Daedelus creates original score for Chaplin film
USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Alfred Darlington (’00), known professionally as Daedelus, recently presented an original electronic music score to Charlie Chaplin’s 1917 silent film, “Easy Street.” The live performance was part of a film series at Fig@7th known as UnSilent Cinema, in which contemporary musicians perform original accompaniment to silent films.
Ronald McCurdy co-authors article on changing trends in performing arts education
USC Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Ronald C. McCurdy co-authored an article in the October edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education entitled “The New Performing-Arts Curriculum.” The article, with contributions from faculty members of Clemson University in South Carolina, examined the need for performance and arts-related degree programs to adapt curricula to accommodate a… Continue reading Ronald McCurdy co-authors article on changing trends in performing arts education
Greg Phillinganes brings all-star band to campus to perform with students
On Friday, Oct. 21, noted musical director Greg Phillinganes brought an all-star band to campus for a special Popular Music Forum featuring musicians from the bands of Michael Jackson, The Tonight Show, and more. After running the band through examples of musical genres, from Rihanna’s “Work” to Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” and Willie… Continue reading Greg Phillinganes brings all-star band to campus to perform with students
Jazz Studies alumni contribute tips for a successful music career
USC Thornton alumna Amber Navran (BM ’12, jazz studies) has contributed to a feature article on MajoringInMusic.com that presents jazz majors with advice for building a music career after college. Navaran suggests that it’s important to stay positive, to support peers in the music industry, and to be open to performing different types of music.… Continue reading Jazz Studies alumni contribute tips for a successful music career
Alex Hahn and Jon Hatamiya join the Thelonious Monk Institute
Two USC Thornton Jazz Studies alums, saxophonist Alex Hahn (’16, jazz studies) and trombonist Jon Hatamiya (’16, jazz studies), have been admitted to the highly-regarded Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance. Each fall, the two-year, full-scholarship program admits an ensemble of seven talented jazz musicians to study both individually and as a group. Jon Hatamiya… Continue reading Alex Hahn and Jon Hatamiya join the Thelonious Monk Institute
Thornton takes center stage in new USC NCAA spot
Last week, the University of Southern California debuted its new 2016 institutional TV spot to national audiences during the NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the University of Alabama. The 30-second spot, which will air throughout the athletic season, highlights the arts USC and features a number of USC Thornton student musicians. close… Continue reading Thornton takes center stage in new USC NCAA spot
Bob Mintzer and Vince Mendoza take the lead with German big band
USC Thornton Jazz Studies chair Bob Mintzer has been named Chief Conductor of the WDR Big Band, an ensemble sponsored by public broadcaster WDR in Cologne, Germany. To celebrate Mintzer’s appointment, the band recently held a welcome concert for their new conductor. Mintzer brings a wealth of experience to his new position. A renowned bandleader… Continue reading Bob Mintzer and Vince Mendoza take the lead with German big band
Bob Mintzer to perform at 30th anniversary season of Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
USC Thornton Jazz Studies chair Bob Mintzer will take part in the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild’s 30th anniversary season. The series of shows will celebrate both the jazz legacy of Pittsburgh and the history of the venerable North Side venue. The season opens on September 23, 2016 with vocalist Bobby McFerrin. Mintzer will perform with his… Continue reading Bob Mintzer to perform at 30th anniversary season of Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
Alumna Renée Elise Goldsberry wins Tony for “Hamilton”
Renée Elise Goldsberry (MM ’97, jazz studies), singer, actress, and USC Thornton alumna, won a Tony Award for her performance as Angelica Schuyler Church in the Broadway musical, Hamilton. At the Sunday, June 12th award ceremony at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, Goldsberry delivered an emotional speech, thanking her supportive family and her fellow cast-members.… Continue reading Alumna Renée Elise Goldsberry wins Tony for “Hamilton”
Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire on his Miles Davis film collaboration with Don Cheadle
For years, Oscar nominee Don Cheadle has been struggling to bring his biopic of legendary musician Miles Davis, Miles Ahead, which premiered in April, to the silver screen. As Cheadle strove to capture Davis’ “unorthodox journey,” he enlisted the help of trumpeter, USC Thornton alumnus, and former Jazz Studies faculty member, Ambrose Akinmusire (MM ’07,… Continue reading Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire on his Miles Davis film collaboration with Don Cheadle