MYAC Welcomes New Director of VocalPoint!

MYAC is excited to welcome Andrew Dahan as our new VocalPoint Director! Dahan is from Skokie, IL, and received his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) as well as his Master’s in Jazz Pedagogy from the University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL). He is also the Director of Choirs and Vocal Jazz at Niles North High School, and was Head of Music Education at Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, IL) from 2014-2018. In addition to his teaching career, Dahan has also had the privilege of singing the National Anthem for the Miami Heat, and has sung as a background vocalist for notable performers such as George Benson, Gloria Estefan, Ben Folds, Raul Midón, and Steve Miller.  He was also a member of the Grant Park Festival Chorus, and has performed with the Final Fantasy Distant Worlds Chorus. You may see him performing around the Chicago area with the American Caroling Company and the Lola Bard Holiday Carolers.

​How and when did you first hear about MYAC?

I was actually in the MYAC choir the very first year it started, way back in 1998. I was a senior at Niles West High School at that point, and since I had loved singing in choirs/vocal ensembles, I was always seeking out more opportunities to sing. I heard about MYA (as it was called back then), and decided to audition. I only got to do it for a semester, but I really enjoyed my time singing with MYAC!

What is one thing about MYAC that initially impressed you?

While I haven't been heavily involved with MYAC for many years, other than having a few students singing in the choirs here and there, I have always been impressed with the quality of music that all of its students are able to create. I also love that it brings together groups of singers who normally wouldn't get the chance to sing together. The way that MYAC attracts excellent young musicians who are willing to take time out of their week to make even more music is a testament to the quality of the experiences that it offers.

What is your professional background, and how might you bring that experience to your role here? 

​I've either been studying or teaching music since I graduated high school! I got my Bachelor's Degree in Choral Music Education from Northwestern University, and a Master's Degree in Jazz Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Miami, and also completed coursework toward the PhD in Music Education from UMiami as well. I've had the privilege of teaching high school students, as well as college students who aspired to be music educators. I'm currently the Director of Choirs and Vocal Jazz at Niles North High School, and it's a job that I absolutely love! I truly believe that music has something to offer everybody, and that everybody has something unique to offer to music also. I enjoy listening to, performing, and teaching many different styles of music, and I hope to bring that background to my role at MYAC.

What is something that you are excited for in your new role?

​I think at the moment, I'm most excited to meet everybody! Beginning to work as the director of Vocal Point this year is kind of a "full-circle" moment for me, having been around when MYAC first started offering vocal music, and I can't wait to see what can be accomplished working alongside a wonderful and dedicated team of colleagues, students, and families!