Ennis Harris receives ISJAC/USF Prize for Emerging Black Composers
USC Thornton Jazz Studies DMA candidate Ennis Harris has been selected as the 2023 winner of the ISJAC/USF Prize for Emerging Black Composers. His song, “Eye in the Sky,” was performed by the USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra. The award is given to young, up-and-coming composers of color through a partnership between the International Society of… Continue reading Ennis Harris receives ISJAC/USF Prize for Emerging Black Composers
2022-2023 Year in Review
Looking back on a remarkable year at USC Thornton.
Kira Levin and Kenton Luck announced as winners of DownBeat’s 46th Annual Student Music Awards
USC Thornton students were announced as winners of the 46th Annual Student Music Awards in the June issue of DownBeat magazine. Kira Levin, undergraduate student of Jazz Studies faculty member Aarón Serfaty, won Best Vocal Jazz Soloist. Kenton Luck, graduate student of Jazz Studies faculty member Bob Mintzer, won Best Original Composition — Large Ensemble… Continue reading Kira Levin and Kenton Luck announced as winners of DownBeat’s 46th Annual Student Music Awards
Clarence Penn
Clarence Penn, a highly accomplished jazz drummer, is renowned for his remarkable talents in music composition, production and education. Since his arrival in New York City in 1991, Penn has collaborated with an impressive list of A-list artists, including Ellis and Wynton Marsalis, Maria Schneider, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Michael Brecker and Fourplay, among others.… Continue reading Clarence Penn
Quinn Dymalski releases big band record with USC Thornton and Cinematic Arts students and alumni
On Feb. 10, USC Thornton Jazz Studies student Quinn Dymalski released a big band record titled, “Quinny D. Big Band I.” Composed by Dymalski and featuring about 21 total USC Thornton and Cinematic Arts students and alumni, the album is described as an amalgamation of progressive rock, experimental pop and classical music influences. “Though still… Continue reading Quinn Dymalski releases big band record with USC Thornton and Cinematic Arts students and alumni
Rolling Stone celebrates Alan Pasqua’s music career in “Unknown Legends” interview
On Jan. 27, Rolling Stone published a career retrospective on USC Thornton professor of jazz studies and pianist Alan Pasqua in the latest edition of their interview series, Unknown Legends. The series chronicles long-form conversations between senior writer Andy Greene and veteran musicians with a long history of touring and recording alongside icons. Pasqua discussed… Continue reading Rolling Stone celebrates Alan Pasqua’s music career in “Unknown Legends” interview
Yellowjackets discuss legacy and career
On Jan. 6, GRAMMY.com interviewed the jazz fusion quartet Yellowjackets, comprising USC Thornton faculty members Will Kennedy and Bob Mintzer, recently-retired faculty member Russell Ferrante, and bassist Dane Alderson. The band members chose ten key songs which encompass different moments in their 40-year career, and spoke about past partnerships, song inspirations and the evolution of… Continue reading Yellowjackets discuss legacy and career
Paul Cornish featured in American Pianists Association documentary series
USC Thornton jazz studies alumnus Paul Cornish (BM ‘18) was featured in the American Pianists Association’s short documentary series ‘A Day in the Life’ that follows the 2023 American Pianists Award finalists. The newest segment, released Oct. 18, follows Cornish in Los Angeles and how he prepares for gigs and competitions, beginning piano, performing with… Continue reading Paul Cornish featured in American Pianists Association documentary series
Otmaro Ruiz
Otmaro Ruiz is a jazz pianist with a diverse musical skill set, ranging from straight-ahead and pop-rock, to fusion, salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz. Of Venezuelan heritage, he worked intensively in the Venezuela jazz scene before moving to Los Angeles in 1989. He has since received an honorary doctorate in musical arts from Shepherd University, and… Continue reading Otmaro Ruiz
Ron McCurdy inducted into University of Kansas Hall of Achievement
USC Thornton assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion and professor of jazz studies Ron McCurdy was inducted into the University of Kansas Nicholas Gerran, Sr. Hall of Achievement on Oct. 29. As part of the 50th anniversary of KU’s jazz program that featured performances by students and alumni, McCurdy was one of the four… Continue reading Ron McCurdy inducted into University of Kansas Hall of Achievement