Mission: LoveMusic - Dr. Stephen L. Gage Legacy Project

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Mission: LoveMusic - Dr. Stephen L. Gage Legacy Project To continue the legacy of Dr. Stephen L.

Gage and his passion for music through the encouragement, support, & development of composers, conductors, performers, & audiences by providing high-quality musical experiences, support, community, & opportunities.

One of the special things about the ensembles is that our players represent all eras of Dr. Gage's career and all ense...
08/04/2026

One of the special things about the ensembles is that our players represent all eras of Dr. Gage's career and all ensembles he's conducted--including many talented alumni who have gone on to careers in other fields.

When you first contacted me about this concert, I wasn't sure if it made sense to participate- I was recovering from surgery and hadn't played seriously since 2019. But I'm SO glad I did. The memorial concert was amazing- an opportunity to visit family, to catch up with old friends, and to play demanding and rewarding music. Getting to share a weekend of rehearsal and an emotional performance with an all-star roster of Boardman Orchestra/YSYO/Dana alums (and my folks!) was a blessing beyond words. Plus, playing violin is a lot more like riding a bike than I thought- it is a lot less overwhelming to think about playing more seriously again now, even informally. -John Umble

We're still collecting testimonials! If you want to share your experiences from the concerts and what means to you, comment below, send a DM, or email [email protected].

Don't forget! Join our consortium with composer Rob Traugh by August 1, 2026 to receive TWO new works for band!These pie...
07/30/2026

Don't forget! Join our consortium with composer Rob Traugh by August 1, 2026 to receive TWO new works for band!

These pieces (Grades 3 & 4) were inspired by Rob's time as a student of Dr. Gage.

While a suggested donation of $250 is appreciated, no one will be turned away. Join the consortium today at a level that you and your ensembles can afford, support , and receive both works for band in 2026!

See the links below for more details!

The Millers weren't the only family to share the stage in May--all 3 Yazvac sisters also performed together for the firs...
07/29/2026

The Millers weren't the only family to share the stage in May--all 3 Yazvac sisters also performed together for the first time in the 2026 orchestra.

At this concert, I was able to look across and see both [my sisters]. At first it was surreal to have two sisters making faces back at me but it quickly felt normal. It was special to go to rehearsal together and hang out at the concert together. It was awesome that music can connect us and bring us all back home. -Randi Kubas

As the youngest (and arguably most sentimental) sister, I like to think I made this whole thing happen with pure persistence and youngest child energy. Growing up, we all worked with the same conductors... But until this concert came along, I didn’t realize we never actually played in an orchestra all together. The year Katie graduated from YSYO was the year I joined, so I never imagined I’d get the chance to be her stand partner someday. We spanned over a decade playing amazing music under Dr. Gage, so being on stage with both my sisters with our parents in the audience in memory of him was incredibly special to me. -Kristi Yazvac

After moving to Michigan and starting a career, music performance abruptly became part of my past. Kristi is right, it was her persistence that convinced me to perform in the concert despite not only my busy schedule but also the fact that I hadn't picked up my violin in years. It was inspiring to recall Dr. Gage on the conductor's podium sharing his unfiltered love for each piece, each note, and each performer. To once again be part of an orchestra and sharing this time with not just one but both of my sisters was a joy that will not be forgotten. Music has always been a constant in our family, so it is not surprising that even in our separate lives, it has connected us once more. -Katie Johnson

Read their full testimonials in our email newsletter! Not on our mailing list? Sign up below!

07/20/2026

Some of the "why" behind my donation of two band works to Mission: Love Music. One more call for the Mission: Consortium! Both pieces can be yours if you make a donation to Mission: Love Music before August 1!

One of the highlights of our 2026 was father-daughter duo Brett & Avery Miller performing together in our Wind Ensemble....
07/20/2026

One of the highlights of our 2026 was father-daughter duo Brett & Avery Miller performing together in our Wind Ensemble.

Brett says about the experience, "We had a great time performing together and while I have sat in with her high school band and we’ve played some duets at home, this was the first, and probably only time, we will perform in such a high caliber group together. We even had a nice moment in Robin Hood with Avery on marimba accompanying my little horn solo and because she was playing right behind the horn section, I got to give her a little fist bump during the applause."

If you want to share what Mission: means to you, send us a DM or email [email protected]!

The 2026 poster is here!Commemorate the 2026 Legacy Concert with this 12"x18" semigloss poster, available for $25!Order ...
07/08/2026

The 2026 poster is here!

Commemorate the 2026 Legacy Concert with this 12"x18" semigloss poster, available for $25!

Order on our website, and choose your delivery method:
1. Local delivery in Youngstown, Terre Haute, or Denver
2. Pick-up at a Staples near you
3. Shipping to your door (fees apply, starting at $8.99)

PS. If you preordered at the concert and haven't gotten your poster yet, check your email or send us a DM!

It's not too late to join the consortium for our collaboration with Rob Traugh!The deadline to donate to support Mission...
07/03/2026

It's not too late to join the consortium for our collaboration with Rob Traugh!

The deadline to donate to support Mission: and receive TWO new works for band has been extended to August 1.

Check out our pinned post for a preview of "The Light We Leave" and click the link in our bio to donate or learn more.

A warm welcome to our other new board member, Greg Snyder, a prolific conductor, clinician, and educator who first met D...
06/29/2026

A warm welcome to our other new board member, Greg Snyder, a prolific conductor, clinician, and educator who first met Dr. Gage serving on committees together at OMEA!

Gregory Snyder is founder and conductor of the Nashville Youth Wind Ensemble (NYWE), providing an intensive musical opportunity and a deeper study of iconic wind band literature for some of Middle Tennessee’s finest high school musicians.

Mr. Snyder is director of bands emeritus, Lakota West High School, West Chester, Ohio. He taught and conducted high school band for 35 years, teaching 27 years in Lakota—9 years at Lakota High School, and 18 years at Lakota West High School. His concert bands toured Europe and earned a nearly unprecedented three invitations to the internationally acclaimed Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic (Chicago, Ill.). The Marching Firebirds earned more than 75 grand champion awards and numerous
accolades, including two invitations to perform in the iconic Tournament of Roses Parade (Pasadena, Calif.), and in the legendary Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (New York, N.Y.).

Learn more on our website!

06/26/2026

Here is a preview of one piece for the Mission: LoveMusic - Dr. Stephen L. Gage Legacy Project Band Consortium! This project is my donation to support the nonprofit started in Steve's memory, with two new band works available this August. This consortium is open to anyone who makes a donation to the Mission: Love Music non-profit in any amount. If you or your ensemble would like to receive these pieces, please click the link in my bio.

Please consider donating!

A warm welcome to one of our new board members, Adam Brennan, a longtime friend of Dr. Gage and fellow American Bandmast...
06/26/2026

A warm welcome to one of our new board members, Adam Brennan, a longtime friend of Dr. Gage and fellow American Bandmasters Association member!

Dr. Adam Brennan has been director of bands and professor of percussion studies at Mansfield University since 1995. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music education and a Master of Arts degree in theory and composition, with an emphasis in composition, from Western Illinois University. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting from the University of Oklahoma where he studied with Dr. William K. Wakefield.

Learn more about Dr. Brennan and the rest of our team at missionlovemusic.org!

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