![](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Richie-web-150x150.jpg)
Richard Brown presents two musicology papers
USC Thornton Musicology instructor Richard Brown has published an article entitled “Breaking the Sound Barrier: Transparency and Cinematic Space in Works of Calder (1950) and Jackson Pollock 51,” in the Contemporary Music Review journal. Brown will also present his paper, “Violence by Proxy: Avant-Garde Alchemy and the Materiality of Sound in Peter Strickland’s Berberian Sound… Continue reading Richard Brown presents two musicology papers
![](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/OilPainting-150x150.jpg)
Students and alumni entertain at American history conference
USC Thornton students and alumni provided music during the 12th annual USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute (EMSI) conference in March. At the conference, World and Ground: New Early American Histories, scholars presented papers on a wide range of historical topics and were entertained by period music, including 18th-century maritime ballads.
![](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MarissaSorajja-150x150.jpg)
Alumna Marisa Sorajja joins LA Opera orchestra
USC Thornton School of Music alumna Marisa Sorajja (BA ’04) recently won the position of Associate Principal 2nd Violin with the LA Opera orchestra. In addition to her new position, Sorajja is a member of the Pacific Symphony, is Principal First Violin of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and First Assistant Concertmaster of New West Symphony.
![](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Andrew-Harrison-featured-image-150x150.jpg)
DMA student Andrew Harrison a finalist in Army Band competition
USC Thornton DMA saxophone student Andrew Harrison was a top ten finalist in the United States Army Band 2015 National Collegiate Solo Competition. Harrison has won various awards, including the SAI Young Artist Competition and the MTNA State Chamber Music Competition. He is currently on the faculty at the Colburn School in Los Angeles and… Continue reading DMA student Andrew Harrison a finalist in Army Band competition
![Grant Gershon photoraphed against blank backdrop](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Gershon-150x150.jpg)
Grant Gershon receives Chorus America award
USC Thornton alumnus and Board of Councilors member Grant Gershon (’85, piano) was recently honored by Chorus America with the 2015 Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal. Gershon is Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale and has directed more than 100 performances at the Walt Disney Concert Hall during his… Continue reading Grant Gershon receives Chorus America award
![](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/adam-knight-gilbert-150x150.jpg)
Adam Knight Gilbert to lecture at two international conferences
USC Thornton Musicology faculty member Adam Knight Gilbert, who also directs the Thornton Early Music Program, was invited as a lecturer and teacher at the Improvising Across Boundaries conference at the Orfeus Instituut in Belgium on May 21 and 22, 2015. He has also been invited to speak at the Petrus Alamire – New Perspectives… Continue reading Adam Knight Gilbert to lecture at two international conferences
![](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/RyanTani-150x150.jpg)
Student Ryan Tani to pursue conducting opportunities
USC Thornton student Ryan Tani (BA ’15) has been accepted as a Master of Music candidate at the Peabody Conservatory in Maryland in the Orchestral Conducting program. Tani has been a member of many USC ensembles, including the Thornton Chamber Singers, the Early Music Ensemble and the Compline Choir and is co-founder and principal conductor… Continue reading Student Ryan Tani to pursue conducting opportunities
![](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Alumni_Strings_DonMcInnes-150x150.jpg)
Violist Donald McInnes interviewed by Ovation Press
USC Thornton alumnus, retired faculty member and performer Donald McInnes was recently interviewed by Ovation Press, an internet-based music publisher. In the interview, McInnes spoke about his career as both a concert violist and as a teacher. “I have always been passionate about sharing my experiences performing in a way that helps my students to… Continue reading Violist Donald McInnes interviewed by Ovation Press
![](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/musicology-150x150.jpg)
Students and faculty to present papers at Musicology conferences this summer
The USC Thornton Musicology department will be well-represented at scholarly conferences this summer, with students and faculty making several presentations. Doctoral student Meagan Mason will deliver a paper at the Loci in Musicology: Epicenters, Parallels, and Unity conference at Brandeis University on May 1-2, 2015. Alison Maggart (PhD ’15) will deliver a paper at the… Continue reading Students and faculty to present papers at Musicology conferences this summer
![](https://music.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NicGerpe-150x150.jpg)
Alumnus Nic Gerpe featured in REDCAT solo performance
USC Thornton alumnus Nic Gerpe (DMA ’12, piano) will be featured in a solo piano performance at The Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) on Tuesday, April 28. An international performer with a focus in new music, Gerpe currently serves on the faculty of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Gerpe will perform works by Alexina… Continue reading Alumnus Nic Gerpe featured in REDCAT solo performance