YSU Wind Ensemble selected to perform at prestigious Ohio Music Education Association Conference

The YSU Wind Ensemble, comprised of 57 Dana School of Music students, has been selected to perform at the prestigious 2024 Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Professional Development Conference held in Columbus February 1 – 3.

Conducted by director of bands Michael Butler, the ensemble is one of 30 that were selected to perform at the event. The ensemble will perform Friday, February 2, at 3:30 PM in room CC Union Station BR at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

“The YSU Wind Ensemble is honored to be invited to perform at the OMEA State Convention for the eleventh time since 1998. The Dana School of Music has a proud tradition of musical excellence in our winds and percussion studios, which is showcased in the award-winning YSU Wind Ensemble. This will not be a performance to miss,” Dana School of Music and University Theatre director Joe Carucci said.

As part of the convention, the Dana School of Music will also be hosting an Alumni and Friends Reception Friday, February 2, beginning at 6:15 PM. The reception will be held in room CC B131-132 of the Hyatt Regency Columbus, located at 350 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Additionally, professor of music Daniel Keown and lecturer of recording arts Bryan Helsel will give presentations on their research as part of the conference. Keown will present Thursday, February 1, at 2:00 PM, and Helsel will present the same day at 5:00 PM.

The OMEA is a principal organization in Ohio whose goals include promoting music education in elementary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities. The OMEA is one of the largest of the 52 federated state affiliates of The National Association for Music Education. OMEA members are involved at all levels of music education, serving more than 1.7 million public school students in 613 public school districts and 108 colleges and universities in Ohio.

The OMEA is also one of the oldest music education associations in the country, with 9,000 members from across the state and approximately 3,000 members annually who attend the state convention.

Schedule of events

Daniel Keown: Thursday, February 1, at 2:00 PM (room HY Marion @ Convention Center)

Bryan Helsel: Thursday, February 1, at 5:00 PM (room HY Marion @ Convention Center)

YSU Wind Ensemble: Friday, February 2, at 3:30 PM (room CC Union Station BR @ Convention Center)

Dana Alumni and Friends Reception: Friday, February 2, at 6:15 PM (room CC B131-132 @ Hyatt Regency Columbus)