By Dena Arthurs Jambar Contributor
While roaming Bliss Hall, students may hear some new voices lifted up in song. One voice stands out in particular, since Youngstown State University hired a new Dana Chorale director.
Joe Spurio, coordinator of Chorale Activities, participated in Dana Chorale for a few years while working closely with the previous director, Hae-Jong Lee, who retired after teaching the course for 24 years.
“I’ve always loved Dana and the Dana Chorale — singing in it, and being in it,” Spurio said. “And it’s an honor to just be able to have the opportunity to carry that on and continue to work with the students here as well.”
Spurio received his master’s degree in chorale conducting from YSU and his bachelor’s degree in musical education from Westminster College. He said he looks forward to learning more in his position and getting to know the students and how their voices blend.
“I’m, if anything, really excited to be able to work with all of the talent in the Dana School of Music and in the Dana Chorale, and really work on some great music with some great people,” Spurio said.
Joseph Carucci, director of Dana and University Theatre, said Spurio’s application stood out because of his perfect skill set for the job and his experience within YSU and surrounding area.
In fall 2022, during one of his years in Dana Chorale, Spurio directed the choir for most of the semester and led them in a concert.
“[Spurio] really rose to the top because of his many experiences in the community,” Carucci said. “He had experience with the ensemble, so he understood that dynamic, and he also had worked with our summer camp so he had experience in that area.”
Carucci said Spurio’s work and history with YSU gave the hiring committee confidence in his abilities.
“I am excited to see the student’s energy with him. [Spurio] has a great dynamic. He brings a wonderful love and passion and playfulness to his rehearsals and to the ensemble,” Carucci said.
Antonio George, senior musical education major, has sung for Dana Chorale for four years and said Spurio’s personality uplifted the group.
“The first thing that I noticed about him is, once he enters that room, he’s got this big smile on his face, and the room just kinda feels a little brighter,” George said.
George said while the pacing of Dana Chorale was in transitional phase with a new director, he was excited to experience Spurio’s perspective on how Dana Chorale should evolve.
Samantha Szenborn, sophomore chorale music education major, said she looks forward to learning the new types of music Spurio plans to teach.
“He’s a very happy, uplifting, bubbly guy. He just seems really nice, so I’m excited to work with him,” Szenborn said.
Spurio taught for nearly 10 years in the Youngstown area and directed community theater vocalists and church choruses. He is also the director of music ministry at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Hubbard.
Spurio said he plans to grow the chorale by welcoming any student who loves to sing and enhancing the student’s vocal capabilities to help them become lifelong singers.
“The door’s always open. We’re always welcoming new members, and we’d love to have anyone come sing with us,” Spurio said.
Students can join Dana Chorale in spring 2027 by contacting their academic advisor and adding it to their class schedule. Practices are 2-3:50 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday in Bliss Hall, Room 3026.