Jongnic Bontemps conducts his “United Skates” score at TV Academy
On March 6, USC Thornton Screen Scoring alumnus Jongnic Bontemps (GCRT ’12) conducted excerpts of his score for the new HBO documentary United Skates in a concert sponsored by the Television Academy to celebrate the launch of its new category for Best Documentary Score. John Legend, who produced the film, personally introduced Bontemps prior to the… Continue reading Jongnic Bontemps conducts his “United Skates” score at TV Academy
Thornton faculty and alumni nominated G.A.N.G. Awards
The video game industry’s leading organization, Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.), recently announced the 2019 G.A.N.G. Award finalists. Among the nominees were Garry Schyman, a USC Thornton Screen Scoring faculty member, as well as two USC Thornton alumni, Bear McCreary ’02 and Austin Wintory ’07. Schyman was nominated in 3 G.A.N.G award categories for his… Continue reading Thornton faculty and alumni nominated G.A.N.G. Awards
Two Thornton Alumni recognized for Video Game Scoring
Two USC Thornton alumni ranked in the top five of Film Music Media‘s list of the best video game scores of 2018. Bear McCreary ’02 earned the second spot for his score for God of War while Austin Wintory ’07 came in fourth for The Banner Saga 3.
The Argus Quartet performs at Chico State
The Argus Quartet made its first appearance in Chico, Calif. on February 17th in the Zingg Recital Hall on the Chico State University campus. The quartet, which is comprised of USC Thornton alumni Clara Kim (DMA ’15, violin) and Jason Issokson (MM ’10, violin) along with violist Dana Kelley and cellist Jo Whang, performed a… Continue reading The Argus Quartet performs at Chico State
MUNA featured on B-sides and badlands
MUNA, the hit band formed by USC Thornton Popular Music alumnae Katie Gavin ’15, Joesette Maskin ’16 and Naomi McPherson ’15 is featured on B-sides and Badlands’ Hook & Reel, a series showcasing music. They praise MUNA’s debut album, “About U” as still being a “queer-pop masterpiece” even two years after its release.
Sarah Rommel earns glowing review
In January, the Hans India Newspaper gave cellist and USC Thornton alumna Sarah Rommel (GRCT ’14, MM ’16) a glowing review for her performance with the ‘State of the Art’ (SOTA) Resonance Festival presented by British Airways at the Trident in India. In an interview with the newspaper, Rommel discussed her love for travel and… Continue reading Sarah Rommel earns glowing review
Inaugural Angela Meade Vocal Competition Established
Soprano and USC Thornton alumna Angela Meade (MM ’04) established the Angela Meade Vocal Competition at Pacific Lutheran University this January. After an initial review of all applicants, six finalists performed two songs in this public competition finale. Three winners were announced and were awarded up to $1000 and a trip to the east coast… Continue reading Inaugural Angela Meade Vocal Competition Established
Michael Christ Powers appointed as Orchestra Director at Westridge School
USC Thornton alumnus Michael Christ Powers (MM ’05) was named Orchestra Director of the Westridge School in Pasadena, Calif. This March, he will take the Westridge Chamber Orchestra to Italy. Additionally, on January 19, Powers was the Star Guest Conductor with the Philharmonic Society’s Orange County Youth Symphony in a subscription concert for families and… Continue reading Michael Christ Powers appointed as Orchestra Director at Westridge School
Rozzi’s new music video featured on MTV
MTV featured USC Thornton Popular Music alumna Rozzi Crane’s ‘13 new single, “Bad Together,” from her debut album of the same name, released in November 2018. Rozzi, as she is known professionally, wrote the song in a hotel in Laguna Beach after an emotional break-up. She said of the video, “it’s a very personal song… Continue reading Rozzi’s new music video featured on MTV
Vicki Ray earns rave reviews for her solo performance
Pianist and USC Thornton alumna Vicki Ray (DMA ’88) received a rave review from SF Classical Voice for her January 16 performance at CalArts REDCAT in downtown Los Angeles. Ray performed a solo concert featuring two works with the accompaniment of visual projections by artist Carole Kim. The review described Ray as “stealing the show.”