Acknowledgements

There are a number of people without whom this concert would not have been possible.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Sparks, Dr. Scheibe, Dr. Grases, and Dr. Strimple for the ways that you have shaped this program and allowed me this opportunity, as well as for your invaluable instruction. I am privileged to learn from you.

To my conducting instructor, Dr. Troy Quinn—you have imparted critical insights in my recital preparation process, and your guidance on this music has enabled me to conduct this difficult repertoire with clarity and confidence. Thank you for your attention and inspiration!

To So-Mang, our collaborative pianist—you continue to inspire me! You are a remarkable musician who cares deeply for the purpose beyond the notes on the page. Thank you for contributing true beauty to this performance, an for being the inspiration behind the instrumental interludes. I am delighted to collaborate with you.

To my wife, Gabrielle—I would not have the capacity nor the time to pursue this degree without your willingness to take on so much at home. The sacrifice that you make to keep our children and our family thriving is tremendous, and I can never stop thinking about it. Thank you for believing me enough to make this possible, and for possessing the strength to help me follow through on this endeavor, even as you toil on the home front—day in and day out—for what must seem like an eternity to you. I would not be here if it were not for you.

DEPARTMENT OF CHORAL & SACRED MUSIC FACULTY

Tram Sparks

Chair and Associate Professor of Practice, Choral & Sacred Music

Cristian Grases

Professor, Choral & Sacred Music

Jo-Michael Scheibe

Professor, Choral & Sacred Music

Nick Strimple

Professor of Practice, Choral & Sacred Music

Suzi Digby

Adjunct Professor, Choral & Sacred Music

Museop Kim

Adjunct Instructor in Vocal Arts

Troy Quinn

Adjunct Instructor in Conducting

Iris Levine

Part-Time Faculty

Mikhail Shtangrud

Part-Time Faculty

DEPARTMENT OF CHORAL & SACRED MUSIC GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Collin Boothby

Stevie Hirner

Ali Sandweiss Hodges

Michael Raleigh

Connor Scott

Laura Leigh Spillane

Nicholas Tham

DEPARTMENT OF CHORAL & SACRED MUSIC DONORS

We are grateful to the following individuals who have made contributions to the

USC Thornton Department of Choral & Sacred Music since July 1, 2017.

Anonymous, Charles Albers, Victor Apanovitch, Elizabeth Armour & Jonathan Lewis, Kristin & Larry Ball,

Jane & Robin Blomquist, Jennifer & Donald Brinegar, Robert E. Brooks, Kellie & Aaron Custino,

Dr. Harold A. Daugherty Jr., Elizabeth Molly Flier, Joanne & Nathaniel Fryml, Lisa Hane & Hugh Rienhoff,

Jazmine Harnishfeger-Brand, Dr. Todd J. Harper & Connie C. Kim, Lisa H. Harrington, Tamara & Mark Hatwan,

Dr. Carl W. Haywood, Dr. Stephanie Henry, Margaret P. & Guilbert C. Hentschke, Barbara A. & Wayne Hirabayashi, Nancy & James Holland, Debora Lee Huffman, Dr. Buddy Oscar James, Young Lee-Ko & Seungseop Ko,

Daniel Lee, Dr. Yewon Lee, Dr. Iris Sue Levine, Shou-Ping Liu, Hazel & James Lord, Dr. Marguerite Marsh,

Joan Mattei, Dr. Stanley R. McDaniel, Patricia & John McIntyre, Dr. Donald B. & Mary C. Miller,

Shirley & John G. Morgan, Music Celebrations International, LLC, Mr. David Noble, Christine Marie Ofiesh,

Peter & Masha Plotkin Memorial Foundation, Pawasut Piriyapongrat, Thomas B. Ringland, Rose F. Sapia,

Margaret & Christopher Saranec, Virginia Sato & Raymond Bates, Mary & Jo-Michael Scheibe, Nicole D. Singer, Virginia & Thomas Somerville, Tram N. Sparks, Christian D. Stendel, Toni & Nick Strimple,

The Donald & Alice Noble Foundation, Town & Gown of USC, Leslie J. & Jeffrey B. Unger,

Barbara & James Harold Vail, Gregory Wait, John P. Wiscombe, Pamela & Donald ("Jeff") Wright,

Janice Lynn Wyma, Ruth & David Yoder

Please contact the USC Thornton Office of Advancement at music.advancement@usc.edu

or (213) 740-6474 if you would like more information on how to contribute to the

USC Thornton Department of Choral & Sacred Music.