Dana School of Music mourns beloved professor

February 6, 2023

Dr. Stephen L. Gage, professor emeritus and former YSU director of bands and orchestra, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023. Over the 28 years he spent in Youngstown, he also conducted the Youngstown State University Youth Orchestra and the W.D. Packard Concert Band.

Gage earned his bachelor’s in music from the State University of New York at Fredonia, his master’s in music from the Eastman School of Music, and his doctorate in education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign. Most recently he was serving as the interim director of bands at Indiana State University’s School of Music. Prior to his time in Youngstown, Gage served as the director of bands and orchestra at Emporia State University and as director of bands at Auburn High School in New York. Gage had been inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1999 and was also a member of the National Bandmasters Association and the Ohio chapter of Phi Beta Mu.

Gage is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and his children Matthew, Claudia, and Brendan.

Gage was deeply loved and respected throughout the YSU community and beyond. His passion for music and dedication to his students and profession made a positive and lasting impression that cannot be understated. Gage made the world a better place, and he will be deeply missed.