Dana School of Music

Dana School of Music

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Youngstown State University

Founded in 1869, Dana School of Music at Cliffe College of Creative Arts provides world-class training that prepares students as versatile, 21st century musicians.

Operating as usual

06/24/2024

Ryan Lamb’s freshman year at Dana School of Music opened the door to several new performance opportunities. Recently, Ryan placed 2nd in both the Tuba Student Division and Orchestral Experts Division at MWRTEC 2024, and he will compete in semi-finals at the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival Competition in August. Congratulations to Ryan Lamb on these amazing accomplishments! 🎶

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 06/17/2024

Last week's YSU Summer Music Camp was wonderful! 🎶🐧 We enjoyed meeting these young musicians and celebrating our love for music. We look forward to 2025 when we'll host our next Summer Music Camp!!

06/14/2024

Harold Danko is one of our many impressive alumni! 🎶 After attending Dana School of Music, he established himself as a distinguished jazz musician, composer, and educator. Learn about his remarkable music career below ⬇️

HAPPY 77th BIRTHDAY to Harold Danko!!!

In a career spanning more than a half century Harold Danko has established himself as a distinguished pianist, composer and band leader, fortified by an impressive resume of collaborations with legendary jazz artists, at prestigious jazz venues throughout the world as well as in recordings, television and video. His work is well documented and readily available on multiple CDs and youtube clips These include Chet Baker’s classic 1987 Tokyo concert with more than five million hits, as well as featured performances with Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Gerry Mulligan, Lee Konitz, and on James Moody’s version of “Giant Steps”.

As a leader Harold has been featured at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center’s “Meet the Artist” series, Washington DC Performing Arts Society series at J.F.K. Center, and numerous jazz festivals both in the USA and abroad. In the 1990’s he performed with and composed for his quartet with Rich Perry (tenor saxophone), Scott Colley (bass) and Jeff Hirshfield (drums), and in 1995 received an NEA Fellowship to perform his own works in a series of concerts in New York City. In recent years he has led a trio with Hirshfield and Michael Formanek or Jay Anderson (bass) in addition to adapting his compositions for solo piano performances, and can be heard in various formats on more than thirty CDs on the SteepleChase and SunnySide labels. Since 1980 he has earned ASCAP awards yearly for the value of his catalog of original compositions.

Danko holds Professor Emeritus status at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where he chaired the jazz studies program for eleven years and established the Jazz Performance Workshop curriculum. In 2007 he received a Bridging Fellowship for research in the Linguistics Department of the University of Rochester on the relationship of speech and music. Prior to his appointment at Eastman he served on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music, the New School/Mannes, Hartt College, and other institutions. Harold’s featured column, “Solo Piano”, appeared in Keyboard Magazine for more than five years, and his keyboard improvisation method, “The Illustrated Keyboard Series”, is a highly regarded reference work. Beginning his piano studies at the age of five, he became serious about pursuing a career in jazz at the age of fifteen when he commenced studies with Gene Rush in Youngstown, Ohio. After graduation from Youngstown (Ohio) State University, where recently he was awarded an honorary doctorate in music, and a stint in the U.S. Army band Harold landed the piano chair in Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd, which launched his career as a much sought after jazz musician, composer, and educator.

His latest CDs, released over the last three years on the SteepleChase label, “Spring Garden”, “Rite Notes”, and “Trillium” are all inspired by Igor Stravinsky.

Source: Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester

06/12/2024

Congratulations to Dana School of Music alum Aidan Plank on his newly appointed faculty position at Bowling Green State University!!

Aidan Plank graduated this past spring from Youngstown State University with his Master of Music in Jazz Studies. He is currently a bassist for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Cleveland Jazzworks, and Dan Bruce’s Beta Collective.

He previously served as the jazz bass instructor for Kent State University and Cuyahoga Community College’s Jazzfest Academy. Aidan has performed at many venues, including Severance Hall, Carnegie Hall, Spectrum (NYC), The Knitting Factory (NYC), Elastic Arts (Chicago), and Blossom Music Center.

We’re excited to see everything Aidan Plank accomplishes as he begins the next chapter of his music career! 👏🎶

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 06/11/2024

Our 2024 Summer Music Camp is off to a great start! We’re so excited to have these young musicians on campus, and we look forward to continuing this fun musical adventure all week long! 🎶🐧

Starting tomorrow, our camp counselors will take everyone behind the scenes of Summer Music Camp. Follow on Instagram to follow along!!

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 05/23/2024

Our Voices of YSU alumni participated in the "Reading of the Names" ceremony, where they honored 67 YSU students and employees who died in active military duty. This year's ceremony took place at YSU Veteran's Plaza on May 22nd, 2024.

During the ceremony, the Voices of YSU alumni sang the National Anthem and "Patriotic Prayer". Belita Rubante, a senior Music Education student, conducted the group. The ceremony closed with "Taps", played by senior Music Education student Tom Landry on the trumpet.

We are grateful for all veterans who bravely sacrificed their lives while serving our country.

05/15/2024

We're less than one month away from our 2024 Summer Music Camp! 🎶 This week-long event is a great opportunity for young musicians ages 13-18 to enhance their musicianship and explore a variety of music electives. This music camp takes place on June 9-14th and is open to all instrument and voice types.

Please contact [email protected] or call 330-941-3636 with any questions. To learn more, visit https://ysu.edu/academics/cliffe-college-creative-arts/dana-school-of-music/dana-community/music-camps

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 05/03/2024

Congratulations to our Dana School of Music Spring 2024 graduates!! 🎓 In celebration of their upcoming graduation, three of our graduates, Shane Hogle, Rachel Gardner, and Quinten Harkness shared their favorite experiences from their time at Cliffe College of Creative Arts.

05/02/2024

Congratulations to Maggie Bork on her new role as a Music Educator for Campbell City Schools! Maggie is graduating this semester with her B.M. in Music Education. We wish her the best of luck as she begins her post-grad music education career! 🎶

Welcome Maggie Bork - K-12 Music Teacher!

Attention Red Devils! Introducing Maggie Bork, the newly appointed music teacher at Campbell City Schools. Familiar face to many as the Assistant Marching Band Director and the 5-12 grade band and choir student teacher in recent years, Maggie is thrilled to embark on her journey as an independent music educator. A 2024 graduate of Youngstown State University, Maggie holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a specialization in percussion. While at YSU she actively participated in a myriad of musical ensembles, including the Marching Pride, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Whisper Opera, and various chamber groups. Notably, she served as the President of the Youngstown Percussion Collective for three years, orchestrating the engagement of esteemed guest clinicians from across the nation. Beyond music, Maggie finds joy in singing, playing the piano, delving into mystery novels, and doting on her feline companions George and Genevieve. As she steps into her role as an esteemed music educator within the Campbell family, Maggie eagerly anticipates the harmonious journey ahead, poised to enrich the community with the gift of music.

04/25/2024

Dana School of Music is proud to present “Little Women” on April 26th at 7:30pm and April 28th at 2:00pm! Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, this opera follows the story of Jo March (Erika Walker) and her three sisters as they learn some of life’s biggest lessons, including how to accept change and move forward in life. Come see our phenomenal vocal students perform this beautiful production in YSU Ford Theater. Tickets are available at ysu.tix.com!

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 04/25/2024

Last week, our Jazz Ensemble led by Dr. Kent Engelhardt rehearsed with the Valley Christian School Jazz Ensemble. The VCS students sat alongside Dana School of Music students and experienced an exciting afternoon of jazz! 🎶

04/19/2024

Congratulations to Jake Sizer, Ryan Lamb, and Xiaoyu Xing, three members of our Tuba-Euphonium Studio! ⬇

Masters student Xiaoyu Xing advanced in the Artist Solo Euphonium Competition, undergraduate sophomore Jake Sizer advanced in the Euphonium Band Excerpts Competition, and undergraduate freshman Ryan Lamb advanced in the Young Artist Solo AND Orchestral Excerpts Competitions at the Mid-West Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference in association with the International Tuba Euphonium Association.

They will travel to Bowling Green State University in May to compete against other tuba and euphonium players at the 2024 MWRTEC Conference!

04/09/2024

There are two opportunities this month to experience the musical artistry of our flute students! Today at 6:00pm, our Flute Ensemble will perform inside Bliss Recital Hall. Then on April 15th, the Flute Studio will present a recital at 7:30pm in Bliss Recital Hall. Both these events are free and open to the public.

For more information about Dana School of Music Events, visit ysu.edu/cccaevents! 🎶

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 04/08/2024

Congratulations to the YSU Wind Ensemble on a successful concert at the CBDNA North Central Division Conference in Columbus, Ohio! Conducted by Dr. Michael Butler, the Wind Ensemble performed five thrilling pieces. The Wind Ensemble was one of seven ensembles selected to perform during this three-day conference. 🎶

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 04/06/2024

Meet Laura Bowden, a sophomore flutist majoring in Music Performance! ⬇🎶

Laura’s decision to attend Dana School of Music was heavily influenced by both Dr. Stephen Gage and Dr. Michael Butler who conducted during her time in YSUYO. She was inspired by their love for music, attention to detail, and support for students. Dr. Kathryn Umble’s guidance and teachings also inspired Laura to attend Dana School of Music.

During her time at Dana School of Music so far, Laura has enjoyed "...getting to know [her] peers in the Flute Studio, having performance opportunities for duet/chamber work, [and] learning from world-class faculty members...”.

Her favorite performance highlights include playing at Severance Hall (2022), the OCEMA conference (2024), and performing “Over the Edge” with the Flute Ensemble (2023). Outside of YSU, she found other performance opportunities at local churches, festivals, and high school musical productions.

Laura looks forward to several upcoming performances this month! Here are a few she is performing in:
Flute Ensemble Concert: April 9th, 6:00pm, Bliss Recital Hall
Flute Studio Recital: April 15th, 7:30pm, Bliss Recital Hall
Duo Recital with Miya DeBolt: April 21st, 8:00pm, Bliss Hall (rm. 2326)
Wind Ensemble Concert: April 23rd, 7:30pm, Stambaugh Auditorium
Pit Orchestra for “Little Women” Opera: April 26th & 28th

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 04/05/2024

Our music students always receive unique opportunities to expand their knowledge in their area of study. Here are two opportunities they experienced recently! ⬇

On March 30th, several music recording students visited StarSound Studios in Cleveland, Ohio. During their time at the studio, they met owner/engineer Wade Nichols, who has hosted recording interns from YSU. StarSound Studios is the only Dolby Atoms studio in Ohio, and students experienced the 14-speaker immersive sound first-hand.

On March 28th, Dana School of Music welcomed alum MSG Aaron Scott of the U.S. Army Band. During his visit at YSU, he presented an insightful clarinet masterclass for our students. The next day, he performed an exciting guest recital with Shawn Reynolds.

04/04/2024

This weekend, the YSU Wind Ensemble will travel to Columbus, Ohio for the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Conference. The YSU Wind Ensemble is one of seven ensembles selected to perform during the conference, and their concert is on April 6th. Good luck and safe travels to our Wind Ensemble! 🎶

04/01/2024

Congratulations to Tom Landry for winning a Jazz Trumpet job with the Air Force Regional Bands! In this position, he will serve in the military as a musician and perform in military ceremonies, public events, and concerts.

After qualifying for a live audition through prescreening, Tom auditioned at Langley Air Force base on March 28th, 2024. During his live audition, he performed with a jazz combo and a brass quintet from the Air Force. After graduation, he will leave for basic training, and afterwards he will begin his job as a musician with the Air Force Regional Bands. Tom plans on graduating during the Fall 2024 semester.

Tom thanks Dr. Christopher Krummel, trumpet professor and former Air Force Bands member, for his teachings and guidance throughout this process. He also thanks Dr. Kent Engelhardt, Dr. Dave Morgan, and Dave Kana for helping him prepare for the next chapter in his music career.

(Photo Credit: Joey Caruso)

Dr. Aaron Scott & Shawn Reynolds - Spring 2024 03/29/2024

Edit: Thank you to everyone who joined us on this live stream!

Today at 1:00PM, watch Guest Artist Aaron Scott (clarinet) and professor Shawn Reynolds (english horn) perform in Bliss Recital hall. During this performance, they will premier three brand new works, two of which are composed by our YSU faculty! The live stream link is available below:

Dr. Aaron Scott & Shawn Reynolds - Spring 2024 Guest artist Dr. Aaron Scott joins professor Shawn Reynolds in concert at YSU's lovely Ford Theatre. Aaron Scott - clarinetShawn Reynolds - English horn

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 03/20/2024

Meet Wilhelmine Loe, an international graduate student pursuing her Master of Music Performance in Piano! ⬇

Although she previously never imagined studying in the United States, Wilhelmine decided to attend Dana School of Music after learning about the affordable tuition and graduate assistantship opportunities the school provides. Currently, Wihelmine is a Graduate/Teaching Assistant in the Piano Study area, working mostly in piano accompaniment and teaching piano proficiency to undergraduate students.

During her time at Dana School of Music so far, Wilhelmine’s piano professor, Dr. Cicilia Yudha, made a positive impact on her. Both Dr. Yudha and Wilhelmine share the same hometown in Indonesia, and that connection helped Wilhelmine feel more at home. Wilhelmine credits Dr. Yudha for making a great impact in developing her musicianship and piano playing.

Outside of her Graduate/Teaching Assistantship, Wilhelmine found many performance opportunities both on and off campus. Some of her upcoming performances include Dr. Yudha’s Studio Recital as a soloist, “Little Women” Opera as a pit orchestra pianist, her solo piano recital on April 27th, and multiple collaborative pianist performances. After she completes her Master of Music Performance, Wilhelmine wants to pursue her D.M.A and continue working on music performance projects.

03/19/2024

Join us on March 25th for the Dana Spring Choral Concert, showcasing the Dana Chorale and Voices of YSU! 🎶

Themed “Songs of Peace in Times of War”, this concert features several powerful pieces including “Prayer of the Children” by Kurt Bestor, “Past Life Melodies” by Sarah Hopkins, and select movements of “The Armed Man (A Mass for Peace)” by Karl Jenkins.

Accompanying the performance of “The Armed Man” will be Dana School of Music percussionists, trumpeters, and flutists. The percussionists will also join the Dana Chorale to perform “Baba Yetu”.

This powerful and emotional concert begins at 7:30pm inside Youngstown St. Columbia Cathedral, and it’s free and open to the public!

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 03/11/2024

This month, Dana School of Music welcomes several guest artists as they present masterclasses and recitals! These events are great opportunities to sharpen your skills and learn from experienced musicians. All guest artist masterclasses and recitals are free & open to the public! 🎶

Photos from YSU Cliffe College of Creative Arts's post 03/01/2024
Photos from Dana School of Music's post 02/27/2024

Dana School of Music welcomes Stephen Mattingly & Sidney King, two guest artists performing in the upcoming Guitar & Double Bass Recital!

Stephen Mattingly is an educator, guitar soloist, and founding member of the Tantalus Quartet. Studying in both Europe and the United States, Stephen earned an Artist Diploma during his two-year residency in Germany and his Doctorate of Music and Theory Pedagogy Certificate at Florida State University. Currently, Stephen enjoys an exciting teaching career directing classical guitar studies as Professor of Guitar at University of Louisville.

Sidney King’s career as a double bassist, composer, and arranger spans over three decades. Since 1992, Mr. King has performed at the Grand Teton Music Festival, often serving in titled positions. Throughout his career, Mr. King performed in many symphonies, festivals, theaters, and orchestras across the country. Mr. King currently serves as Professor of Double Bass and Music Education at University of Louisville.

This fantastic Guest Artist Recital takes place on March 12th at 7:30pm inside Bliss Recital Hall, and it's free & open to the public!

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 02/23/2024

Yesterday, Dana School of Music welcomed Brecksville-Broadview Heights Wind Ensemble and Bay High School Symphonic Band to our annual YSU Band Invitational! During their time on campus, they rehearsed with our faculty and guest clinician Professor Benjamin Rochford.

During the YSU Invitational Concert at Stambaugh Auditorium, both high school bands, the YSU Percussion Ensemble, and YSU Wind Ensemble put on a fantastic concert. Congratulations to all these incredible musicians! 🎶

Our next concert at Stambaugh Auditorium is on February 27th with the Stambaugh Youth Concert Band. Tickets are available at stambaughauditorium.com, and YSU student tickets are free with valid ID!

02/15/2024

This month, our students will make TWO appearances at Stambaugh Auditorium! ⬇

On February 22nd, two high school bands, the YSU Percussion Ensemble, and the YSU Wind Ensemble will come together for an extravagant concert at 7:30pm. This event promises to showcase the best of our region's young musicians.

On February 27th, the YSU Concert Band will take the stage with the Stambaugh Youth Concert Band at 7:30pm. This concert will be an excellent showcase of both high school and college musicians.

Tickets for both of these events are available at stambaughauditorium.com! 🎶

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 02/13/2024

Today, Dana School of Music alum David Perrico Music spoke to our students about his experience working in the music industry. Perrico is an award-winning Las Vegas performer and creator/director of the official NFL Raiders house band. During his talk with our music students, Perrico spoke about his journey to success, the atmosphere of working in music performance, and the skills and knowledge that helped him succeed.

Tomorrow, David Perrico and his Pop Strings Orchestra will join the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra to present “Pop Symphonic” at DeYor Performing Arts Center. During this energizing performance, they will perform a wide variety of genres including disco, pop, and more! The show begins at 7:30pm, and YSU student tickets are free when redeemed in person with valid YSU ID. Tickets are available at experienceyourarts.org!

Photos from Dana School of Music's post 02/12/2024

Our Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos are getting ready for two exciting February performances! 🎶⬇

On February 19th, the YSU Jazz Ensemble led by Dr. Kent Engelhardt will perform in the Chestnut Room in Kilcawley Center at 7:30pm. Their performance will include music by Joe Henderson, Thad Jones, and Oliver Nelson, and feature the premier of “Drum and Bossa” composed by undergraduate student Mason Ciesielski. Vocalist Elizabeth Jadue will sing “Black Coffee” and “Teardrops From My Eyes”, both arranged by Engelhardt.

On February 29th at 7:30pm, the YSU Jazz Combos concert will take place inside Spotlight Theater, located inside Bliss Hall. The first group led by David Kana’s will perform jazz standards with arrangements by undergraduate students Zach Fleischman and Shane Hogle. The second group led by Dr. Dave Morgan will feature three original pieces composed by members of the group: “Aegis” by Aaron White, “Blues for Trane” by Mason Ciesielski, and “Can He Wheel Her?” by Nick Grabige.

Both the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos recitals are free and open to the public! 🎷

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Videos (show all)

Student Accomplishment: Ryan Lamb
Alumni Spotlight: Bob DiPiero
Recording Arts Program Investments explained by Dr. Bryan Helsel
Chris Coles: YSU Alumni Spotlight
On October 18th, experience life as a Music student at Youngstown State University! Our Open House offers prospective st...
Enjoy an excerpt from Dana School of Music senior Enzo Chiodi's original composition, "Off Kilter," arranged by graduate...
This weekend, April 21-23, the Dana School of Music Opera program is proud to present "Cosi Fan Tutte" in Spotlight Thea...
In January, our Wind Ensemble had the opportunity of a lifetime to perform at the iconic Severance Hall, which is home t...
Reminder! Tonight, April 13th at 7:30 PM, there will be a Wind Ensemble / Concert Band performance at Stambaugh Auditori...
Tonight, join us for a Percussion Ensemble in YSU's Ford Theater!This event is free and open to the public, and takes pl...
Enjoy this highlight reel from the wind ensemble's performance at our February 2023 invitational concert! 😊The group per...
On Thursday, March 2 at 7:30 PM, you'll have the chance to hear YSU Jazz Quartets, featuring music of YSU Student Jazz C...

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