Gerald Clayton
A quintessential artist and role model for the next generation of jazz musicians, Gerald Clayton will share his extraordinary talents with USC Thornton students as a 2024-2025 Artist-in-Residence in Jazz. Six-time Grammy-nominated pianist, composer and band leader Gerald Clayton earned recent Recording Academy recognition for Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard, his debut release on Blue… Continue reading Gerald Clayton
Michael Mennell
Michael Mennell is a Southern California-based bassist and vocalist. He has maintained a 22-plus year teaching career in Los Angeles, and he continues to mentor young players and singers while maintaining a full schedule of recording sessions, live engagements, and tours. Mennell has recorded with artists including John Fogerty, Billy F. Gibbons, Keith Urban, Joe… Continue reading Michael Mennell
Torianna Jones (she/her)
Major(s): Popular Music Performance Class of 2026 Hometown: Dallas, TX USC Organizations: USC Black Student Assembly What is your favorite place on campus and why? My favorite place on campus would have to be the area in between the USC Thornton School of Music, Bing Theatre, and the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.… Continue reading Torianna Jones (she/her)
Patricia Wang (she/her)
Major(s): Organ Performance Class of 2024 Hometown: Irvine, CA What is your favorite place on campus and why? Hoose Library of Philosophy is one of the most beautiful spots on campus. It is a great place to study and relax. What is your go-to place for a delicious snack/meal on or around campus? Dulce. What… Continue reading Patricia Wang (she/her)
Sammy Rabinowitz (he/him)
Major(s): Popular Music Performance Minor(s): Songwriting Class of 2026 Hometown: Washington, D.C. USC Organizations: Chabad at USC, USC Hillel What is your favorite place on campus and why? Carson Soundstage. My favorite classes, and epic performances. What is your go-to place for a delicious snack/meal on or around campus? Taco Bell. What is your favorite… Continue reading Sammy Rabinowitz (he/him)
Katherine Nerro (she/her)
Major(s): Popular Music Performance Minor(s): Music Industry Class of 2024 Hometown: Tampa, FL USC Organizations: The SoCal Vocals and USC Thornton J.E.D.I. Committee What is your favorite place on campus and why? The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf courtyard at SCA. I love grabbing coffee, doing some work outside, and seeing other students do the… Continue reading Katherine Nerro (she/her)
Ashley Melendres (she/her)
Major(s): Classical Guitar Performance, Neuroscience with a pre-med track Class of 2025 Hometown: Albuquerque, NM USC Organizations: USC Thornton Student Council, USC Chess Club – Vice President, Mariachi los Troyanos de USC – Treasurer, Brain and Creativity Institute – Research Assistant, Thornton Community Engagement Program What is your favorite place on campus and why? My… Continue reading Ashley Melendres (she/her)
Jackie Gibson (she/her)
Major(s): Music Industry Minor(s): Entrepreneurship and Professional and Managerial Communications Class of 2025 Hometown: Austin, TX USC Organizations: Trojan Marching Band, 840 West Records, American Marketing Association, Annenberg TV Network, Themed Entertainment Association What is your favorite place on campus and why? Top floor of Fertitta Hall – there’s a view of downtown, and it… Continue reading Jackie Gibson (she/her)
Tanner Dodt (he/him)
Major(s): Piano Performance, Mathematics Class of 2026 Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ USC Organizations: USC Thornton Community Engagement Program, USC Caruso Catholic Center What is your favorite place on campus and why? My favorite place on campus is the Ronald Tutor Campus Center. It has some great restaurants if you want to grab something to eat and… Continue reading Tanner Dodt (he/him)
Celine Chen (she/her)
Major(s): Piano Performance, Flute Performance, Psychology Minor(s): Forensics and Criminality Class of 2026 Hometown: Valencia, CA USC Organizations: Student Symphony Orchestra, Medicinal Music Makers, USC Dear Asian Youth, USC Brain and Creativity Institute What is your favorite place on campus and why? USC Village – so many good restaurants 🙂 What is your go-to place… Continue reading Celine Chen (she/her)