Dave Rivello Ensemble in concert: Struthers native and YSU alumnus returns to Youngstown

The Dana School of Music announces a concert by Struthers native and Youngstown State University alumnus Dave Rivello and his 12-piece jazz orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16 in Kilcawley Center’s Chestnut Room. The concert is free and open to the public.

Rivello is a freelance composer, arranger and bandleader based in Upstate New York. He leads a 12- piece ensemble, The Dave Rivello Ensemble, that is his main orchestral voice.

Rivello received his bachelor of music degree from the Dana School of Music at YSU in 1986, where he completed a dual major of trumpet performance with a jazz emphasis and a music education degree. While at YSU, Dave took private lessons with Sam D’Angelo focusing on composition, arranging, and music theory. He completed his Master’s degree in Jazz and Contemporary writing at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.

“My experiences and education at YSU, especially with Sam D'Angelo and Tony Leonardi, formed the foundation that enabled me to attend the Eastman School of Music for my Master's Degree in Jazz Composition and to study with the late, great, Rayburn Wright, which ultimately lead to me working with jazz legend Bob Brookmeyer for 15 years,” said Rivello.

The YSU Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Kent J. Engelhardt, will receive a coaching session from Rivello and his ensemble on music Rivello has donated to the YSU Jazz Library, including “Dancing In Circles,” “I Wasn’t Asking,” “Series Of Short Prayers,” and “Re-Imagining The World.” The YSU Jazz Ensemble will perform the music at their concert on Monday, April 10.

The event is supported by the Dana School of Music, WYSU-FM 88.5, the YSU Jazz Visitors Fund, and Motter’s Music of Canfield.

Parking is available in the M30 Wick Avenue parking deck via Walnut Street (GPS address is 100 Wade Street, Youngstown OH 44502) for a nominal fee. Patrons are advised to watch for posted detours as construction progresses on Wick Avenue. More information is available by calling the Office of Community Engagement and Events at 330-941-2307. A complete calendar of events is available at www.ysu.edu.