Lina Bahn offers auditioning advice on The Violin Channel
The Violin Channel recently turned to USC Thornton Strings faculty member Lina Bahn for its “Ask the Pros” series on the topic of auditioning for music schools. In addition to offering advice about preparation, Bahn pointed to the shortcomings of the audition process as opportunities to grow and develop as a musician. Her tips for… Continue reading Lina Bahn offers auditioning advice on The Violin Channel
Violin alumni win orchestral positions
Two USC Thornton Strings alumni have recently won orchestral positions. Helen Kim (BM ’09) was appointed principal 2nd violin of the San Francisco Symphony in the spring of 2017. And Michelle Black (BM ’11) won a first violin position with the Indianapolis Symphony in May. Both were students of faculty member Margaret Batjer, who serves… Continue reading Violin alumni win orchestral positions
This Saturday, Thornton celebrates new music from “Noon to Midnight” with the LA Phil
On Saturday, November 18th, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will welcome the city’s most adventurous music audiences to Walt Disney Concert Hall for a day-long celebration of contemporary composition, Noon to Midnight. In addition to performances by Steven Schick, Rage Thormbones, LA Signal Lab, Los Angeles Electric 8, wild Up, red fish blue fish, gnarwhallaby, SASSAS,… Continue reading This Saturday, Thornton celebrates new music from “Noon to Midnight” with the LA Phil
Thornton students sweep video performance competition
Students from USC Thornton’s Classical Division have swept the first James Ramos International Video Competition, a joint venture of the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) and Social Media Works. Recognizing that Youtube and Facebook have become important video platforms for musicians to audition and to share their artistry with the world, the competition… Continue reading Thornton students sweep video performance competition
Marek Szpakiewicz appointed Director of String Studies at Azusa Pacific
Cellist and USC Thornton alumnus Marek Szpakiewicz (MM ’01, DMA ’08) has been appointed Director of String Studies at Azusa Pacific University’s School of Music. Szpakiewicz has been teaching cello and chamber music at APU since 2005 and has served as Director of Chamber Music since 2014. His students have won top prizes at numerous… Continue reading Marek Szpakiewicz appointed Director of String Studies at Azusa Pacific
Argus Quartet wins prestigious Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition
The Argus Quartet recently won first prize in the annual Concert Artists Guild’s Victor Elmaleh Competition. The quartet includes USC Thornton alumni Clara Kim (DM ’15, violin) and Jason Issokan (MM ’10, violin), along with violist Dana Kelley and cellist Jo Whang. Along with co-winner, pianist Dominic Cheli, the quartet will receive a cash prize… Continue reading Argus Quartet wins prestigious Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition
Five Thornton musicians win principal positions with the American Youth Symphony
Five USC Thornton students and alumni have become principal chairs with the Los Angeles-based American Youth Symphony for the 2017-18 season. Student Tiffany Chung will serve as principal second violin, alongside principal oboe Laura Arganbright, and principal clarinet Sergio Coelho (GRCT ’16), while alumna Lieza Hansen (MM ’16) will serve as principal bassoon and Amy… Continue reading Five Thornton musicians win principal positions with the American Youth Symphony
Applications are now open for the LA Phil’s Hack Music LA
Applications are now open for Hack Music LA, a two-day event (October 7 & 8) that will bring together 75 of the country’s most creative makers to develop tools and experiences to expand music for all. The innovative, music-inspired hackathon is hosted by the LA Phil in partnership with the USC Thornton School of Music… Continue reading Applications are now open for the LA Phil’s Hack Music LA
Alumna Michelle Tseng joins the LA Phil
Violinist Michelle Tseng (’13, GCRT ’17), an alumna of the USC Thornton Strings program, recently joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) as a Second Violinist. She has performed as a soloist with the Torrance, Downey, Peninsula, South Coast, USC, and Rio Hondo Symphonies and served as concertmaster under conductors David Robertson, Alan Gilbert, and… Continue reading Alumna Michelle Tseng joins the LA Phil
The Calder Quartet signs recording deal with Pentatone
The Calder Quartet, which includes USC 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), has signed an exclusive recording deal with Pentatone. The ensemble, which is known for its artful interpretations of both classical and contemporary repertoire, will… Continue reading The Calder Quartet signs recording deal with Pentatone