Thornton Student Ambassadors Look Back: Part 1
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On the eve of graduating, USC Thornton Student Ambassadors reflect on what they’ve learned, offering lessons and perspectives to the incoming class.
Photo by Benjamin Chua
Justin Gilmore-Gresham
B.M. Jazz Studies (Trumpet) and a Music Industry Minor (’21)
What is something you wish you knew as a first-year student at the Thornton School?
Take advantage of all the resources that are readily available both within the school and the University.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at USC?
Marching it down the field with the USC Trojan Marching Band for the first time at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and hearing the roar of all the fans as we spelled out “USC” and “Trojans”. It’s a humbling experience getting to do that every week despite the weather.
What is the best advice a Thornton faculty, staff or student gave you while studying at Thornton?
From my professor, Sean Holt: “Don’t be afraid to be bold and go outside the box.”
What advice would you give to new Thornton students?
Don’t be afraid to get to know those outside of your discipline and also in different schools.
What are your plans for next year?
Continuing my studies here at USC within the Jazz Studies Master’s Program and taking part in any other opportunities that come my way.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Campagna
Rachel Campagna
B.M. Oboe Performance and a Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor (’21)
What is something you wish you knew as a first-year student at the Thornton School?
I wish I knew just how willing everyone from across all divisions of Thornton was to collaborate. As the years went on, I realized that there are so many opportunities for cross-genre collaboration, and I encourage first-year students to look into these opportunities further. If what you want to do hasn’t been done yet, take initiative and create the space for it – you will be supported every step of the way!
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at USC?
One of my favorite memories from my time at USC is performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Thornton Wind Ensemble in April 2019. The feeling of being on that stage is unmatched!
What is the best advice a Thornton faculty, staff or student gave you while studying at Thornton?
The best advice I have received while at Thornton was from my oboe teacher, Dr. Joel Timm. He constantly reminds me that in order to really go far in this field, and in life, the most important thing is to always be my truest, most authentic self, and success and happiness will closely follow!
What advice would you give to new Thornton students?
I would encourage new Thornton students to really branch out of their comfort zones. Doing this will oftentimes lead you to something new and exciting, and that exploration of different interests will only enrich your musical life. Doing this myself has completely shifted the way that I approach my musicianship and the field of classical music in the best way possible.
What are your plans for next year?
I will be going to Northwestern University on a full-tuition scholarship to pursue a Master of Music degree in oboe performance!
Photo by Ken Yanagisawa
Bradley Bascon
B.M. Violin Performance (’21)
What is something you wish you knew as a first-year student at the Thornton School?
I wish I had known how fun and insightful conducting was. I would have gotten into it a lot sooner.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at USC?
One of my favorite memories, among many more, is collaborating with the Popular Music department for a performance for the Board of Trustees in Santa Barbara.
What is the best advice a Thornton faculty, staff or student gave you while studying at Thornton?
Paraphrasing from Maestro Carl St.Clair in conversation with Leonard Bernstein, “Cowboy, if you knew this was the last concert you would ever give, would you not savor every note as if it were your last?”
What advice would you give to new Thornton students?
Ask questions, and you will receive an answer.
What are your plans for next year?
I will return to USC for my master’s degree.
Photo courtesy of Erica Lee
Erica Lee
B.M. Piano Performance and B.S. Business Administration (’21)
What is something you wish you knew as a first-year student at the Thornton School?
Seeking diverse opportunities will help you grow as a musician and open doors you never knew existed. It’s easy to want to find a place to “fit in” as a first-year student, but actively reaching outside your comfort zone and taking risks will allow you to see the world through a different lens.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at USC?
This isn’t a singular event, but my favorite memories at USC come from the late night practice sessions with my friends at Gateway. We aren’t pressed for time to get to another class or be somewhere, so we just enjoy each other’s company and practice.
What is the best advice a Thornton faculty, staff or student gave you while studying at Thornton?
I think one of the best pieces of wisdom I ever received from a faculty member was that by being in an environment with so many talented musicians, it becomes easy to be self-critical and too focused on academic achievement. While being focused and driven is a great thing, we should not doubt our love for music and remind ourselves that we are 100% competent to achieve the things we want to achieve.
What advice would you give to new Thornton students?
Thornton will give you the tools and opportunities you need to succeed, but it’s up to you to choose which ones you want to take. Your career is yours to build and I hope that each and every one of you find a unique place for yourself in the music world during your college career.
What are your plans for next year?
I will be continuing at USC to pursue my master’s degree! I’ll also be working on starting a business that I’ll maintain alongside my studies.
The USC Thornton Student Ambassadors are currently enrolled undergraduate students at the USC Thornton School of Music and are committed to enhancing the experience for all students, present and future. Ambassadors are a great point of contact for prospective and admitted students to learn more about the USC Thornton undergraduate experience! To connect with a current ambassador, email Brittany Jimenez at seits@usc.edu. Check out the Thornton Student Ambassador – Alumni page to learn more about previous Ambassadors and their undergraduate experience.
