After Dana Legg, coordinator of music programs, puts away his baton after leading MSOE’s music ensembles, he heads to his next gig as the leader and lead trombonist of his band, the Dana Legg Stage Band.

The Dana Legg Stage Band is a 20-member band specializing in big band jazz. The band formed in 1992 and has been sharing their jazz sound at clubs, festivals, schools and more throughout the Chicago area ever since. The band also recently released their third album, Scoopin’ The Loop, which features jazz versions of pop tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s. “Scoopin’ The Loop was what young people have always done on clear nights, driving around downtown, meeting others and having fun—and listening to top 40 radio stations,” shared Legg. Scoopin’ The Loop is available on CD and across music streaming services.

In addition to the Dana Legg Stage Band, he has also performed with all sizes of jazz bands, rock bands, country bands, funk bands, brass ensembles, symphonies, circus bands, Oktoberfest bands, traditional jazz groups, Klezmer bands and even funerals. His robust musical background enables him to share his musical experience and expertise with his students.

“There is nothing better than playing in a great band with great musicians, when everything clicks together and the crowd is loving you—no matter what genre you are playing,” said Legg. “I try to convey that to the student musicians at MSOE.”

As the coordinator of music programs at MSOE, Legg is in charge of overseeing all the music ensembles, organizing four annual concerts and small performances throughout the year, directing the 55-piece concert band and two jazz bands, guiding the two jazz combos and leading rehearsals every night.

In 2023, MSOE added the Patricia E. Kern Conservatory of Music to provide a space for students to practice music. “The Kern Conservatory has provided a great opportunity for students to practice their instruments and voices,” said Legg. The Kern Conservatory has 10 practice rooms, pianos, recording studios and larger spaces for small ensembles. It serves as a rehearsal spot for small groups such as jazz combo, the brass quintet, the MSOE Music Club, and Resonant Frequency, a student-led a cappella singing group.

Legg is proud of the music program’s growth over the last few years and looks forward to building on that momentum. “The band program has grown tremendously since I started in 2021, and the choir and orchestra have grown, but I believe if we can find a way to reach more students with the opportunity, we could have 300–500 students involved in the music program.”

As students approach graduation, Legg encourages them to continue their musical passions beyond their collegiate careers, just as he has. “I always say, ‘this is something that you can keep doing your entire lives.’ We even have alumni coming back to participate in the ensembles. But music is so universal that I hope they carry their MSOE experience with them always.”

Keep an eye out for music ensemble performances throughout the year to enjoy the musical magic from MSOE students.