YSU names new director of Dana School of Music

Joseph Carucci, former head of the School of Music at Eastern Kentucky University, has been named the new director of the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University.   

“We are very excited for Joe to join the YSU community and look forward to his leadership of the Dana School of Music,” said Phyllis Paul, dean of the YSU Cliffe College of Creative Arts. 

Carucci comes to YSU from Eastern Kentucky University, where he was director of the EKU  School of Music and was Music Industry Area coordinator. He has also taught at Lincoln Memorial University, the University of Minnesota-Morris and Transylvania University, as well as classroom and instrumental music in California, Kentucky, Massachusetts and New York.  

A saxophonist and composer, Carucci has performed and recorded throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, China and Colombia with artists such as the Temptations, Four Tops, Manhattan Transfer, Patti LaBelle, Christian McBride and Eric Alexander. He performs regularly with groups such as the DiMartino-Osland Jazz Orchestra and Joslyn and the Sweet Compression. Many of his compositions are available through Walrus Publishing and Jazz Lines Publications, and have been used on Pioneer Public Television for various programs.  

He holds a bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, and master of Music and doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Kentucky.  

Randall Goldberg, YSU associate professor of Musicology, was serving as director of Dana and is returning to his full-time faculty position, Paul said. 

The YSU Dana School of Music, founded 150 years ago, is one of the oldest music schools in the United States. The school, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, hosts more than 100 events annually, including performances in historic regional halls (including the DeYor Performing Arts Center and Stambaugh Auditorium), distinguished lecturers and guest artists. Alums have gone on to perform around the world in orchestras, opera companies, prestigious military groups and other touring ensembles; teach in conservatories, universities and primary and secondary schools throughout country; and win numerous prestigious honors, including Grammy Awards and enshrinement in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.