Jazz Studies alumni contribute tips for a successful music career
USC Thornton alumna Amber Navran (BM ’12, jazz studies) has contributed to a feature article on MajoringInMusic.com that presents jazz majors with advice for building a music career after college. Navaran suggests that it’s important to stay positive, to support peers in the music industry, and to be open to performing different types of music.… Continue reading Jazz Studies alumni contribute tips for a successful music career
Winds & Percussion alumni enjoy strong presence in Mexican orchestra
Three USC Thornton Winds & Percussion alumni are currently performing in the Orquesta Filarmónica de Boca del Río in Veracruz, Mexico. Katie Upton (MM ’16) has been the co-principal horn for the orchestra since last year. This year, Jayson Heubusch (GCRT ’16) is the orchestra’s new principal bassoonist, while Zack Borowiec (MM ’16) is the… Continue reading Winds & Percussion alumni enjoy strong presence in Mexican orchestra
Alex Hahn and Jon Hatamiya join the Thelonious Monk Institute
Two USC Thornton Jazz Studies alums, saxophonist Alex Hahn (’16, jazz studies) and trombonist Jon Hatamiya (’16, jazz studies), have been admitted to the highly-regarded Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance. Each fall, the two-year, full-scholarship program admits an ensemble of seven talented jazz musicians to study both individually and as a group. Jon Hatamiya… Continue reading Alex Hahn and Jon Hatamiya join the Thelonious Monk Institute
Thornton takes center stage in new USC NCAA spot
Last week, the University of Southern California debuted its new 2016 institutional TV spot to national audiences during the NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the University of Alabama. The 30-second spot, which will air throughout the athletic season, highlights the arts USC and features a number of USC Thornton student musicians. close… Continue reading Thornton takes center stage in new USC NCAA spot
Bob Mintzer and Vince Mendoza take the lead with German big band
USC Thornton Jazz Studies chair Bob Mintzer has been named Chief Conductor of the WDR Big Band, an ensemble sponsored by public broadcaster WDR in Cologne, Germany. To celebrate Mintzer’s appointment, the band recently held a welcome concert for their new conductor. Mintzer brings a wealth of experience to his new position. A renowned bandleader… Continue reading Bob Mintzer and Vince Mendoza take the lead with German big band
Percussion alumni take positions with the LA Phil and beyond
USC Thornton’s Percussion program has proved to be a door-opener for alumni and current students alike. Alumnus Matthew Howard (BM ’12) will begin his new position as principal percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic when the ensemble opens its 2016-17 season on September 27. Howard joins Thornton faculty members James Babor (percussion) and Joseph Pereira… Continue reading Percussion alumni take positions with the LA Phil and beyond
Harpist Katherine Redlus to perform with the Four Larks theater troupe
Harpist and USC Thornton Strings alumna Katherine Redlus (MM ‘16, harp performance) will perform with the musical theater troupe The Four Larks when their original production, The Temptation of St Antony, returns to the stage this month. Redlus performed in the production’s debut last year, which was featured in L.A. Weekly’s “Best of L.A. 2015.”
Strong Thornton presence among performers and composers at Carlsbad Music Festival
USC Thornton alumni will be widely represented at the annual Carlsbad Music Festival in the San Diego area this weekend (August 26-28). Among the festival’s main stage artists is the HOCKET piano duo, which includes current Composition DMA candidate Thomas Kotcheff (MM ’12, Composition) and Composition faculty member Sarah Gibson (MM ’10, DMA ’15, Composition).… Continue reading Strong Thornton presence among performers and composers at Carlsbad Music Festival
Garry Schyman to premiere concerto with the L.A. Jewish Symphony
Garry Schyman, alumnus and USC Thornton Screen Scoring faculty member, will premiere a new viola concerto, Zingaro, with the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony on August 21. The program, conducted by Noreen Green and featuring violist Matthew Cohen, highlights music by composers from the film and gaming industries, including selections from Schyman’s scores for the BioSchock… Continue reading Garry Schyman to premiere concerto with the L.A. Jewish Symphony
Thornton alumni perform at the Salzburg Festival
Several USC Thornton alumni are performing at the celebrated Salzburg Festival this summer, including the Calder Quartet (violinists Benjamin Jacobson BM ’01, MM ’07 and Andrew Bulbrook BM ’02; violist Jonathan Moerschel BM ’01, MM ’03; and cellist Eric Byers BM ’03), which presented a program of works by Thomas Adès, György Kurtág, and Franz… Continue reading Thornton alumni perform at the Salzburg Festival