College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

By Devin Chivers ’27

In 25 years as Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra conductor, Patrick Reynolds has shaped the lives of countless young musicians and enriched the University of Dayton by inspiring dozens of youth orchestra alumni to join ensembles on campus.

Reynolds, professor of conducting in the UD Department of Music and leader of the UD Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble, is celebrating 29 years at the University. He also serves as associate conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. He said his engagement with orchestras in the community enhances his work with UD students.

“It’s really important to stay musically active,” he said. “I conduct rehearsals almost every day and I do concerts often, and that keeps you musically alive.”

Reynolds’ connection with the youth orchestra, which regularly appears on the Dayton Philharmonic’s Education and Family Concert Series, started a few years after he began teaching at UD. He said the group has motivated him to continue promoting a noncompetitive and welcoming atmosphere for young musicians from the Dayton region.

“What I am proudest of is how consistent, stable and dedicated the young musicians have been and how supportive their parents have been over the years,” he said. “Obviously, it is important to be a good musician, but I also think some of the skills I brought to the youth orchestra are stability and consistency.”

Reynolds’ influence reaches beyond the rehearsal hall. Each year, around five to 10 DPYO students choose to continue their academic and musical journeys at UD.

“I like that these students chose UD — they’re good musicians who have been working with me for years,” Reynolds said. “You always wonder what happens to youth musicians after they leave high school, and I get to see that here.”

Madeline Hodges, a junior biology major from Centerville, Ohio, and French horn player in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and University Orchestra, came to UD after performing in the youth orchestra.

She enjoys Reynolds’ ability to emphasize the seriousness of rehearsals and improving one’s musical skills, while also having fun and maintaining good energy across the ensemble.

“Dr. Reynolds has continued to foster my love for music throughout college and I always find myself looking forward to ensemble rehearsal, even when I’ve had a hard day of classes,” she said.

Hodges does not plan to pursue music professionally. She plans to incorporate music at her practice after completing medical school, with the hopes of making doctor’s visits more enjoyable for her pediatric patients.

Natalie Rocke, who is pursuing a master’s degree in education, spent four years as a member of the youth orchestra while in high school. She said she was excited to have the opportunity to work with Reynolds once more.

Rocke, from Troy, Ohio, now plays cello in the University Orchestra while preparing for a career teaching third grade. She hopes to continue offering private cello lessons in the area, crediting Reynolds with helping her keep music as part of her life.

“When I made the decision to do my master’s at UD, I was excited to have the opportunity to work with him again in the orchestra,” Rocke said. “It has been a wonderful experience the last couple of years to play in two of his groups.”

Toby Rush, associate professor and Department of Music chair, said Reynolds’ involvement in the youth orchestra and as a professor at UD not only strengthens the department but also reinforces its values in the most visible, human ways.

“Dr. Reynolds’ leadership of the DPYO is a powerful reflection of his holistic approach to music education — one that emphasizes not only technical excellence but also personal growth, creativity, collaboration and a deep sense of artistic community,” Rush said.

“His community-facing work helps prospective students and their families see UD as a place where music is not only studied but embraced in real, impactful ways. That resonance between campus and community is one of the things that sets our program apart, and Dr. Reynolds has been instrumental in building that reputation.”

Reynolds will retire in May with the rank of professor emeritus. However, he will continue at UD in a part-time role leading the UD Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble, still mentoring the next generation of musicians. He also will serve as president-elect of the College Orchestra Directors Association.

“The DPO education concerts, the youth orchestra, working with young musicians at University of Dayton, all that ties into the fact that all I really want to do is just share music with people,” Reynolds said.