Thornton alumni garner 2022 Emmy nominations
Three USC Thornton alumni have been recognized with 2022 Emmy nominations. Music director and Thornton Jazz Studies Department alumnus Eli Brueggemann (MM ’03) was nominated for Outstanding Music Direction for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” Executive producer and Thornton Music Industry program alumnus Bobby Campbell (’08) received a nomination for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-recorded)… Continue reading Thornton alumni garner 2022 Emmy nominations
Peter Erskine named to the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame
Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member and GRAMMY Award-winning drummer Peter Erskine was named to the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame this year. The Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame was established in 1972 to recognize the contributions of the most highly regarded leaders in percussion performance, education, research, scholarship, administration, composition and the industry.
Ron McCurdy appointed to the Association of European Conservatories’ Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality Working Group
Ron McCurdy, assistant dean of Thornton’s justice, equity, diversity and inclusion committee and a professor in the jazz studies department, has been appointed to the Association of European Conservatories’ Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality Working Group.
Branden Brown premieres film score at Palm Springs International ShortFest
Thornton Jazz Studies Department alumnus Branden Brown (’21) will premiere his first original film score for What I Had to Leave Behind at the Academy Award and BAFTA-qualifying 28th Palm Springs International ShortFest in June. Brown’s score features instrumentalists and fellow Thornton alumni Ethan Chilton (’20, M.M. ’22), Cyrus Elia (’20) and Lauren Ellis (’21),… Continue reading Branden Brown premieres film score at Palm Springs International ShortFest
Lauren Ellis interviewed by Peter Erskine in Modern Drummer magazine
Jazz studies alumna Lauren Ellis (MM ’21) was interviewed by her former professor and mentor, Thornton Jazz Studies faculty member Peter Erskine, in the June 2022 issue of Modern Drummer magazine. Their discussion ranged from women in jazz music to perseverance in the music industry to embracing spontanety during performances.
Katie Thiroux
Following her prodigious beginnings on bass at age 8 and studies under renowned vocalist Tierney Sutton at 12, Katie Thiroux was mentored by the legendary bassist John Clayton and was awarded a Phil Ramone Presidential Scholarship to Berklee College of Music while gaining experience on the bandstand with artists including Terrell Safford, Terri Lyne Carrington,… Continue reading Katie Thiroux
Jon Hatamiya
Since first arriving to Los Angeles in 2014, trombonist, composer and B.A.C. endorsing artist Jon Hatamiya has established himself as a go-to creative and improvising musician in L.A.’s vast music scene. Noted as one of the most promising trombonists to emerge from the Sacramento area, Hatamiya’s journey led him to New York and then Los… Continue reading Jon Hatamiya
Gretchen Parlato wins 2022 German Jazz Prize
USC Thornton alumna and GRAMMY-nominated composer and vocalist Gretchen Parlato recently won a German Jazz Prize for Vocal Album of the Year (International) at Deutscher Jazzpreis 2022 for her album Flor. The Deutscher Jazzpreis aims to highlight the diversity and creativity of the German jazz scene and honors exceptional, artistic and innovative achievements in a… Continue reading Gretchen Parlato wins 2022 German Jazz Prize
Henry Solomon performs with HAIM at the Hollywood Bowl
Saxophonist, composer, producer and USC Thornton Jazz Studies alumnus Henry Solomon (’18) performed with HAIM during their sold-out homecoming show at the Hollywood Bowl on May 1. Solomon is currently on tour with the band and was previously featured in the music video for their single “Summer Girl.” Earlier this year, he released an EP… Continue reading Henry Solomon performs with HAIM at the Hollywood Bowl
Thornton Jazz Studies Department students named winners at DownBeat’s 45th Annual Student Music Awards
Several USC Thornton Jazz Studies Department students won awards in DownBeat’s 45th annual Student Music Awards. These awards will be published in the June edition of DownBeat Magazine. The Michael Neufeld Quintet, led by USC Thornton faculty member Michael Stever, won in the category of asynchronous small jazz combo for undergraduate college outstanding performance. Trombonist,… Continue reading Thornton Jazz Studies Department students named winners at DownBeat’s 45th Annual Student Music Awards