Dana School of Music

Congratulations to Senior Music Performance major Jacob Norton on being selected as an Orchestral Fellow at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute. 🎶

Jacob recently spent a week as an Orchestral Fellow at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute, a prestigious program that brings together some of the nation's most talented young brass musicians. Chosen through a highly competitive audition process, Jacob earned a fellowship spot among applicants from across the country.

During the intensive program, Jacob worked alongside Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians while participating in audition preparation sessions, orchestral excerpt classes, masterclasses, rehearsals, and performances designed to prepare musicians for professional orchestra careers. He described the experience as “one of the best experiences in music and in my life.”

We're proud to see Jacob representing the Dana School of Music at such a prestigious program. Bravo, Jacob! 👏

The 2026 Summer Music Camp is officially underway! We’re excited to welcome these young musicians to the Dana School of Music for a week of music and fun. ☀🎶

We can’t wait to see how their skills and confidence grow throughout the week. 👏

A huge congratulations to Quinton Miller on earning a position with the W.D. Packard Concert Band! 👏🎶

Congratulations to YSU senior horn player Quinton Miller on winning a position with the legendary W.D. Packard Concert Band in Warren, Ohio!

Founded through the vision and generosity of industrialist William Doud Packard, the band has been enriching the cultural life of the Warren community for generations and has proudly offered free concerts since 1955.

We’re incredibly proud of Quinton and excited to see him continue this remarkable musical tradition. Congratulations, Quinton! 🎉

🎶 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Spring 2026 Music at Noon Performance Series this past semester!

Throughout the season, our students and faculty delivered engaging and inspiring performances that showcased their remarkable musicianship and artistry. 👏

We’re also grateful for our continued collaboration with the The Butler Institute of American Art, whose partnership helps makes every performance even more memorable. ❤

✨ Bravo to the Dana Opera Ensemble for their magical performance of “Little Red Riding Hood”!

Alana Debord (Little Red Riding Hood), Jessyka Moreira-Martins (Mother/Grandmother), and Matthew Harris (Wolf/Woodsman) delivered unforgettable performances that brought this beloved tale to life.

We’re very proud of the entire cast and crew who made this enchanting night at Spotlight Theater so special! 🎶

Jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger John Fedchock brought his talent and expertise to Youngstown State University for a memorable two-day residency 🎶

On April 15, Fedchock joined the YSU Jazz Ensemble under Dr. Kent J. Engelhardt at the Apollo Maennerchor in Sharon, PA, alongside the Conneaut Area Blue Note High School Jazz Band directed by Glenn Cameron. He performed his original works and his arrangements, showcasing his artistry as a soloist, composer, and arranger.

The next day, Fedchock worked directly with YSU students in masterclasses held in Bliss Hall, coaching jazz combos and trombonists in an engaging hands-on setting.

From the stage to the classroom, his visit provided an inspiring experience for students and the community alike. 👏

XO Brass John Fedchock

🎶 Our Concert Band and Wind Ensemble wowed audiences this past weekend at their final concert of the semester at Stambaugh Auditorium.

The Concert Band, led by Dr. Kate Ferguson, performed an exciting program, including “Techno Blade” by Benjamin Dean Taylor, which featured unique electronic elements.

The Wind Ensemble, led by Dr. Michael Butler, performed “Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 25” by Felix Mendelssohn, arranged by Madison Sheffield, winner of the Dana Young Artists Competition.

The concert also featured the Wind Ensemble’s performance of “Sonorous Birdsong” by Anthony Medina, the 2025–26 Stephen L. Gage Memorial Composition Contest winner.

The concert concluded with “The Lament Over Jerusalem” by Jacob Potts, bringing the program to a dramatic, powerful close. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our students! 🐧