Thornton Student Ambassadors: Performance Opportunities
By Ellen Cheng and Meghan Chen
Thornton Student Ambassadors Ellen Cheng and Meghan Chen offer a glimpse into the classical and popular music performance opportunities available at USC Thornton.
ELLEN CHENG | BM FLUTE PERFORMANCE AND BS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
My name is Ellen Cheng, and I’m a junior pursuing a dual degree in Flute Performance and Business Administration at USC. Over the past three years, I’ve gotten to connect with people across various programs, leading not only to great friendships but also exciting performance opportunities.
As classical performance majors, we are required to participate in large ensembles. Every two weeks, we perform a concert at Bovard Auditorium, alternating between Symphony and Wind Ensemble. While the performance schedule can be intense at times, it’s designed to mirror the pace of professional orchestras, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore new repertoire. Speaking of professional orchestras, one highlight from last semester was performing side by side with the Pacific Symphony––with over 160 musicians on stage, we brought Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique to life in the Segerstrom Center. Witnessing four harps play in perfect unison and eight bassoons nail that excerpt in the fourth movement was an absolutely surreal experience.
Outside of large ensembles, we also have a chamber music requirement every semester. Freshman year I was in a woodwind quintet, sophomore year I joined Thornton Edge (USC’s new music ensemble), and now I’m doing a guitar and flute duo! Being in Thornton Edge has been an incredible opportunity to explore music beyond the traditional repertoire. We often perform works by students and faculty from the composition department, which has been both inspiring to witness their creativity and exciting to collaborate with them in real life.
Last but not least, some miscellaneous performances include senior composition recitals and a sophomore pop band showcase. Through these experiences, I’ve been able to collaborate with musicians outside of my own major, which has been eye-opening to see the hard work and talent in Thornton across all departments. Not only that, but these collaborations have enforced the idea that building connections is the key to securing gig opportunities. Show up on time, come prepared for rehearsals, and be an easy person to work with––your name just might come up in a future referral.
At Thornton, there are a lot of performance opportunities for musicians who are willing to try new things and put themselves out there. For new students, I recommend starting out by attending different events and meeting people, building friendships, and learning about what other people are up to. Try to say yes to everything! Our location in the heart of L.A. already gives us a leg up to create these relationships. Speaking of being in L.A, though––this upcoming Saturday (February the 15th), the Thornton Symphony will be performing a concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Be sure to catch us there for some Óscar Navarro, Beethoven, and Strauss’ Alpine Symphony!
MEGHAN CHEN | BM POPULAR MUSIC PERFORMANCE | MUSIC INDUSTRY MINOR
My name is Meghan Chen, and I’m a junior singer-songwriter in the Popular Music Program at USC Thornton. I’m also a minor in the Music Industry Program. As a pop major, we have many opportunities to perform, whether that be for class, house shows around campus, or venues in downtown Los Angeles. Often, USC will sponsor concerts as well, and one of my favorite gigs has actually been for Visions and Voices, a USC organization that promotes the arts. Every August, students are invited to attend Spark! Arts Fest, where several performers get to play sets on McCarthy Quad for hundreds of people. I got to play a ten-minute set, including two original songs and “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush. Accompanied by my band and tracks, this set was by far one of my favorites, and the other performers that night were incredible as well. McCarthy Quad, an open, grassy area at the center of campus, was filled with lights, music, and activities, and it was a really special night.
Spark! Arts Fest was certainly memorable, but another memorable performance for me was at the Echo in Echo Park. This show was actually put on by music industry students for a concert-throwing class, and they asked me to be the opener. It was a thrilling show, and one of my first times opening for a larger artist in the L.A. area. Again, I was accompanied by my band and tracks, and I played a 30-minute set of both originals and covers. After the show was over, I met industry professionals who were in attendance, before quickly driving back to my house to play my second show of the night. I was playing keys for a Linkin Park tribute band in my backyard! There are so many cool events happening all over Los Angeles, and you’ll find yourself playing many of them when the time comes. These gigs aren’t only reserved for pop performers — I’ve played alongside string players, wind players, and brass players in many shows. Each opportunity is unique and just as exciting as the last!
