
Just as he was finishing his last bit of coursework, USC Thornton School of Music student Derik Nelson was commissioned by USC to write and perform an original song articulating the feelings and experiences of graduating students. The result, "Take Chances" — completed just in time for Commencement 2011 — is an instant USC tradition: a singable and moving anthem for spring on college campuses, written for the thousands of young adults who are about to enter the world and find their way. Nelson wrote the USC Trojan phrase "Fight On" into the song's refrain: "It completely expresses the kind of go-for-it spirit that we need to get out in the world and have an impact," said Nelson, who hails from Olympia, Wash. The song is available for download on iTunes at: itunes.apple.com The music video was created by USC University Communications, directed by Jill Aske MFA '01 and edited by Kevin R. Thompson MFA '07. It features Nelson on the University Park campus and in the studio with his band, which is composed entirely of USC Thornton alumni: Ben Rose '11, percussion; Jack Kovacs '10, guitar; Bert Gay '10, bass; Brian "Theory" Hargrove '09. Learn more about the University of Southern California: www.usc.edu Learn more about the USC Thornton School of Music's Popular Music Program www.usc.edu
Take Chances
Derik Nelson
USC
graduation
commencement
education
song
music
music video
alumni