Moonchild embarks on international tour with new album
The band Moonchild, which was formed at USC Thornton in 2012 by Jazz Studies alumni Amber Navran (’12), Max Bryk (’11), and Andris Mattson (’13), is currently in the midst of an extensive North American tour. The Jazz and R&B-influenced group, which has opened for Stevie Wonder, Jose James, and Georgia Anne Muldrow, is promoting… Continue reading Moonchild embarks on international tour with new album
Peter Erskine releases new trio album
Peter Erskine, jazz drummer and director of Drumset Studies at USC Thornton, recently released a new trio album, In Praise of Shadows. The trio features Erskine, bassist Damian Erskine, and pianist Vardan Ovsepian, who wrote several of the tracks. Electronic valve instrumentalist Judd Miller and cellist Artyom Manukyan are guest artists on the album. All… Continue reading Peter Erskine releases new trio album
Thornton Combo takes top prize at Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival
The USC Thornton Jazz Composers Collective recently took first place at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival. Under the direction of faculty member Vince Mendoza, the Composers Collective performed all original music and have been invited back for a special engagement at the Monterey Jazz Festival this coming September. Thornton saxophonist and DMA candidate Ramsey… Continue reading Thornton Combo takes top prize at Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival
Peter Erskine quoted in LA Times article about “La La Land”
Peter Erskine, legendary jazz drummer and director of Drumset Studies at USC Thornton, was recently featured in a Los Angeles Times article about his work as a session musician for the award-winning film, La La Land. The film explores a musician’s crisis of conscience about performing music simply to earn a paycheck. “I look at… Continue reading Peter Erskine quoted in LA Times article about “La La Land”
Strong USC Thornton showing in LA Phil’s 2017-18 season
The Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) recently announced its 2017-18 concert season, which includes featured performances by numerous USC Thornton faculty and alumni. In December, the Calder Quartet, which includes Thornton alumni Benjamin Jacobson (BM’01, MM’07, violin), Andrew Bulbrook (BM ’02, violin), Jonathan Moerschel (BM ’01, MM ’03, viola) and Eric Byers (BM ’03, cello),… Continue reading Strong USC Thornton showing in LA Phil’s 2017-18 season
Vince Mendoza releases album with WDR Big Band
The WDR Big Band will release an album of music by USC Thornton Jazz composer and alumnus Vince Mendoza, who is currently Composer in Residence and 1st Guest Conductor for the Cologne, Germany, based ensemble. Homecoming, which will be released March 3rd, features 7 original tracks composed especially for the band and recorded live at… Continue reading Vince Mendoza releases album with WDR Big Band
Alumnus Ray Zepeda presents a Milton Babbitt tribute concert
Saxophonist Ray Zepeda (MM ’98, Jazz Studies), founder and artistic director of the Bakersfield New Music Collective, recently organized a tribute concert for the serial composer, Milton Babbitt. The free event, entitled “Re-Imagining Milton Babbitt: A Centennial Celebration for an Exceptional American,” took place at The Mark in downtown Bakersfield and featured seminal pieces by… Continue reading Alumnus Ray Zepeda presents a Milton Babbitt tribute concert
Alumna, jazz violinist Nora Germain authors new book
Jazz violinist and USC Thornton alumna Nora Germain (’14) recently authored a book entitled, Go For It… Surviving the Challenges of Becoming an Artist. Presented as vignettes from Germain’s professional life story, the book strives to encourage young artists to find their entrepreneurial spirit. In a video on her website, Germain said, “I discuss issues… Continue reading Alumna, jazz violinist Nora Germain authors new book
Michael Stever
Jazz trumpeter and composer Michael Stever teaches at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. An alumnus of the school, Stever has performed widely, most notably as lead/solo trumpet for the “Mancini at the Movies” tour, and has recorded with Steve Miller, Brian Culbertson, Eric Marienthal, and Eric Darius. As a composer, Michael… Continue reading Michael Stever
Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire to premiere work with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
This February, jazz trumpeter and USC Thornton alumnus Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ‘07, jazz studies) will premiere an original composition with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s “Liquid Music” series. Akinmusire’s piece was co-commissioned by the Ecstatic Music Festival and he created the work with rapper Kool A.D. The premiere will include performances by the Mivos Quartet,… Continue reading Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire to premiere work with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra