Dana School of Music News

Dana School of Music and University Theatre to host Open House for prospective students

YSU’s Dana School of Music and University Theatre invite prospective students and their families to experience campus life firsthand during the departments’ annual Open House Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at YSU’s Bliss Hall. Attendees will be offered an insider’s view of YSU’s vibrant performing arts community, including observing classroom experiences, performing with ensembles or choirs, and joining specialized clinics.

Ficocelli Trio to perform as part of Music at Noon Series

YSU’s Dana School of Music will welcome the Ficocelli Trio as the next performer in its ever-popular Music at Noon Series Wednesday, October 1, 2025, beginning at 12:15 PM at the McDonough Museum of Art. Bringing together three exceptional artists from different continents, this free concert will feature performances of beloved works by artists Haydn and Dvořák, among others.

Ableton Live Certified Trainers to bring inclusive music-making workshop to YSU

YSU’s Dana School of Music will welcome Ableton Live Certified Trainer and artist Feral Kitty to YSU for a groundbreaking workshop and performance Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM at the McDonough Museum of Art. The event, titled “Everyone Can Make Music,” will combine keynote storytelling, live electronic performance, and practical demonstrations within Ableton Live.

YSU Marching Pride announces fall semester schedule of events

The Youngstown State University Marching Pride has launched its fall semester event schedule, kicking off with “Meet the Pride” Friday, August 22, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Stambaugh Stadium. Other events featuring the Marching Pride will include all home YSU football games, the Ice Castle Classic Band Show, and a performance by the Marching Pride Alumni Band.

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.