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Dana School of Music News

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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.

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Dana Chorale to present spring concert in YSU Ford Theater 

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

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.

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Dana School of Music announces Summer Music Camp dates and registration 

YSU’s Dana School of Music has announced that it will hold its annual Summer Music Camp beginning Sunday, June 8, through Friday, June 13, 2025, on YSU’s campus. Open to both middle and high school students, this immersive program offers young musicians the opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of esteemed Dana faculty and guest artists. Registration for the camp is open now through Friday, May 30.

YSU’s Jazz Studies Area to present Jazz Combos Concert

YSU’s Jazz Studies Area to present Jazz Combos Concert

The YSU Dana School of Music’s Jazz Studies Area will present a Jazz Combos Concert Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the YSU Spotlight Theater, located in Bliss Hall. Under the direction of professors of music Kent Engelhardt and Glenn Schaft, the concert will feature two student ensembles performing classic jazz selections.

Dana to host Wind Band Invitational featuring two high school ensembles

Dana to host Wind Band Invitational featuring two high school ensembles

YSU’s Dana School of Music will host a Wind Band Invitational featuring the YSU Percussion Ensemble, YSU Wind Ensemble, and two Pennsylvania high school bands Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Stambaugh Auditorium. The Brookville Area Senior High School Band and the Norwin High School Wind Ensemble, led by Kyle Grabigel and Tim Daniels, respectively, will join the YSU Percussion and Wind Ensembles to perform a variety of musical selections.

YSU Concert Band to welcome high school ensemble for joint performance The YSU Dana School of Music’s Concert Band will welcome the Crestwood High School Symphonic Band for a Concert Band Partnership Concert Monday, February 24, at 7:30 PM at Stambaugh Auditorium. Directed by Angela Adkins, the Crestwood Symphonic Band will perform a variety of musical selections alongside the YSU Concert Band, showcasing the talent of these student musicians.

YSU Concert Band to welcome high school ensemble for joint performance

The YSU Dana School of Music’s Concert Band will welcome the Crestwood High School Symphonic Band for a Concert Band Partnership Concert Monday, February 24, at 7:30 PM at Stambaugh Auditorium. Directed by Angela Adkins, the Crestwood Symphonic Band will perform a variety of musical selections alongside the YSU Concert Band, showcasing the talent of these student musicians.

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

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

The Dana School of Music’s Jazz Studies Area will present a concert by the YSU Jazz Ensemble Monday, February 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the YSU Ford Theater, located in Bliss Hall. Directed by professor of music Kent J. Engelhardt, the ensemble will perform a variety of jazz classics and new music, including “Better” by Cody Fry, as arranged by Dana graduate student and lead alto saxophonist Andrea Richard.

Dana School of Music to present recital featuring saxophone faculty member

Dana School of Music to present recital featuring saxophone faculty member 

YSU’s Dana School of Music will present a special recital to the public Monday, January 27, 2025, featuring a performance by Dana professor and saxophonist James Umble, a two-time winner of the YSU Distinguished Professor in Teaching Award. Accompanied by pianist Dr. Da-Eun Choi, Umble will perform a new piece of music written for saxophone and piano by New York City composer and jazz musician Patrick Zimmerli.

Dana School of Music to host Middle School Honor Band event

Dana School of Music to host Middle School Honor Band event

YSU’s Dana School of Music will host its second annual Middle School Honor Band event Friday, January 10, and Saturday, January 11, 2024, featuring over 190 accomplished 7th and 8th grade musicians. The weekend will begin with the participating students engaging in rehearsals and instrument sectionals led by YSU faculty, guest artists, and directors, before they then perform two concerts Saturday showcasing their hard work.