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Dana School of Music News

YSU Youth Orchestra to present spring concert at Stambaugh Auditorium

The Youngstown State University Youth Orchestra will present its annual spring concert at Stambaugh Auditorium Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Directed by Dr. Michael S. Butler and assistant directed by Richard Smrek, the concert will feature a variety of musical pieces that showcase the diverse talent of the orchestra’s students.

Concert Band and Wind Ensemble to perform concert at Stambaugh Auditorium

The YSU Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, led by directors Kate Ferguson and Michael S. Butler, respectively, will present a concert at Stambaugh Auditorium Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM. The concert, titled “With Heart and Voice,” will feature pieces with a connection to that theme.

Dana OCMEA Chapter earns national recognition for Excellence in Professional Development

YSU’s Dana School of Music is proud to announce that its Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association (OCMEA) Chapter has been named a Chapter of Excellence by the National Association for Music Education in the area of Professional Development for the 2024-25 academic year. This prestigious recognition highlights the YSU OCMEA’s commitment to providing outstanding development opportunities for music education students.

YSU’s Jazz Ensemble to present concert featuring jazz classics and new music

YSU’s Jazz Studies Area will present a concert by the Jazz Ensemble, led by professor of music Kent J. Engelhardt, Monday, April 14, 2025, at 7:30 PM at YSU’s Ford Theater, located in Bliss Hall. The ensemble will perform a variety of jazz classics and new music, and vocalist Elizabeth Jadue will join the concert with her own performances.

Trombonist Richard Stout to hold public masterclass at Bliss Hall

YSU’s Dana School of Music will welcome trombonist Richard Stout for a masterclass Friday, April 18, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at YSU’s Bliss Hall. A member of the trombone section of The Cleveland Orchestra since 2000, Stout has served as principal and second trombone in a variety of symphony orchestras for the last 35 years.

Dana School of Music to hold first annual Recording Day

YSU’s Dana School of Music will hold its first annual Recording Day at YSU’s Bliss Hall Friday, April 11, 2025, from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Attendees will be treated to a live band recording session in the Dana Recording Studio, gain hands-on experience with recording and editing software, and learn from Dana professors and music students. Pre-registration is required.

Dana School of Music to host Flute Festival at Bliss Hall

YSU’s Dana School of Music will host the YSU Flute Festival Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Bliss Recital Hall, located in YSU’s Bliss Hall. This event will feature guest artist Anne Harlow, a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer; YSU professors Emily Sapa and Stephanie Dennis; and the High School Honors Flute Choir. Attendees will be provided the opportunity to enhance their techniques through specialized training sessions.

Dana Opera Ensemble to present annual spring event titled “Alcina”

YSU’s Dana School of Music, home to the Dana Opera Ensemble, will present its annual spring opera event titled “Alcina” Friday, April 11, and Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the YSU Ford Theater, located in Bliss Hall. “Alcina,” an opera seria by George Frideric Handel, explores themes of magic, illusion, and love, and is renowned for its dramatic and expressive music.

Dana Chorale to present spring concert

YSU’s Dana School of Music will present its annual Dana Spring Choral Concert, featuring the Dana Chorale, titled “Illuminating Harmony in Light and Unity” Monday, March 31, 2025, at 7:30 PM at St. Columba Cathedral. Directed by associate professor of music Hae-Jong Lee and accompanied by pianist Da-Eun Choi, the chorale will perform musical selections that reflect the rich diversity of its program, highlighting the central theme of “light.”

Dana School of Music students win top honors at music competitions

Two students from YSU’s Dana School of Music recently earned top honors at regional music competitions held in Ohio. Erika Walker, a Master of Music in Voice Performance student, was awarded first place in her category at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Great Lakes Regional Auditions, and Laura Bowden, a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance student, was selected as one of only three individuals in her division to advance to the final round of the collegiate division at the Central Ohio Flute Association Competition.