Shani Rose’s song in the finals of the 2019 Romanian National Eurovision Selection
Thornton alumna Shani Rose (’10, MM ’11) was featured in the finals of the 2019 Romanian National Eurovision selection, for her song “Right Now,” performed by artist Olivier Kaye. Co-written by herself, Ovi Jacobsen (who placed third in the 2010 International Eurovision), and Rasmus Bosse, “Right Now” was released by German label CAP-Sounds in February… Continue reading Shani Rose’s song in the finals of the 2019 Romanian National Eurovision Selection
Jongnic Bontemps conducts his “United Skates” score at TV Academy
On March 6, USC Thornton Screen Scoring alumnus Jongnic Bontemps (GCRT ’12) conducted excerpts of his score for the new HBO documentary United Skates in a concert sponsored by the Television Academy to celebrate the launch of its new category for Best Documentary Score. John Legend, who produced the film, personally introduced Bontemps prior to the… Continue reading Jongnic Bontemps conducts his “United Skates” score at TV Academy
USC Thornton mourns the loss of Jazz Studies student Victor McElhaney
We honor Victor’s life and send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends in this time of grief and tragedy.
Thornton faculty and alumni nominated G.A.N.G. Awards
The video game industry’s leading organization, Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.), recently announced the 2019 G.A.N.G. Award finalists. Among the nominees were Garry Schyman, a USC Thornton Screen Scoring faculty member, as well as two USC Thornton alumni, Bear McCreary ’02 and Austin Wintory ’07. Schyman was nominated in 3 G.A.N.G award categories for his… Continue reading Thornton faculty and alumni nominated G.A.N.G. Awards
LA Philharmonic Association to honor Ndugu Chancler
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association will honor the late Ndugu Chancler, a former USC Thornton Jazz Studies and Popular Music faculty member, during the 41st annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, June 8-9. Hosted by George Lopez, the celebration of Chancler will be held with Patrice Rushen, Chair of Thornton’s Popular Music program,… Continue reading LA Philharmonic Association to honor Ndugu Chancler
Sturdivant Adams premieres new symphony in Poland
USC Thornton Screen Scoring Master’s student Sturdivant Adams presented the world premiere of his Symphony No. 2 this February at the POLIN Music Festival in Warsaw, Poland. Commissioned by POLIN Museum in 2017 as part of the 2016 European Museum of the Year Award, the piece was performed by Penderecki’s Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra (Warsaw Symphonic… Continue reading Sturdivant Adams premieres new symphony in Poland
Jej Vinson excels on ‘The Voice’
Last night, USC Thornton Popular Music alum Jej Vinson won a spot on NBC’s The Voice with a performance of Drake’s “Passionfruit” that stunned the judges – Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, John Legend and Blake Shelton. Shelton said, “We all feel like we’re looking at the winner of The Voice this season,” before the 22-year-old… Continue reading Jej Vinson excels on ‘The Voice’
Daniel Carlin quoted in UpRoxx’s article on the scoring of ‘Black Panther’
Daniel Carlin, USC Thornton’s Vice Dean of the Contemporary Music Division and Chair of the Screen Scoring Program, was recently quoted in UpRoxx’s article on the success of the score for Black Panther, composed by Screen Scoring alumnus Ludwig Göransson (GC ’08). Carlin discussed how for much of Hollywood’s history only musicals focused on songs rather… Continue reading Daniel Carlin quoted in UpRoxx’s article on the scoring of ‘Black Panther’
Vince Mendoza featured in Daily Trojan
Daily Trojan profiled USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Vince Mendoza to celebrate his 30 GRAMMY Award nominations for his work in jazz and classical music. This year, Mendoza earned two nominations – for “Mona Lisa” (Best Arrangement, Instrumentals and Vocals) and “If You Really Want” (Best Jazz Vocal Album) – at the music industry’s… Continue reading Vince Mendoza featured in Daily Trojan
Jon Burlingame gives Oscar insights on NPR’s Here and Now
Jon Burlingame, a faculty member in USC Thornton’s Screen Scoring program, joined NPR’s Here and Now last week to give his take on the favorites to win the Oscar for Best Original Song. He said hit songs such as “Shallow” from A Star Is Born, or “All the Stars” from Black Panther, resonate with Oscar… Continue reading Jon Burlingame gives Oscar insights on NPR’s Here and Now