Dana School of Music

05/20/2026

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! 🎉

04/30/2026

🎶 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. ❤

04/25/2026

✨ 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! 🎶

04/20/2026

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

04/15/2026

🎶 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! 🐧

04/08/2026

🎶 Check out these performances happening this April at the Dana School of Music. Mark your calendars and come support our students! 🐧

(Visit John Fedchock and XO Brass to learn more about the April 15 Jazz Ensemble Concert)

03/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an incredible YSU Flute Day at the Dana School of Music! 🐧

This past weekend, flutists came together for an inspiring day of masterclasses, recitals, and workshops with guest artists Mimi Stillman and Emily Sapa. Students gained valuable feedback and insight from these accomplished musicians.

A special highlight was the Honors Flute Choir, where high school flutists performed an advanced ensemble piece alongside our YSU flute students. 👏

We’re so grateful to share the day with such a passionate community of musicians! 🎶

03/26/2026

🎶 This spring, the Dana Chorale invites you to two inspiring choral concerts celebrating freedom, unity, and democracy.

✨ March 27 | 7:30 PM
📍St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown
“Choral Reflections on Freedom and Unity”

Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with contemporary choral works exploring liberty, justice, civic responsibility, and shared humanity. Led by Dr. Hae-Jong Lee with accompanist Dr. DaEun Choi, this evening promises moving music and reflection in the stunning cathedral setting.

✨ April 26 | 4:00 PM
📍Blessed Sacrament Church, Warren
“Giving Voice to Peace VII: Sing Democracy 250”

The Dana Chorale joins the Stambaugh Chorus & Orchestra for a community concert featuring “Redeem the Dream”, “US”, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”—celebrating 250 years of American democracy and hope.

🎵 All are welcome—come experience the unifying power of music!

03/24/2026

Meet EJ Paucar, a music composition student and composer of “Toymaker’s March,” recently performed during the YSU Wind Band Invitational. 👏

EJ shares the inspiration behind the piece, the unique elements that bring it to life, and how the support of Dana faculty and fellow students helped bring his vision to the stage.

Tonight, EJ will present “Toymaker’s March” again, along with other original compositions and saxophone performances, during his junior recital in Bliss Hall, Room 2326, at 7:00 p.m. 🎷

03/23/2026

🥁This past weekend, we were thrilled to welcome five percussion ensembles to the Ford Theater stage for the first annual YSU Percussion Ensemble Invitational.

Participating groups included ensembles from Lakeview High School, directed by Tyler Husosky; Canfield High School, directed by Dylan Kollat; Poland Seminary High School, directed by Matt Hayes; the Stambaugh Youth Concert Band Percussion Ensemble, directed by Tyler Husosky; and the YSU Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Glenn Schaft.

It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with such incredible percussionists, celebrating music-making, collaboration, and community. We hope to see you back on campus again soon! 🐧🎶