USC Thornton Honors Combo
Traditional Jazz
The Thornton Jazz Honors Combo is a select group of students hand selected to represent the Jazz Studies department in high profile events. The group is comprised of some of the finest young jazz musicians in the country. The ensemble performs with various jazz masters throughout the year, tours, and records. The ensemble is directed by jazz studies faculty member Jason Goldman.
Gilbert Castellanos
Southern California trumpet virtuoso, Gilbert Castellanos, makes music that sounds effortless. Skilled with impressive dexterity and control, his clarity of expression moves listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Recognized as a new American master by Downbeat magazine, Castellanos has established himself as one of the nation’s most inventive improvisers in stirring live performances as a member of the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Anthony Wilson Nonet, Charles McPherson Quintet, Willie Jones III Quintet, and as leader of his own groups.
A passionate advocate of formal jazz education, Castellanos regularly conducts high school workshops and is a lecturer at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music.
