The Spring 2022 Concert repertoire featured Steel Valley Transformation which was commissioned in 2019 by the District 5 OMEA Honors Band. It was written by Michael Kamuf, a Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University Alumnus. The work celebrates the grit and resolve of Ohio’s Mahoning Valley community. The piece is divided into three sections: “Steel Diversity,” celebrating the success of the steel industry in the Mahoning Valley; “Resolve,” celebrating the strength of the community as it deals with the decline of the steel industry; and “New Beginnings,” celebrating the energy as the Mahoning Valley redesigns itself as the Voltage Valley.

Senior Soloist, Natalie Alfera was the featured clarinet soloist. Natalie attends Laurel High School in Pennsylvania and was recently named the 2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Lawrence County. In addition to the Stambaugh Youth Concert Band, Natalie has participated in The Youngstown Symphony Youth Orchestra as well as her school band and wrestling team. Natalie plans to pursue a degree in Music Education at West Virginia University this fall. A full interview with Natalie will premiere on The 1926 Podcast on Tuesday, March 29.

The Stambaugh Youth Concert Band is comprised of 59 of the top high school musicians from Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. The SYCB is currently under the direction of Mr. Tyler Husosky, Dr. Michael Crist, and Mr. Nathan Sensabaugh.