Youngstown State University Dana School of Music horn teacher Sean Yancer, second from right, conducts french horn students from left Samantha Nicholson, Brandon Brown, Severino Paredes, and Bridget DePascale. Staff photo / Allie Vugrincic

YOUNGSTOWN — Dana School of Music student Sarah Schwenke said Wednesday that art and music need not be separate.

“I think a lot of times we separate art and music, when they really should be together,” Schwenke said.

Schwenke was one of 10 students who played the French horn for an audience of about four dozen at the Butler Institute of American Art as part of a weekly series of Music at Noon concerts in the gallery.

Horn teacher Sean Yancer said the free program, which features everything from vocal performances to ensembles and studio groups such as the horns, runs almost every Wednesday through the school year, starting at 12:15 p.m.

Horn students played “Carol of the Bells,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the spiritual “Deep River,” among other selections, for their half-hour performance.

The group also did a “Harry Potter” medley arranged by student Joshua Bryan as a final project for his Honors Harry Potter seminar. Bryan conducted the medley, which he calls “Harry’s Wondrous Horns.”

Between selections, Yancer talked to the the audience and asked questions.

“People talk and try to get the audience engaged,” Yancer said.

Schwenke said she has done “quite a few” Music at Noon performances during her years in the Dana School of Music. She said being in the art gallery makes for a “really cool experience.”

Youngstown resident Bob Vrabel said he attends the Music at Noon performances as often as they are held.

A music lover, Vrabel said he comes for the entertainment and to support the musicians. He said having them in the Butler changes the atmosphere of the performance.

“The general surroundings give it a more formal atmosphere,” Vrabel said.

He said he particularly enjoyed a vocal performance a few weeks ago that involved a variety of show tunes.

Next Wednesday, Music at Noon will feature a clarinet recital. The YSU Barbershop Chorus will be Nov. 13, and a saxophone performance is scheduled for Nov. 20. A full list of Dana School of Music performances can be found on YSU’s website.

avugrincic@tribtoday.com