By Frances Clause
Founded in 1869, the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University is one of the oldest music schools in America. This year, the school celebrates its 150th anniversary with a focus on its growth, guest artists, lectures and performances.
Bill Byo, professor of bassoon and music studies since 1957, said Dana went through multiple hardships before becoming recognized for the musical excellence and education it currently embodies.
“The Great Depression of the 1930s brought financial difficulties to Dana and its students,” Byo said. “Unemployment was at a record high, homes were lost and enrollment at the school suffered.”
Byo said as a result of Dana’s financial hardships, Lynn Dana Jr. and the Board of Governors of Youngstown College discussed making the institute an integral part of the campus.
“After 72 years in Warren, the Dana School of Music moved to YSU in 1941,” he said. “People were upset because they thought the school would remain a permanent part of Warren, but moving was the only way Dana could continue its growth.”
Byo said the growth and strength of the musical community has been a pleasure to experience throughout his years of teaching. He said he has seen a lot of changes, including the faculty and staff growing from nine to over 50.
“The school also went from one band and a brass ensemble to the many ensembles people see and enjoy today,” Byo said.
Stephen Gage, director of bands and orchestra, said it feels extraordinary to celebrate Dana’s impact on its students and the Youngstown community for its 150th anniversary.
“I’m always told by people that the Dana School of Music is the gem of YSU’s campus,” he said. “This is because [Dana’s] students and music has the capacity to make our community and world a better place.”
Gage said the world-class faculty of Dana also gives the school international flavor and diversity. He said each of the faculty shares gifts with the students every day and the cumulative effect of that is extraordinary.
“Byo has been working here for 60 years and when he works with students, he’s sharing so much knowledge and artistic experiences from his life,” Gage said.
Gage said the Jazz All Stars concert at the DeYor Performing Arts Center Sept. 16 was the perfect way to kick off the 150th anniversary celebration.
The concert featured Phil Palombi on bass, James Weidman on piano, Daryll Pellegrini on drums, Ralph Lalama on the saxophone and Sean Jones on the trumpet. They are Dana graduates and five of the best musicians in the country.
The musicians opened their performance with originals by Ralph Lalama, including “Da-Lama’s Da-Lemma” and “Erie Avenue,” and the second half of the concert focused on Jones’ pieces.
Gage said he remembers when Jones was just a sophomore in high school. He said one of the coolest things about his job is to see students grow up to be amazing musicians.
“The first time I saw Sean was when he was playing in the Warren Harding High School marching band. He came out in the middle of the band playing ‘St. Louis Blues,’” he said. “I knew I had to have him at Dana.”
The idea for the Jazz All Stars concert came from Bill Bodine, a Grammy award-winning composer and Dana graduate.
“I’ve stayed in touch with Youngstown because it really means a lot to me,” Gage said. “I was going to do this concert last year, but Dean Phyllis Paul told me to wait since this year is Dana’s 150th anniversary.”
All proceeds of the concert went to the Tony Leonardi Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the late professor who built Dana’s jazz program.
“All of us owe it to Tony Leonardi because he was such an inspiration,” Bodine said. “[Tony] taught that it wasn’t OK to be just an OK musician.”
The Dana School of Music will continue its celebration throughout the year with collaborations between YSU’s Department of Theatre & Dance and Ballet Western Reserve.
(Photos by Tanner Mondok/The Jambar)
