Ben Gunnarson joins “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Ben Gunnarson, a master’s student in the USC Thornton Winds & Percussion program, has won a position in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the oldest active musical organization in the country. Gunnarson will join a community of Thornton graduates, including clarinetists Angelo Quail (MM ‘15) and Andrew Jacobi (MM ‘14, GCRT ‘16) and… Continue reading Ben Gunnarson joins “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Matthew Krell wins first prize in World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition
Matthew Krell, a DMA student in the USC Thornton Keyboard Studies program, has won first prize in composition in the 2023 World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition with his piece, “Improvisation after Paganini.” Krell’s winning composition will be presented at the online World Piano Conference, scheduled for May 20-24. *** Photo courtesy of the… Continue reading Matthew Krell wins first prize in World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition
Alumni garner nominations in 2024 Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards
Several USC Thornton alumni have been nominated in the fifth annual Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in music for visual media. Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) was nominated for Outstanding Original Score for a Studio Film with Oppenheimer. Allyson Newman (GCRT ’05) received a nomination for Outstanding Original Song… Continue reading Alumni garner nominations in 2024 Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards
Flutist Gina Luciani creates practice notebook for musicians
Gina Luciani (MM ’13), a USC Thornton alumna and flutist, has launched “Practice Note: The Practice Notebook for Musicians.” “Practice Note” is a modern journal with weekly music practice pages and goal sheets, available in 11 different versions. The journal features a clear layout and vibrant designs to help organize and inspire musicians of all… Continue reading Flutist Gina Luciani creates practice notebook for musicians
Camae Ayewa announces new album, “The Great Bailout”
USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) has announced that her new album, The Great Bailout, will be released on March 8 via ANTI-. The nine-track album includes contributions from Lonnie Holley, Angel Bat Dawid, Mary Lattimore, Vijay Iyer, Raia Was, Aaron Dilloway and Alya Al-Sultani. The first single “Guilty,” featuring Lattimore,… Continue reading Camae Ayewa announces new album, “The Great Bailout”
Jeffrey Kahane named music director of San Antonio Philharmonic
USC Thornton Keyboard Studies faculty member Jeffrey Kahane has been named music director of the San Antonio Philharmonic. Kahane will begin his tenure with the Philharmonic in their 2024-2025 season while continuing to teach at Thornton. Curated by Kahane, the 2024-2025 season will showcase pieces both classical and contemporary, including the work of Thornton alumnus… Continue reading Jeffrey Kahane named music director of San Antonio Philharmonic
Bear McCreary composes score for Disney+ series, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”
USC Thornton Composition program alumnus Bear McCreary (’02) composed the score for the Disney+ television series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which premiered on Dec. 20. The series follows the demigod Percy Jackson when he must embark on a dangerous quest to return Zeus’ master bolt. The first season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians… Continue reading Bear McCreary composes score for Disney+ series, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”
Gerald Clayton tours North America with The Blue Note Quintet
Pianist, composer and USC Thornton alumnus Gerald Clayton (’07) has embarked on a North American tour with The Blue Note Quintet—featuring saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott and bassist Matt Brewer—in celebration of Blue Note Records’ 85th Anniversary. The tour includes 35 stops from January 18th to March 8th, with a Los… Continue reading Gerald Clayton tours North America with The Blue Note Quintet
Katya Richardson co-composed score for “The Last Repair Shop”
USC Thornton Composition program alumna Katya Richardson (’19) co-composed the score for The Last Repair Shop, a Los Angeles Times and Searchlight Pictures production. The soundtrack was nominated for Best Score in the eighth annual Critics Choice Documentary Awards. Directed by USC School of Cinematic Arts alum Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, the Oscar-nominated short… Continue reading Katya Richardson co-composed score for “The Last Repair Shop”
Ludwig Göransson earns Academy Award nomination while USC Thornton alumni and faculty are featured in nominated films
Alumni and faculty from across the music departments and programs of USC Thornton were well represented in the 2024 Oscar nominations, announced on January 23. Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ’08) earned his third nomination in the Best Original Score category for Oppenheimer while composition alum Katya Richardson (’19) composed the score to Best Documentary Short nominee The Last Repair… Continue reading Ludwig Göransson earns Academy Award nomination while USC Thornton alumni and faculty are featured in nominated films