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
Anna Drubich’s “Kaddish” to open Babi-Yar commemoration in Kiev
A composition by USC Thornton Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television alumna Anna Drubich (GCRT ’12) will be featured at the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Babi-Yar Holocaust massacres in Kiev, Ukraine. Drubich’s Kaddish, an 11-minute concerto for cello, Tibetan singing bowl, timpani, and strings, will feature cellist Evgeny Tonkha as soloist. Drubich… Continue reading Anna Drubich’s “Kaddish” to open Babi-Yar commemoration in Kiev
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
Karina DePiano performs with Troye Sivan on “Late Night”
Recent Popular Music alumna Karina DePiano (BM ’16, popular music) performed with artist Troye Sivan this week on Late Night with Seth Meyers. DePiano, who was profiled by USC Thornton last year for her work as an emerging musical director, has also worked as a keyboardist for Rita Ora. Click here to watch DePiano’s performance… Continue reading Karina DePiano performs with Troye Sivan on “Late Night”
Sean Holt contributes tips for vocal health on tour
Popular Music faculty member Sean Holt (MM ’91, jazz studies) was recently quoted in Reverb about his “5 Tips For Vocal Health While On Tour.” The USC Thornton alumnus and professional vocalist with 25 years of performing experience compared the physical challenges of touring as a vocalist to those faced by professional athletes. “When you… Continue reading Sean Holt contributes tips for vocal health on tour
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
Film composer James Newton Howard to perform his soundtracks live at Royal Albert Hall
The works of GRAMMY Award-winning film composer and USC Thornton alumnus James Newton Howard will be celebrated in a concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall this November. Howard, who was recently selected to score the newest film in the Harry Potter franchise, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, has previously scored popular films including… Continue reading Film composer James Newton Howard to perform his soundtracks live at Royal Albert Hall
Bob Mintzer to perform at 30th anniversary season of Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
USC Thornton Jazz Studies chair Bob Mintzer will take part in the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild’s 30th anniversary season. The series of shows will celebrate both the jazz legacy of Pittsburgh and the history of the venerable North Side venue. The season opens on September 23, 2016 with vocalist Bobby McFerrin. Mintzer will perform with his… Continue reading Bob Mintzer to perform at 30th anniversary season of Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
Alumna traces her journey “From Pop into Theatre”
Divya Maus (BA ’14), a graduate of the USC Thornton Popular Music program, has authored a guest column for ContemporaryMusicalTheater.com, where she wrote a wide-ranging article about her journey from popular music to musical theater. Her soul-searching insights into her experiences at Thornton provide a point of departure to consider the nature of being a… Continue reading Alumna traces her journey “From Pop into Theatre”