Dana School of Music to host Middle School Honor Band event
January 9, 2025
YSU’s Dana School of Music will host its second annual Middle School Honor Band event Friday, January 10, and Saturday, January 11, featuring over 190 accomplished 7th and 8th grade musicians.
The Middle School Honor Band allows students to collaborate with their peers and learn from local educators. Participants in this year’s band attend school in the following districts: Akron, Andover, Ashtabula, Austintown, Barberton, Beloit, Boardman, Campbell, Canfield, Columbiana, Cortland, Crestline, Cuyahoga Falls, East Palestine, McDonald, Newton Falls, North Jackson, Lakeview, Liberty, Lisbon, Lowellville, Mantua, Munroe Falls, Sebring, Southington, Struthers, Twinsburg, Warren, and Youngstown.
On Friday, the event will begin as the participating students engage in rehearsals and instrument sectionals led by YSU faculty, guest artists, and directors. These sessions are designed to refine the students’ skills, deepen their understanding of music, and prepare them for a concert experience.
On Saturday, the event will conclude with two concerts that showcase the students’ hard work. The Red Band, conducted by director of athletic bands Kate Ferguson, will begin at 1:00 PM, and the White Band, led by guest director James Dowdy, will begin at 2:15 PM.
Both concerts will be held in YSU’s Ford Theater, located in Bliss Hall. Entry is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Wick Avenue Deck (M30) for a $5 fee payable in cash only.