Trio Ensemble
Directed by Frank Potenza, the focus of this ensemble is to build artistry and performance skills in a trio with bass and drums only. Without having the harmonic support of another polyphonic instrument in the group, the guitarist becomes responsible for supplying melodic lines, harmony, and all other aspects of the arrangement at hand. This… Continue reading Trio Ensemble
Modern Guitar Ensembles
Directed by Richard Smith, our modern guitar ensembles (Superaxe, TU2 and TU4) are celebrating their third decade as an invigorating part of the Contemporary Music Division at the USC Thornton School of Music. These ensembles have won first-place awards at over a dozen jazz festival competitions on the West Coast and in the Southwest. The… Continue reading Modern Guitar Ensembles
Apollo Chorus
The USC Apollo Chorus is a non-auditioned choir open to all students, faculty and staff of the university, regardless of major. Performing the repertoire traditionally associated with tenor/bass ensembles—both choral masterworks and contemporary gems—the Apollo Chorus creates an artistic community of excellence, supportive relationships and enjoyable learning and performing opportunities. No prior experience required. The… Continue reading Apollo Chorus
Jazz Honors Combo
The USC Thornton Jazz Honors Combo, led by multi-platinum producer Jason Goldman, is a select group of students chosen to represent the Jazz Studies department at high-profile events. The group comprises some of the finest young jazz musicians in the world. The ensemble regularly blurs the lines of jazz and other genres of music. The… Continue reading Jazz Honors Combo
Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble (ALAJE)
The USC Thornton Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble (ALAJE), led by Aarón Serfaty, performs the music of Cuba and Puerto Rico, also known as salsa, which evolved in New York City out of the interactions of Latin players and jazz musicians. Co-founded by former Thornton faculty Dr. Thom Mason and former student Roberto Miranda in the… Continue reading Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble (ALAJE)
USC Thornton Concert Jazz Orchestra
USC Thornton Concert Jazz Orchestra, directed by multi-platinum producer Jason Goldman, pays homage to the tradition of classic big bands with performances that regularly celebrate jazz greats. The group often performs music arranged by students, Thornton alumni and faculty and comprises musicians from the jazz, classical and pop programs. Besides playing traditional big band music… Continue reading USC Thornton Concert Jazz Orchestra
USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra
The flagship ensemble of the jazz studies program, the USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra (TJO) concentrates on the style of the classic big bands. Led by Bob Mintzer, the TJO has won the Top College Big Band category at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival more than once, performed on a main stage at the Monterey… Continue reading USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra
USC CreSCendo Vocal Jazz Ensemble
The USC CreSCendo Vocal Jazz Ensemble, led by Sara Gazarek, is the university’s home for vocal jazz, popular song and a cappella group performance. Performing on mic and with a full rhythm section, the ensemble presents material from the American songbook, as well as works from contemporary composers and arrangers. The ensemble has performed at… Continue reading USC CreSCendo Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Wire Choir
Wire Choir is made up of five guitarists, a rhythm section and a saxophone soloist and is directed by Frank Potenza. The ensemble primarily plays Tony Rizzi’s arrangements, which are built around the improvised solos of seminal jazz guitarist Charlie Christian. Rizzi transcribed the solos, harmonized them for five guitars, and used them as the… Continue reading Wire Choir
USC Thornton Winds
The USC Thornton Winds, led by Carl St.Clair, artistic leader of the USC Thornton orchestras, and resident conductor Sharon Lavery, consistently presents innovative programs featuring the best of wind compositions and arrangements. The ensemble’s repertoire ranges from the early brass music of Gabrieli through the serenades of Mozart and Haydn to the most recent contemporary… Continue reading USC Thornton Winds