Dana Green, Orchestra

The arrival of Dana Green in 2004 began a new era of excitement and possibilities for orchestra students at Naperville North. Because of his infectious enthusiasm, students have been able to see orchestral music in a different light. And the growth in the number of students involved in orchestra is tribute to Mr.Green’s popularity.

Dana teaches music is the director of orchestras at Naperville North High School, Mill Street Elementary and Naper Elementary School. In addition to these duties, Dana also conducts one of the West Suburban Youth Orchestra's two ensembles. Dana has long believed in our need for music in society and hopes to encourage students to embrace the beauty and ineffable joy intrinsic to music.

Q&A with Dana Green

I know your primary instrument is the violin. Why did you pick that as a kid? What is your favorite type of music to play?

I originally thought I had picked the viola. It was not until perhaps 6 months down the line did anyone bother to correct me and inform me that my instrument was the violin.

My favorite genre of music to perform is Baroque. I love the running sixteenth notes, the driving rhythms and the surging dynamics; it’s really quite exhilarating!

Tell us about your personal performance – you as a musician – highlights (so far):

I thoroughly enjoyed playing on stage at Symphony Center with the DePaul Symphony Orchestra. We performed Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony paired with a wonderfully complex piece by Penderecki. I loved the music and the forum was beyond compare.

What five pieces of music will always be on your iPod?

This is a tough question for me to answer as my reply is ever changing. In this particular moment:

• Bemsha Swing, performed by Miles Davis
• Trio, Op. 67, Shostakovich
• Music for 18 Musicians, Reich
• J'ai dormi sous l'eau, Air
• In Your Own Sweet Way, Brubeck playing Brubeck

What musician -- living or dead -- would you most like to meet?

I think it would be fantastic and unnerving to sit down and chat with Yoyo Ma. He is obviously a fantastic musician and seems genuinely affable. Also, I think he is a patient enough man and a good enough teacher to slow his brain down long enough to enable me to understand what he is saying while he is saying it.

Best less-than-10-words piece of advice for a student musician?

Disciplined practice enhances our ability to express ourselves.