ISU mourns the loss of Dr. Stephen L. Gage

Indiana State University is mourning the loss of Dr. Stephen L. Gage, Interim Director of Bands in the Indiana State University's School of Music, who died Sunday. He was 66.

Dr. Gage began his tenure as Interim Director of Bands at ISU in August 2022. In addition, Dr. Gage conducted the Wind Orchestra & Concert Band, taught conducting, and was part of the ISU Music Education Faculty.

"In just a short amount of time here at Indiana State University, Dr. Stephen L. Gage has made an impact on the School of Music and many of his staff and student musicians," Sycamore Bands posted on its Facebook page. The ISU School of Music's Director, Dr. Ted Piechocinski, remembers Dr. Gage as "an amazing musician, friend, and colleague to our entire student body, staff, and faculty in the School of Music. From his very first day, he made an incredibly positive and indelible difference that touched everyone with whom he came into contact. We are incredibly saddened by this loss and will miss him dearly."

Dr. Gage dedicated his life to music and music education and touched the lives of countless students. He was a former music professor at Youngstown State University, where he was also Director of Bands and the Dana Symphony Orchestra. He spent 28 years at YSU, retiring in 2021. Earlier in his 42-year career as a collegiate music educator and conductor, he worked at colleges in Illinois, Kansas and New York state. Dr. Gage wrote numerous published articles on conducting, rehearsal techniques, and wind band literature. He leaves a wonderful family with his wife, Stephanie, daughter, Claudia, and sons Brendan and Matt.