Jazz leader Rivello will return to YSU

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Dave Rivello will bring his 12-piece jazz orchestra to Youngstown State University on Thursday for a free concert at 7:30 p.m. in Kilcawley Center’s Chestnut Room.

The Struthers native and YSU graduate is a freelance composer, arranger and bandleader based in upstate New York. He has served as composer-in-residence at many schools, writing for their ensembles and giving clinics and private lessons.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the Dana School of Music in 1986, Rivello moved to Rochester, N.Y., where he earned a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music in jazz and contemporary writing. During that time, he won the Down Beat magazine award for “Best Original Extended Composition,” and the International Association of Jazz Educators award for “Best Original Large Ensemble Composition.”

“My experiences and education at YSU, especially with Sam D’Angelo and Tony Leonardi, formed the foundation that enabled me to attend Eastman and to study with the late, great Rayburn Wright, which ultimately lead to me working with jazz legend Bob Brookmeyer for 15 years,” said Rivello.

He has written for and been commissioned by the Smithsonian Institute, the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, the Penfield Symphony Orchestra and many others.

As part of their visit, Rivello and his band will work with YSU music students, as well as the Warren G. Harding High School Jazz Ensemble.