Dana Mandell is an accomplished educator with a comprehensive approach to music instruction. Her unique ​background includes expertise in the areas of wind conducting, music education, and the pageantry arts. This ​blend of multiple specializations contributes to a multifaceted skill set that Dr. Mandell draws upon to deliver ​positive educational outcomes and experiences.

Dr. Mandell is profoundly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity and strives to ensure that her ​classrooms and ensembles are welcoming and safe spaces for all students. She believes in a collaborative ​approach, working to engage students as active participants and collaborators throughout the rehearsal process. ​Dr. Mandell is passionate about increasing student-centered instruction in the large ensemble classroom. Her ​scholarship currently works to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the wind band repertoire.

Beyond her role as an ensemble director, Dr. Mandell brings equal passion to the discipline of elementary music. ​An experienced elementary music teacher, she holds Level III certifications in both the Kodaly and Orff-​Schulwerk methodologies and frequently incorporates Feierabend techniques into her teaching. Presently, her ​interest centers on exploring connections between creative movement instruction and Dalcroze movement ​principles, particularly in their application to teaching in both elementary music and undergraduate conducting.

University of Notre Dame

Band of the Fighting Irish

Pregame Performance

ND v. Pitt 2018

Symphony No. 8 - David Maslanka

II. Moderate

I. Moderate, very fast

Rutgers Wind Ensemble 2022

Songs from the End of the World

- John Mackey

I. A Long Time Alone

Rutgers Wind Ensemble 2022