YOUNGSTOWN, OH (November 25, 2025): Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music invites the community to celebrate the holiday season at the annual Carols and Cocoa and Dana Holiday Concert on Wednesday, December 3, at 7:00 pm at Stambaugh Auditorium.

This annual tradition showcases the talent of YSU’s music students and faculty through a festive program featuring multiple ensembles performing classic holiday favorites and contemporary seasonal selections.

The concert will feature performances by the YSU Dana Chorale under the direction of Dr. Hae-Jong Lee, the Stambaugh Chorus (a community-based choral group), YSU Wind Ensemble led by Dr. Michael Butler, Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Kent Engelhardt, and specialty ensembles including the Percussion Ensmelbe, Clarinet Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Trombone Ensemble, and Saxophone Quartet. The program will also feature the Jefferson High School Show Stoppers from Jefferson, Ohio, with a special guest performance.

Audiences can look forward to an eclectic mi of holiday classics, including “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “O Holy Night,” and “Let It Snow,” alongside jazz arrangements and choral favorites. The program also includes the world premiere of “Carol of the Bembe Bells” by the Percussion Ensemble, adding a unique contemporary element to the traditional holiday repertoire. 

Tickets for the Carols and Cocoa Holiday Concert can be purchased at stambaughauditorium.com or by visiting the Stambaugh Auditorium box office.

For more information, contact Katie Merrill, Cliffe College Coordinator of Community Engagement and Events, at 330-941-2307 or [email protected]