ENSEMBLES

USC Thornton Vocal Jazz Ensemble

The USC Thornton Vocal Jazz Ensemble is the university’s home for vocal jazz, popular song and a cappella group performance

Crescendo Vocal Jazz Ensemble students perform onstage singing into microphones wearing concert attire.

About

The USC Thornton Vocal Jazz Ensemble is the university’s home for vocal jazz, popular song and a cappella group performance. Performing on mic and with a full rhythm section, the ensemble presents material from the American Songbook as well as works from contemporary composers and arrangers.

Ensemble Information

The ensemble is directed by Jazz Studies faculty member Katie Thiroux.

Katie Thiroux playing her double bass with a dark blue background.

Bandleader, educator and mentor Katie Thiroux has earned critical acclaim and congressional recognition for her trailblazing contributions to the field of jazz.

The USC Thornton Vocal Jazz Ensemble operates under the auspices of the Jazz Studies program, one of the first free-standing jazz studies departments in the nation.

Ensemble Performances

The USC Thornton Vocal Jazz Ensemble performs annually at USC and at various festivals and music venues across California. Past performances include “We Love Ella! A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald” hosted by Natalie Cole and Patti Austin; LA Live; The Oceanside Jazz Festival; USC’s Jazz Day and Vitello’s Jazz Club.

Students perform at a CreSCendo concert at USC.

Stay Connected

Visit our season’s calendar of events for upcoming performances at the School of Music, including the USC Thornton Vocal Jazz Ensemble or connect with us on social media for more @USCThornton content.