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.
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
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
Big beats that were hard to replace
Celebrated drummer Will Kennedy joined the USC Thornton Popular Music faculty this fall, taking over for the late Ndugu Chancler, a longtime faculty member beloved by students and faculty alike. Kennedy was first invited to campus as one of “The Magnificent Seven,” seven remarkable drummers Patrice Rushen, chair of the Popular Music program, called upon… Continue reading Big beats that were hard to replace
Sara Gazarek to preview new album in Seattle this weekend
Sara Gazarek, a USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member, is set to debut her seventh album in her hometown of Seattle at the Jazz Alley, Jan. 31 to Feb. 3. “Thirsty Ghost,” which is to be released later this year, shows a different side to Gazarek, breaking away from her typical upbeat and more optimistic… Continue reading Sara Gazarek to preview new album in Seattle this weekend
Peter Erskine’s “On Call” named one of the top jazz albums of 2018
USC Thornton faculty member Peter Erskine’s album, On Call – which was composed and performed by his band, Peter Erskine and the Dr. Um Band, was named the eighth best jazz album of 2018 in Preston Frazier’s Best of 2018 jazz survey. The Dr. Um Band is a collaboration between Erskine, Thornton faculty member Bob… Continue reading Peter Erskine’s “On Call” named one of the top jazz albums of 2018
USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra to perform with New York Voices at 2019 JEN Conference
The USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra is set to close the 2019 Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference on Saturday, January 12. The JEN Conference brings together jazz beginners and experts to celebrate the genre and to join together in keeping the love and education of jazz alive. Bob Mintzer, Thornton’s Bowen H. “Buzz” and Barbara M.… Continue reading USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra to perform with New York Voices at 2019 JEN Conference
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