Julie Dana's Final Concert Caps a Noteworthy Career at FCC
After 23 years teaching choral music at Fresno City College, Julie Dana is retiring. Her final concert “Sing!” is Friday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Old Administration Building Auditorium.
“Sing!” features the FCC City Singers and Symphonic Choir, two of the most prestigious choral groups under Julie’s direction. The concert will also welcome back over 25 choral alumni who have been part of her teaching legacy at the college. Tickets are $8 General and $5 Students. Purchase tickets online at www.fresnocitycollege.edu/performingarts Parking is free.
Julie Dana is one of those teachers who many of her students will never forget. In a 38-year career teaching choral music, which includes teaching music at the college, high school and elementary school levels, she has introduced the transformative power of music to thousands of students.
Julie has directed a number of FCC choral groups in addition to the acclaimed City Singers and Symphonic Choir. Others include the College Choir, Chamber Singers, and the Fresno Chorale. Julie, a sought-out clinician and adjudicator, has been instrumental in building the program making it highly regarded throughout the state, the nation, and the world. Her students have performed at festivals and concerts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe including at the International Choral Festival in France just days after a terror attack rocked that nation. Her students have performed twice at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York.
In February, Julie was honored by the California Music Educators Association with the CMEA Pearson/Silver Burdett Choral Educator Award at the 11th Annual California All-State Music Education Conference. In 2021, she received the Dr. Bill F. Stewart Achievement of Excellence Award from the State Center Community College District. This annual award honors a District employee who best exemplifies qualities in leadership, innovation, vision, and hard work.
When Julie retires in May, she wants to leave behind a special gift to future students. Julie said “As my parting gift to FCC I am endowing a scholarship for incoming music majors. If you’re looking for a worthy cause, the future musicians of FCC would love your support!”
The Da Capo Scholarship will directly support incoming FCC music majors and help them get started on their academic and musical journey. Donations to the scholarship can be made online On this page, select your amount, chose “other” under designation and enter “Da Capo Music Scholarship.” Checks can be sent to the State Center Community College District Foundation Office 1171 Fulton Street, 2nd Floor Fresno, Ca 93721.
Julie met her husband, Mike Dana, at Fresno City College. Mike is also a retired FCC music instructor. Julie and Mike don’t have any specific plans yet, but they no doubt will be busy being active in the music community in Fresno and around the world.
