pianist Elise Solberg (’18), viola player Karoline Menezes (MM ’15, GCRT ’17) and tubist India Anderson (‘21), joined Beyoncé for her performance of the Oscar-nominated song “Be Alive” from the film King Richard for the 2022 Oscars. Menezes and Luciani also performed with Billie Eilish and… Continue reading Thornton alumni perform with Beyoncé and Billie Eilish for the Oscars
JJ Kirkpatrick tours with Phoebe Bridgers
USC Thornton Jazz Studies Department alumnus J.J. Kirkpatrick (’14) heads out on tour with Phoebe Bridgers this April for her 2022 Reunion tour. Kirkpatrick toured with Bridgers last year and has previously toured with groups AJR and Brasstracks.