Voices of YSU releases virtual alma mater | The ensemble consisted of 31 students who expressed interest in the project.
Three Dana School of Music groups have announced the completion of a virtual performance of Youngstown State University’s alma mater.
The video was produced by Voices of YSU, directed by Dr. Daniel Keown, and the YSU Pep Band and YSU Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Brandt Payne.
“This is a superb example of the innovations our faculty have employed in their courses – during this unprecedented time – to continue providing academic excellence for our students and encouraging their continued success in their educational endeavors,” said Dr. Phyllis M. Paul, dean of the Cliffe College.
Since Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered educational institutions to provide instruction remotely due to COVID-19, Dana faculty have found creative ways to continue the teaching process using audiovisual technology. Keown noted that over half of the learning projects have used the virtual choir framework for students to arrange, improvise, and perform music remotely.
The alma mater ensemble consisted of 31 students from all three groups who expressed interest in the project. Students were provided with the alma mater sheet music and a video file containing an audible click track, pitches and a conductor. As students viewed the conducting track, they sang the piece while video recording themselves, and subsequently submitted their video for the final project.
YSU’s recording instructor and pianist for Voices of YSU, Jack Ciarniello, helped engineer and produce the video.
The performance can be found on YSU’s YouTube channel (search YSU Alma Mater), here or can be viewed below.
“These ensembles have served as artistic ambassadors of YSU all year through their many collaborations and dutiful outreach. Dr. Keown’s and Dr. Payne’s students are keeping the Penguin spirit flowing with this excellent virtual performance of YSU’s alma mater,” said Dr. Randall Goldberg, director of the Dana School of Music.
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