Choral students, faculty and alumni attend Western ACDA conference
USC Thornton’s Choral & Sacred Music program was well represented at the Western American Choral Directors Association conference that took place on March 6-9 in Pasadena. Robert Istad (DMA ‘06) performed with the CSU Fullerton University Singers while Shawna Stewart (DMA ‘13) performed with the Biola University Chorale. Michelle Jensen (DMA ’23) presented a concert… Continue reading Choral students, faculty and alumni attend Western ACDA conference
Noreen Green conducts “Symphony of the Holocaust” at Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival
Noreen Green (DMA ‘91), a USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music alumna, conducted the premiere of a chamber version of Shony Alex Braun’s “Symphony of the Holocaust” at the Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival on March 11. The documentary of the same name honors the musical career of Braun, a child violin prodigy and Holocaust… Continue reading Noreen Green conducts “Symphony of the Holocaust” at Palm Springs Jewish Film Festival
Rosie Ding to conduct in Western ACDA 2024 conducting masterclass
Rosie Ding, a USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music undergraduate and Student Ambassador, was selected to conduct in the Western American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) 2024 conducting masterclass. The masterclass is part of Western ACDA’s regional conference, which is scheduled for March 6-9 in Pasadena, CA.
Duncan Tuomi wins 2023 American Prize in Composition for choral work “The Second Coming”
Duncan Tuomi (MM ’22), a DMA student in the USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music program, won the 2023 American Prize in Composition in the short choral works category for The Second Coming. Tuomi, who is also associate conductor of the USC Thornton Apollo Chorus, wrote the piece as a first-year master’s student under the… Continue reading Duncan Tuomi wins 2023 American Prize in Composition for choral work “The Second Coming”
Gregg Field featured in CBS Sunday Morning segment on Henry Mancini
USC Thornton Board of Councilors Chair Gregg Field was featured in a new CBS Sunday Morning segment on the late composer Henry Mancini. Field discussed the fame of Mancini’s film and television music, such as the ubiquitous “Pink Panther Theme” and “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The segment included a recording session of his… Continue reading Gregg Field featured in CBS Sunday Morning segment on Henry Mancini
Jenny Wong named chorus director of San Francisco Symphony
USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music alumna Jenny Wong (MM ‘13, DMA ‘17) was named chorus director of the San Francisco Symphony. Wong is the fourth choral conductor to lead the ensemble in its 50-year history. “I know she’s going to bring a great deal of energy, expertise and joy to the Chorus in her… Continue reading Jenny Wong named chorus director of San Francisco Symphony
Jo-Michael Scheibe awarded Irish Fulbright
USC Thornton Professor Emeritus of Choral and Sacred Music Jo-Michael Scheibe (DMA ’85) was awarded an Irish Fulbright scholarship for 2023-2024. The scholarship takes him to the Irish Institute of Music and Song in Balbriggan, where he will lead courses in Choral Conducting and Choral Methods and conduct the Institute’s Chamber Chorale.
Ernest Harrison joins Cal Poly Pomona Department of Music faculty
In fall 2023, USC Thornton choral conducting alumnus Ernest Harrison (DMA ’23) will join Cal Poly Pomona as an assistant professor of music. Harrison will teach a variety of courses, specializing in ethnic studies and music of the African diaspora.
Laura Leigh Spillane appointed interim associate director of Choral Activities at University of Tennessee
Laura Leigh Spillane, a USC Thornton choral music doctoral candidate, was appointed as interim associate director of Choral Activities at University of Tennessee School of Music. Beginning August 1, Spillane will teach courses in choral music education and conduct the University of Tennessee Concert Choir.
USC Thornton Chamber Singers perform at Carnegie Hall
On June 3, the USC Thornton Chamber Singers joined the New England Symphonic Ensemble at Carnegie Hall for a performance of Fauré’s Requiem in D Minor, conducted by Choral & Sacred Music chair Tram Sparks. The Chamber Singers concluded their memorable trip to New York City with a post-concert dinner cruise along the Hudson River.… Continue reading USC Thornton Chamber Singers perform at Carnegie Hall