Celeste Butler and Raivyn Hearne compete on American Idol
Two artists from USC Thornton’s Popular Music program will compete on American Idol this season. Alum Celeste Butler (BM ‘19) and current student Raivyn Hearne both received the coveted golden ticket and will appear on the show’s 19th season, airing now. Butler was recently featured in a Daily Trojan article about her appearance on the… Continue reading Celeste Butler and Raivyn Hearne compete on American Idol
Gretchen Parlato releases new album, Flor
USC Thornton alum and jazz vocalist Gretchen Parlato (GCRT ’03) released a new album on March 5, titled Flor. The album features several special guests, including fellow Thornton alum, pianist Gerald Clayton (BM ‘07). Parlato was interviewed by DownBeat Magazine about her journey from her 2014 album, Live In NYC, which earned her a GRAMMY… Continue reading Gretchen Parlato releases new album, Flor
Alumni duo Karmina releases new album
Karmina, a pop duo featuring Music Industry program alumni Kelly Adams (BM ‘05) and sister Kamille Rudisill (BM ’05), recently released a new album produced by film composer John Powell called Queens of Heart. The duo says the four-part cinematic pop album is a tribute to women, paying homage “to powerful women who have elevated… Continue reading Alumni duo Karmina releases new album
Ludwig Göransson discusses “Tenet” score in Variety
Ludwig Göransson (GCRT ‘08), an alum of the USC Thornton Screen Scoring program, was interviewed by Variety about his score for Christopher Nolan’s recent film, “Tenet.” In the article, Göransson discusses the details of his collaboration with Nolan, including how he was challenged to experiment with different sounds for the film’s otherworldly score. “So many… Continue reading Ludwig Göransson discusses “Tenet” score in Variety
Michael Tilson Thomas featured on PBS
Michael Tilson Thomas, a celebrated conductor, USC Thornton alum and current Judge Widney Professor of Music at USC, was recently featured in a video special on PBS about mentoring during the pandemic and working with the next generation of musicians. The special was a part of PBS NewsHour’s arts and culture series “CANVAS.” “All the… Continue reading Michael Tilson Thomas featured on PBS
Gina Luciani featured in Avid campaign
Gina Luciani (MM ‘13), a USC Thornton alum and flutist, was recently featured in a campaign for Avid, a company that supplies the tools and technology for creators and media enterprises to thrive in the digital media era. Luciani was featured in a video spotlight for Avid’s new “I Am Avid” initiative highlighting artists and… Continue reading Gina Luciani featured in Avid campaign
Gail Samuel appointed President and CEO of Boston Symphony Orchestra
USC Thornton alum and Board of Councilors member Gail Samuel has been appointed as the next Eunice and Julian Cohen President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). She will serve as BSO’s first woman president in the organization’s 140-year history. Currently, Samuel serves as the President of the Hollywood Bowl and Chief Operating… Continue reading Gail Samuel appointed President and CEO of Boston Symphony Orchestra
Alexander Lloyd Blake featured in The New York Times
Choral & Sacred Music alum Alexander Lloyd Blake (DMA ‘19), was recently featured in an article in The New York Times discussing Tonality, the Los Angeles-based choral ensemble he founded. The article highlights seven music organizations like Tonality that have been working toward racial equity in the classical music industry. The article shares what inspired… Continue reading Alexander Lloyd Blake featured in The New York Times
Jensen McRae named to #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021
Singer-songwriter and Popular Music alum Jensen McRae (BM ‘19) has been named as one of the 21 artists in YouTube Music’s #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021. Each artist in the program will receive seed funding to develop their YouTube channels as well as support from YouTube through training, workshops, and networking opportunities. The program is… Continue reading Jensen McRae named to #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021
Irene Apanovitch-Leites and Scott Rieker publish study in Choral Journal
Choral & Sacred Music alumni Irene Apanovitch-Leites (DMA ’19) and Scott Rieker (DMA ’19) co-authored an article in the February issue of Choral Journal, which focuses on vocal pedagogy. Apanovitch-Leites and Rieker’s article, titled “COVID and the Choral Educator: Preparedness, Perceptions, Attitudes, and a Way Forward,” is a study that details the impact of COVID-19… Continue reading Irene Apanovitch-Leites and Scott Rieker publish study in Choral Journal