Christian Amonson records “Spem in Alium: A Choral Adoration” by Christ Cathedral Music
USC Thornton Music Technology faculty member Christian Amonson was the recording engineer for the album, Spem in Alium: A Choral Adoration, by the music ministry of Christ Cathedral in Orange County. It is the first-ever choral recording in the cathedral sanctuary that showcases various singers from 30 parishes throughout the Diocese of Orange. The new… Continue reading Christian Amonson records “Spem in Alium: A Choral Adoration” by Christ Cathedral Music
Andrew Shulman to teach masterclasses and perform in concerts around the UK and Ireland
USC Thornton Strings department faculty member Andrew Shulman will be teaching masterclasses and performing in concerts in the United Kingdom and Ireland in May. The masterclasses will take place at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin on May 12, the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on May 14, the Royal College… Continue reading Andrew Shulman to teach masterclasses and perform in concerts around the UK and Ireland
Troy Quinn to conduct Nas with the Boston Pops
Troy Quinn, a faculty member in the USC Thornton Conducting program, will lead a Boston Pops program featuring rapper Nas on June 27 at Tanglewood. The concert is part of Tanglewood’s Popular Artist Series. Quinn made his Boston Symphony Orchestra debut at their New Year’s Eve celebration. *** Photo courtesy of USC Thornton.
Jennifer Marotta, Equity Arc Wind Symphony Perform
Trumpet player and USC Thornton faculty member Jennifer Marotta was featured in a CBS “60 Minutes” segment that aired on March 16, covering the United States Marine Band concert with teens from Equity Arc that was canceled due to an executive order banning DEI programs throughout the government. The story covered how a new concert… Continue reading Jennifer Marotta, Equity Arc Wind Symphony Perform
Juan Pablo Contreras named co-chair of New Music USA’s Board of Directors
Juan Pablo Contreras (DMA ’21), a USC Thornton Composition program faculty member and alumnus, was named the new co-chair of New Music USA’s Board of Directors alongside Anne-Marie Spataru, effective July 1, 2025. Contreras and Spataru will guide New Music USA into its next chapter, as the organization’s Board begins recruitment for its next president… Continue reading Juan Pablo Contreras named co-chair of New Music USA’s Board of Directors
Patrice Rushen receives Roland Corporation Lifetime Achievement Award
USC Thornton Popular Music program faculty member Patrice Rushen received Roland Corporation’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show in Anaheim, CA. Roland Corporation is a manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments. Rushen was awarded for impacting the music industry as a trailblazer and mentor to young musicians.… Continue reading Patrice Rushen receives Roland Corporation Lifetime Achievement Award
Carl St.Clair named one of the 125 most influential people in Orange County
Carl St.Clair, artistic leader and principal conductor of the USC Thornton Orchestras, was named one of the 125 most influential people in Orange County by the OC Register. St.Clair was recognized for his impact as the Pacific Symphony’s music director for 35 years. This list by the OC Register aims to highlight people who made… Continue reading Carl St.Clair named one of the 125 most influential people in Orange County
Camae Ayewa Receives Acclaim in Minneapolis & Philadelphia
USC Thornton Composition program faculty member Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother) was named on a list of the “Top 10 Classical Music Events of 2024” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “In one of the most powerful artistic experiences I’ve had this century, the audaciously courageous composer and poet Camae Ayewa and seven musicians confronted the legacy… Continue reading Camae Ayewa Receives Acclaim in Minneapolis & Philadelphia
Seth Parker Woods included in The New York Times’ list of “Best Classical Music Albums of 2024”
Seth Parker Woods, Robert Mann Chair in Strings and Chamber Music at USC Thornton, was included in The New York Times‘ list of “Best Classical Music Albums of 2024.” Woods was recognized for his performance as a featured soloist in Wild Up’s Eastman Vol. 4: The Holy Presence, an exploration of composer Julius Eastman’s works… Continue reading Seth Parker Woods included in The New York Times’ list of “Best Classical Music Albums of 2024”
Amy Blackman
Amy Blackman was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. After receiving an MA in Cultural Anthropology from Columbia University, she began a career in artist management, based in Los Angeles. For 18 years, Blackman managed the global businesses of multi-Grammy Award winning music artists and producers. Between 2007-2011, she was made cultural ambassador for the US… Continue reading Amy Blackman