Alumna Leah Schwartz-Aksnes named principal clarinet of Danish orchestra
Thornton alumna Leah Schwartz-Aksnes (MM ’09) was named principal clarinet of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra in Denmark. At USC Thornton, she studied with Yehuda Gilad and performed with the Thornton Symphony Orchestra. The Aalborg Symphony’s 65 musicians perform over 200 concerts a year.
Paul Chaikin to present paper at MPSG conference in London
USC Thornton Musicology lecturer Paul Chaikin will present a paper entitled “Clamoring for Order and Serenity: Bells, Apophenia, and Modern Subjectivity” at the Fifth Annual Conference of the Royal Musical Association Music and Philosophy Study Group at King’s College London, in July of this year.
Sean Nye publishes paper on influential Apple designer
USC Thornton Musicology professor Sean Nye recently released a scholarly publication about Hartmut Esslinger, the first lead designer for the Apple corporation. Esslinger worked at Apple with Steve Jobs from 1982-1986 and also designed with companies such as Sony and Microsoft. Sean Nye is a Provost’s Postdoctoral Scholar in the Humanities in the USC Thornton… Continue reading Sean Nye publishes paper on influential Apple designer
Kiven opens for indie band Sad Robot on recent tour
The rock band Kiven, which features several USC Thornton alumni, recently completed a series of performances opening for the indie rock group Sad Robot. Kiven is comprised of alumni Daniel Schnair (BA ’11), Tyler Demorest (BS ’11), Jake Reed (MM ’10, DMA ’13) and USC alumnus Matt Cohen (BS ’11). The band released its debut… Continue reading Kiven opens for indie band Sad Robot on recent tour
Percussion students win placements with summer festivals
Several USC Thornton percussion students have been awarded placements with summer festival ensembles. Steve Logan (GRCT’ 15) won the position of principal timpani with the National Repertory Orchestra, while Johnathan Wisner (MM’16) won the principal timpani position with Bard College’s Orchestra Now in addition to a percussion spot with the National Repertory Orchestra. Brice Burton… Continue reading Percussion students win placements with summer festivals
Ron McCurdy composes jazz soundtrack for new stage play
Music composed by USC Thornton Jazz Studies professor Ron McCurdy served as a backdrop for Dreaming of Harlem Under a Southern Sky, a new play by Gabrielle Pina that premiered at USC’s Bovard Auditorium on March 28th. The play, which tells the story of three women from New Orleans who travel to Harlem during the… Continue reading Ron McCurdy composes jazz soundtrack for new stage play
Joanna Demers shares insight into the history of Sci-Fi music
USC Thornton Musicology professor Joanna Demers was recently featured on NPR affiliate WBUR Boston speaking about the history of musical composition in science fiction film and television. On the Stylus radio show “The Sound of Science Fiction”, Demers spoke about composer Vangelis’ soundtrack for the 1982 film Blade Runner, noting that “The soundtrack … is… Continue reading Joanna Demers shares insight into the history of Sci-Fi music
Popular Music alum Rozzi Crane featured in Today Show appearance
Vocalist and Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane was featured as a musical guest on the Today Show, accompanied on guitar by alumnus Brandon Bae (BA ’12, Studio/Jazz Guitar). Crane is the first artist signed to the record label of Maroon 5 lead vocalist Adam Levine and will tour with the band this summer. She will… Continue reading Popular Music alum Rozzi Crane featured in Today Show appearance
A cappella ensemble featuring Thornton students heads to New York City competition
The SoCal VoCals, a USC a cappella group, won the A Capella Western Semifinals at the International Championship of Collegiate A Capella. The group will be traveling to New York City on April 18th to compete in the ICCA finals. Of the 15 group members, five are USC Thornton music majors and four are music… Continue reading A cappella ensemble featuring Thornton students heads to New York City competition
Calder Quartet featured on the cover of Strings Magazine
The Calder Quartet, which was formed by USC Thornton alumni Benjamin Jacobson, Johnathan Moreschel, Eric Beyers and Andrew Bulbrook, is featured on the May 2015 cover of Strings Magazine. The feature article explores the changing performance landscape for chamber quartets and the increasing role that music schools play in equipping students for successful careers. Bulbrook… Continue reading Calder Quartet featured on the cover of Strings Magazine