Luca Mendoza and USC Thornton jazz ensembles win in DownBeat’s 43rd Annual Student Music Awards
The USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra, the Thornton Monday Night Band, and undergraduate pianist and composer Luca Mendoza were winners in DownBeat’s 43rd Annual Student Music Awards. The awards will be published in DownBeat’s June issue. The USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra, led by Bob Mintzer, won in the category Large Jazz Ensemble for Graduate College Outstanding… Continue reading Luca Mendoza and USC Thornton jazz ensembles win in DownBeat’s 43rd Annual Student Music Awards
Thornton alumni musicians host and perform online concerts with U.S. Army Field Band
The United States Army Field Band, featuring many alumni of USC Thornton, has launched We Stand Ready, a series of daily concerts streamed live on the band’s YouTube channel. The full-length, interactive concerts are hosted by the band’s members, such as USC Thornton alums Kevin Pick (MM ’01) and J.G. Miller (DMA ’13). While the… Continue reading Thornton alumni musicians host and perform online concerts with U.S. Army Field Band
Kathleen Grace releases single ahead of April 17 album release
Jazz Studies alum and current faculty member Kathleen Grace (MM ’04) has released a new song, “Everywhere,” off of her forthcoming album Tie Me To You, made in collaboration with pianist Larry Goldings. The duo released the album’s first single, “Where Or When,” on Feb. 10. “It’s a strange time to be releasing music but… Continue reading Kathleen Grace releases single ahead of April 17 album release
Daily Trojan highlights Live! From Somewhere performance series
The Daily Trojan, USC’s student-led newspaper, recently highlighted USC Thornton’s new video series, Live! From Somewhere. The series was launched on March 16 in response to recent closures and event cancellations, and as the school’s artists have looked for ways to continue making music while social distancing. Live! From Somewhere presents homemade performances by Thornton… Continue reading Daily Trojan highlights Live! From Somewhere performance series
Roy McCurdy to be inducted into Rochester Music Hall of Fame
Jazz Studies faculty member Roy McCurdy has been announced as one of the 2020 class of inductees into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. A native of Rochester, McCurdy has made his city proud as a world-renowned jazz percussionist. He has recorded and toured with a long list of jazz legends, including Count Basie, Ella… Continue reading Roy McCurdy to be inducted into Rochester Music Hall of Fame
Gerald Clayton named artistic director and conductor of Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
Thornton alum Gerald Clayton (BM ’07) was recently announced as the Artistic Director and conductor of the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Jazz Orchestra for 2020-2022. The 50th annual Next Generation Jazz Festival, organized by the Monterey Jazz Festival, will take place April 3-5 and showcase over 1,300 middle and high school musicians. Clayton is… Continue reading Gerald Clayton named artistic director and conductor of Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
Thornton artists feature prominently in Carnegie Hall 2020-21 season
Carnegie Hall has announced its 2020-21 season, with concerts featuring a number of USC Thornton artists. The Los Angeles Philharmonic returns to Carnegie Hall this season, after a 30 year absence, with two of four concerts featuring work by Composition faculty member and Thornton alum Andrew Norman (BM ’02, MM ’04). Oct. 8, the LA… Continue reading Thornton artists feature prominently in Carnegie Hall 2020-21 season
Daniel Weidlein produces debut album by vocal artist Julie Craig
USC Thornton Jazz Studies alum Daniel Weidlein (BM ’12) recently produced, arranged and orchestrated the debut album by vocal artist Julie Craig, From Here, released on Jan. 10. On the album, Craig, who is known for her roles in Broadway shows such as “Les Miserables” and “West Side Story,” performs classics and original music, backed… Continue reading Daniel Weidlein produces debut album by vocal artist Julie Craig
Thornton faculty perform at annual Jazz Education Network Conference
USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty recently performed at the Jazz Education Network Conference on Jan. 7 in New Orleans, an annual conference bringing together jazz professionals, educators and students.
Sara Gazarek performs live set at Paste Studio NYC
USC Thornton alum and current Jazz Studies faculty member Sara Gazarek (BM ’04) recently performed a live set at Paste Studio NYC, performing three tracks from her latest album Thirsty Ghost. “The record is a truly, beautifully authentic representation of a very specific story, at a very particular time of my life,” Gazarek says of… Continue reading Sara Gazarek performs live set at Paste Studio NYC