Dustin May (drum set), Mark Higgins (saxophone), and alumni Chris Coles (BM in Saxophone Performance, YSU, and MM in Jazz Saxophone Candidate and GA at The University of Arkron) are playing in the C-Jam All-Star Big Band under the direction of Todd Stoll at the 2010 Parma Jazz Festival in Parma, Italy. Other schools that are represented are Julliard, Berklee School of Music, SUNY Purchase, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Captial University, and UNC Greensboro. The students will have the opportunity to play next to legendary artists such as Roy Haynes, Benny Golson, Marcus Roberts, The Woody Herman Orchestra, and Diane Reeves. 

I'm not sure what else to put down, but thank you for your interest! Also, I don't know if I told you this, but I was invited by Rufus Reid to attend the Steans Institute for the Young Artist at Ravinia summer workshop. It is an by invitation only camp that consists of 17 students from across the country. The faculty this year is Rufus Reid, James Moody, Dr. David Baker, Nathan Davis, and CURTIS FULLER!!! One of my idols...Anyways, thanks for a good semester and the interest of what is going on right now with my music! Have a great summer!   Keep in touch,

Sam Blakeslee, BM in Jazz: Trombone candidate (finishing his third year at Dana)

5.  Hey Dr. Gage, I'm so glad to hear from you. I'm actually in Singapore performing at a new Casino called the Marina Bay Sands. (I've attached a link.) I may head back to LA afterward but I'm not sure yet. I miss my family.

A couple other things I find fascinating: I noticed that Sarah Merhaut posted a picture to your wall.. I've known the Merhauts since I was around 9!! Also, I ran into a musician named Anthony here in Singapore and quickly found out that we both knew Mark Jackson and Derek Dixie, both Dana graduates from my era. In fact, Anthony and I may have played together around ten years ago in the gospel choir. It's a small world, especially when you play music to spread joy. Thanks for all the inspiration. I wish I knew what I know now, when I attended school with you. I would bring a positive attitude and "love music" EVERY DAY!!

I know you keep inspiring your students daily. Please remind them to follow their dreams. In high school, someone asked me what I'd like to do in ten years. My reply was "tour with a world-class funk band!!" My goals have certainly diversified since then, and it has been a bumpy road at times, but it struck me recently that my 10-year high school reunion will be in June. And I will be here, playing in Singapore with a truly world-class funk band. God works in mysterious ways. 

By the way, I am never late!! haha. 

Dr. Gage, I hope to talk to you in person sometime, and thanks again for sharing your joy. Feel free to share this letter with any student who doubts what is possible for them--Not that I've achieved greatness or anything. I just recall how much doubt and fear I felt then, and I've learned to have more faith through the stories of others. 

Best wishes, Joseph Badaczewski, BM in Trumpet Performance, YSU/Dana; MM in Trumpet Performance, Duquesne