https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/Recent posts from Newsen-usMon, 16 Mar 2026 02:06:00 -04:00http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssOmniUpdate (OU Publish)https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260311-acting-comes-to-usf-st-petersburg.aspxThe first acting class at USF St. Petersburg explores the basic elements of theater, with students developing greater confidence, command of their voice and essential public speaking experience.Cliff McBride and Matthew CimitileWed, 11 Mar 2026 14:44:10 Acting comes to USF St. PetersburgThe first acting class at USF St. Petersburg explores the basic elements of theater, with students developing greater confidence, command of their voice and essential public speaking experience.First acting classhttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260311-acting-comes-to-usf-st-petersburg.aspxCommunity Outreach,Students & Alumni,Theatre & Dancehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260216-honoring-tradition-through-a-world-class-wind-ensemble-conference-experience.aspxThe University of South Florida College of Design, Art & Performance School of Music will host the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) regional conference, February 19-21. Expanding on its 2018 role as host institution, USF again brings together national leadership for a multi-day exchange of ideas, repertoire, and performances.Michelle Sabo-SherwoodMon, 16 Feb 2026 15:52:10 Honoring Tradition through a World-Class Wind Ensemble Conference ExperienceThe University of South Florida College of Design, Art & Performance School of Music will host the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) regional conference, February 19-21. Expanding on its 2018 role as host institution, USF again brings together national leadership for a multi-day exchange of ideas, repertoire, and performances.USF Wind Ensemble members in bulls fountain in front of Marshall Center.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260216-honoring-tradition-through-a-world-class-wind-ensemble-conference-experience.aspxMusic,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260112-usf-artists-selected-for-the-ringlings-nuestro-vaiven-our-sway.aspxSeven USF College of Design, Art & Performance Art & Art History artists were selected for Nuestro Vaivén, an exhibition at The Ringling (now through March 22, 2026). This experience proudly showcases 22 artists who represent both the Americas and Florida, exploring various themes: expressions of beauty across visual traditions, health interpreted through stories of resilience, and cultural identity revealed in personal and collective narratives.Michelle Sabo-Sherwood, College of Design, Art & PerformanceMon, 12 Jan 2026 13:41:19 USF Artists Selected for The Ringling’s Nuestro Vaivén (Our Sway)Seven USF College of Design, Art & Performance Art & Art History artists were selected for Nuestro Vaivén, an exhibition at The Ringling (now through March 22, 2026). This experience proudly showcases 22 artists who represent both the Americas and Florida, exploring various themes: expressions of beauty across visual traditions, health interpreted through stories of resilience, and cultural identity revealed in personal and collective narratives.Headshots of participating artists.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2026/20260112-usf-artists-selected-for-the-ringlings-nuestro-vaiven-our-sway.aspxArt & Art History,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251203-maria-pellot-usf-alumna-reaching-recognition-as-fellow-of-aia.aspxWhen Maria first stepped onto the University of South Florida’s campus, she had just completed her undergraduate degree at Florida International University. With barely a week between programs, she arrived at USF’s School of Architecture & Community Design (SACD) eager, uncertain, and ready to immerse herself in a new academic home. What she found was more than just a graduate program; it was a community that would shape her career, her relationships, and her identity. Now a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), a distinction held by only 3% of licensed architects in the U.S., Maria reflects on her time at USF as the foundation of a career built on passion, purpose, and people.Derek Jordan, College of Design, Art & PerformanceWed, 03 Dec 2025 15:03:31 Maria Pellot, USF Alumna Reaching National Recognition as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA)When Maria first stepped onto the University of South Florida’s campus, she had just completed her undergraduate degree at Florida International University. With barely a week between programs, she arrived at USF’s School of Architecture & Community Design (SACD) eager, uncertain, and ready to immerse herself in a new academic home. What she found was more than just a graduate program; it was a community that would shape her career, her relationships, and her identity. Now a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), a distinction held by only 3% of licensed architects in the U.S., Maria reflects on her time at USF as the foundation of a career built on passion, purpose, and people.Maria Pellot giving an Architecture presentation.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20251203-maria-pellot-usf-alumna-reaching-recognition-as-fellow-of-aia.aspxArchitecture,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250306-richard-kings-sonic-mastery-strikes-gold-again.aspxFive Academy Awards. Three BAFTAs. A legacy that runs through the very fabric of modern cinema. Richard King’s name isn’t just etched into Hollywood history – it pulses through every frame of the films he touches. This year, the University of South Florida alum took home his fifth Oscar for Best Sound Editing on Dune: Part Two, cementing his place among the most decorated sound designers of all time.Jesus Gogo - College of Design, Art & Performance Communications and MarketingThu, 06 Mar 2025 14:53:17 USF Alum Richard King’s Sonic Mastery Strikes Gold – AgainFive Academy Awards. Three BAFTAs. A legacy that runs through the very fabric of modern cinema. Richard King’s name isn’t just etched into Hollywood history – it pulses through every frame of the films he touches. This year, the University of South Florida alum took home his fifth Oscar for Best Sound Editing on Dune: Part Two, cementing his place among the most decorated sound designers of all time.Richard King accepts his award.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2025/20250306-richard-kings-sonic-mastery-strikes-gold-again.aspxArt & Art History,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240908-usf-hot-band-performs-during-halftime-at-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season-opener.aspxUSF’s Herd of Thunder is putting in the mileage marching across the field at Raymond James Stadium. They’re two-for-two playing at home openers. First, it was the USF football game, and now, during halftime at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game against the Washington Commanders.Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:46:42 USF HOT Band performs during halftime at Tampa Bay Buccaneers season openerUSF’s Herd of Thunder is putting in the mileage marching across the field at Raymond James Stadium. They’re two-for-two playing at home openers. First, it was the USF football game, and now, during halftime at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game against the Washington Commanders.Three band members play trumpet among two large gold flags.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240908-usf-hot-band-performs-during-halftime-at-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season-opener.aspxMusic,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240827-holly-drive-collective-shines-at-musikfest.aspxThe Holly Drive Collective, a creative collaborative network student ensemble at College of The Arts at the University of South Florida made waves at Musikfest, one of the nation's longest-running music festivals in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The group's performance, featuring a blend of rap, rock, hip hop, R&B, and metal showcased their original music and talent.Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:01:46 Holly Drive Collective Shines at Musikfest and BeyondThe Holly Drive Collective, a creative collaborative network student ensemble at College of The Arts at the University of South Florida made waves at Musikfest, one of the nation's longest-running music festivals in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The group's performance, featuring a blend of rap, rock, hip hop, R&B, and metal showcased their original music and talent.Holly Drive Collective performs on stage at Musikfest.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240827-holly-drive-collective-shines-at-musikfest.aspxMusic,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240502-jackson-haborak-receives-fulbright-award.aspxThe University of South Florida’s College of The Arts is pleased to announce that Jackson Haborak has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to study for a Master of Arts in Contemporary Theatre and Dance Dramaturgy at Utrecht University in the Netherlands starting next fall.Thu, 02 May 2024 00:09:49 Jackson Haborak Receives Fulbright AwardThe University of South Florida’s College of The Arts is pleased to announce that Jackson Haborak has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to study for a Master of Arts in Contemporary Theatre and Dance Dramaturgy at Utrecht University in the Netherlands starting next fall.Jackson Haborak headshothttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240502-jackson-haborak-receives-fulbright-award.aspxStudents & Alumni,Theatre & Dancehttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240220-crescendo-interdisciplinary-team-of-faculty-and-students-turn-environmental-impact-data-into-music.aspxWhen Heather O’Leary started attending concerts held by USF’s School of Music in 2021, she loved how the performances made her feel. As an anthropologist, she was moved and inspired by the ebb and flow of the music. She often wondered: could her own data touching on environmental impacts be turned into music that people could enjoy and understand?Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:25:50 Heard on NPR’s All Things Considered - CRESCENDO: Turning environmental impact data into musicWhen Heather O’Leary started attending concerts held by USF’s School of Music in 2021, she loved how the performances made her feel. As an anthropologist, she was moved and inspired by the ebb and flow of the music. She often wondered: could her own data touching on environmental impacts be turned into music that people could enjoy and understand?Dr McCutchen directs the student musicians.https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240220-crescendo-interdisciplinary-team-of-faculty-and-students-turn-environmental-impact-data-into-music.aspxMusic,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240205-congratulations-to-art-history-undergraduates-ellie-saylor-and-jessica-loaiza.aspxCongratulations to USF School of Art & Art History undergraduates Ellie Saylor and Jessica Loaiza on their presentations as part of USF’s 5th Annual Undergraduate Humanities Conference. Both students’ papers were composed in Prof. Ali Reilly’s “Artist as Curator” seminar.Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:00:16 Congratulations to Art History undergraduates Ellie Saylor and Jessica LoaizaCongratulations to USF School of Art & Art History undergraduates Ellie Saylor and Jessica Loaiza on their presentations as part of USF’s 5th Annual Undergraduate Humanities Conference. Both students’ papers were composed in Prof. Ali Reilly’s “Artist as Curator” seminar.Art History undergraduates Ellie Saylor and Jessica Loaizahttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240205-congratulations-to-art-history-undergraduates-ellie-saylor-and-jessica-loaiza.aspxArt & Art History,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240202-the-magic-of-music-in-motion-usf-herd-of-thunder-marching-band-marks-grand-tradition-in-its-25th-year.aspxJust beyond the din of afternoon rush-hour traffic on Fowler Avenue, a jam of a different kind takes shape on a sprawling USF practice field. Overhead, gray and white clouds billow against a blue backdrop, a vibrant sideshow to the cacophony of brass, woodwinds and percussion warming up beside fluttering Color Guard flags. It is as if the sky has heard the Herd and wants in on the act.Dave Scheiber at USF MagazineFri, 02 Feb 2024 11:25:14 The Magic of Music in Motion: USF’s Herd of Thunder marching band marks a grand tradition in its 25th yearJust beyond the din of afternoon rush-hour traffic on Fowler Avenue, a jam of a different kind takes shape on a sprawling USF practice field. Overhead, gray and white clouds billow against a blue backdrop, a vibrant sideshow to the cacophony of brass, woodwinds and percussion warming up beside fluttering Color Guard flags. It is as if the sky has heard the Herd and wants in on the act.Brass musicians perform in the HOT Band Road Show, a pregame tradition at USF Football’s home games. [Photo: Christina Klein Photography]https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240202-the-magic-of-music-in-motion-usf-herd-of-thunder-marching-band-marks-grand-tradition-in-its-25th-year.aspxMusic,Students & Alumnihttps://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240122-usf-school-of-music-alum-gerard-madrinan-named-pinellas-teacher-of-the-year.aspxThe Monday night announcement puts Gerard Madrinan in the running to become Florida’s top teacher.Jeffrey S. Solochek | Tampa Bay Times staffMon, 22 Jan 2024 14:35:06 USF School of Music Alum Gerard Madrinan ’04, ‘06 named Pinellas Teacher of the Year - Tampa Bay TimesThe Monday night announcement puts Gerard Madrinan in the running to become Florida’s top teacher.Gerard Madrinan, Pinellas County's Teacher of the Year, gives high-fives to students as he arrives at Seminole High after the traditional limousine ride to school Tuesday. Following behind, at right, is principal Jane Lucas. Madrinan was awarded the honor in a ceremony Monday night at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. [ DIRK SHADD | Times ]https://www.usf.edu/arts/news/2024/20240122-usf-school-of-music-alum-gerard-madrinan-named-pinellas-teacher-of-the-year.aspxMusic,Students & Alumni