Jim Self releases new CD that includes a one-of-a-kind instrument, the fluba
USC Thornton Winds & Percussion faculty member Jim Self, a tuba player widely-known for his performances on over 1500 film soundtracks, has released a new album with guitarist John Chiodini. Floating in Winter includes several tracks featuring the fluba, a one-of-a-kind instrument that combines the tuba with qualities of the trumpet-like flugelhorn. The F-pitched fluba… Continue reading Jim Self releases new CD that includes a one-of-a-kind instrument, the fluba
Thornton soloists featured in season’s first Concerto Chamber Orchestra concert
On Sunday, October 8th, the USC student-led Concerto Chamber Orchestra will present it’s first concert of the season, featuring undergraduate soloists Max Opferkuch (clarinet) and Shelby Wong (piano). The program will be as follows: Crusell – Clarinet Concerto No. 3, Op. 11 in Bb Major I. Allegro risoluto Max Opferkuch, clarinet Schumann – Piano Concerto… Continue reading Thornton soloists featured in season’s first Concerto Chamber Orchestra concert
Alumnus Manny Sanoja self-publishes book
USC Thornton Vocal Arts alumnus Manny Sanoja (BA ’14) has published a book entitled Enlightening Awakening: A Practical Guide to Self Awareness, Hope and Healing. Sanoja’s life-long love of music performance, interrupted by the death of his father, eventually compelled him to pursue his vocal and operatic studies. He later left the music world to… Continue reading Alumnus Manny Sanoja self-publishes book
Chicago Symphony premieres commission by Elizabeth Ogonek
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recently premiered a commission by USC Thornton alumna Elizabeth Ogonek (MM ’12, Composition), who is serving a three-year term as composer-in-residence with the ensemble. Music director Riccardo Muti led the premiere of All These Lighted Things on September 28th, with performances to follow in Kansas City (Oct. 11) and Berkeley (Oct.… Continue reading Chicago Symphony premieres commission by Elizabeth Ogonek
Five Thornton musicians win principal positions with the American Youth Symphony
Five USC Thornton students and alumni have become principal chairs with the Los Angeles-based American Youth Symphony for the 2017-18 season. Student Tiffany Chung will serve as principal second violin, alongside principal oboe Laura Arganbright, and principal clarinet Sergio Coelho (GRCT ’16), while alumna Lieza Hansen (MM ’16) will serve as principal bassoon and Amy… Continue reading Five Thornton musicians win principal positions with the American Youth Symphony
Ethan Sperry named Endowed Professor at Portland State University
USC Thornton Choral & Sacred Music alumnus Ethan Sperry (MM ’98, DMA ’00, choral music) has been named an endowed professor at Portland State University (PSU). He is the first to receive the professorship position, formally titled the “Barre Stoll Director of Choral Activities.” Under his direction, the university’s choirs have won multiple awards and… Continue reading Ethan Sperry named Endowed Professor at Portland State University
Alumna Tricia Oney to serve as artist-in-residence with the U.S. Army Band
Vocal Arts alumna and jazz vocalist Tricia Oney (DMA ’07) will join the U.S. Army Band’s “Pershing’s Own” as Artist-In-Residence and Composer-In-Residence from October 19th to 22nd. Oney will present workshops, masterclasses and vocal jazz clinics for Army Voices during the week, culminating in a performance with both ensembles on Sunday, October 22nd at Arlington… Continue reading Alumna Tricia Oney to serve as artist-in-residence with the U.S. Army Band
A relaxing summer vacation with Mak Grgić
USC Thornton alumnus Mak Grgić (MM ’12, DMA ’16) is a very busy man. The Slovenian-born classical guitarist (recently profiled here) is artistic director of both the Zagreb Music Festival and the Biljke i Svirke Interactive Music Festival, director of the Elemental Guitar Program at Elemental Music, an adjunct faculty member at Mount Saint Mary’s… Continue reading A relaxing summer vacation with Mak Grgić
Veronika Krausas performance collaboration featured in Chicago Architecture Biennial
Composer and USC Thornton faculty member Veronika Krausas recently created a new work in collaboration with artist Ana Prvacki and architecture firm SO-IL for the Chicago Architecture Biennial. L’air pour l’air, which premiered on September 13th at Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory, featured four wind musicians from the Chicago Sinfonietta performing Krausas’ De Aere quartet while… Continue reading Veronika Krausas performance collaboration featured in Chicago Architecture Biennial
Thomas Kolakowski wins Snare Drum Competition
Thomas Kolakowski, a USC Thornton master’s student in percussion, recently won the 10th Annual Modern Snare Drum Competition in Cleveland, Ohio. Kolakowski beat out a large field to win the competition, which takes place every year at the Cleveland Institute of Music and is sponsored by Pearl Drums. The organizers described it as “another inspiring… Continue reading Thomas Kolakowski wins Snare Drum Competition