Cardinal Winds receive strong review for Clyde Montgomery Concert performance
The Cardinal Winds woodwind sextet performed at the annual Clyde Montgomery Concert in Pasadena on March 29, during which they premiered composer Stephen Cohn’s “Aria for Winds.” Rodney Punt, in a review for LA Opus, reported that the sextet members “had their work cut out” on Cohn’s piece, but “deftly conveyed both the work’s craftsmanship… Continue reading Cardinal Winds receive strong review for Clyde Montgomery Concert performance
Students and alumni entertain at American history conference
USC Thornton students and alumni provided music during the 12th annual USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute (EMSI) conference in March. At the conference, World and Ground: New Early American Histories, scholars presented papers on a wide range of historical topics and were entertained by period music, including 18th-century maritime ballads.
DMA student Andrew Harrison a finalist in Army Band competition
USC Thornton DMA saxophone student Andrew Harrison was a top ten finalist in the United States Army Band 2015 National Collegiate Solo Competition. Harrison has won various awards, including the SAI Young Artist Competition and the MTNA State Chamber Music Competition. He is currently on the faculty at the Colburn School in Los Angeles and… Continue reading DMA student Andrew Harrison a finalist in Army Band competition
Student Ryan Tani to pursue conducting opportunities
USC Thornton student Ryan Tani (BA ’15) has been accepted as a Master of Music candidate at the Peabody Conservatory in Maryland in the Orchestral Conducting program. Tani has been a member of many USC ensembles, including the Thornton Chamber Singers, the Early Music Ensemble and the Compline Choir and is co-founder and principal conductor… Continue reading Student Ryan Tani to pursue conducting opportunities
Violist Donald McInnes interviewed by Ovation Press
USC Thornton alumnus, retired faculty member and performer Donald McInnes was recently interviewed by Ovation Press, an internet-based music publisher. In the interview, McInnes spoke about his career as both a concert violist and as a teacher. “I have always been passionate about sharing my experiences performing in a way that helps my students to… Continue reading Violist Donald McInnes interviewed by Ovation Press
Alumnus Nic Gerpe featured in REDCAT solo performance
USC Thornton alumnus Nic Gerpe (DMA ’12, piano) will be featured in a solo piano performance at The Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) on Tuesday, April 28. An international performer with a focus in new music, Gerpe currently serves on the faculty of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. Gerpe will perform works by Alexina… Continue reading Alumnus Nic Gerpe featured in REDCAT solo performance
Alumna Leah Schwartz-Aksnes named principal clarinet of Danish orchestra
Thornton alumna Leah Schwartz-Aksnes (MM ’09) was named principal clarinet of the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra in Denmark. At USC Thornton, she studied with Yehuda Gilad and performed with the Thornton Symphony Orchestra. The Aalborg Symphony’s 65 musicians perform over 200 concerts a year.
Percussion students win placements with summer festivals
Several USC Thornton percussion students have been awarded placements with summer festival ensembles. Steve Logan (GRCT’ 15) won the position of principal timpani with the National Repertory Orchestra, while Johnathan Wisner (MM’16) won the principal timpani position with Bard College’s Orchestra Now in addition to a percussion spot with the National Repertory Orchestra. Brice Burton… Continue reading Percussion students win placements with summer festivals
The USC Thornton Opera Program presents Gluck’s “Iphigenie en Tauride”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Leh6jhODiI0
Calder Quartet featured on the cover of Strings Magazine
The Calder Quartet, which was formed by USC Thornton alumni Benjamin Jacobson, Johnathan Moreschel, Eric Beyers and Andrew Bulbrook, is featured on the May 2015 cover of Strings Magazine. The feature article explores the changing performance landscape for chamber quartets and the increasing role that music schools play in equipping students for successful careers. Bulbrook… Continue reading Calder Quartet featured on the cover of Strings Magazine