Our Conductor

A native of Youngstown OH, Todd Maki began studying piano at the age of 5 years old, eventually studying percussion through high school and then eventually studying choral work. It was during high school that he first discovered the magical world of electronic synthesizers, and a lifelong  fascination with electronic music was born. It was during his time in college that a fellow student who was working as a videographer approached him, asking him to compose a short jingle for a video project  that his love of composition was truly born. Sensing the need to take a break from college and explore his newfound love of composition, Todd  was invited by that same videographer to join him and his brother (the then ‘Erwin Brothers’ film making duo) in Alabama to work as an in-house  composer and sound designer. It was that formative year that started a  lifelong pursuit of musical production.

Desiring to have a better mastery of audio production, Todd moved back home to  Youngstown where he purchased a home that he remodeled into a recording studio, where a constant stream of musicians could be spotted going in and out of the doors as Todd was quietly refining the craft of audio  production. Eventually he started working on composing soundtracks for  shorter films, which led to work on feature length film scores. Wanting to work less inside of the confines of a computer, Todd desired to work with orchestral musicians as a part of the fabric of these film scores.  Studying independently with various musicians, Todd gained a better understanding of how each instrument works as well as the sonic nature of the orchestra. In 2013, Todd asked an orchestra’s-worth of friends who would be willing to volunteer their time for an experimental orchestral recording project, which quickly turned into what was  previously known as the Youngstown Scoring Stage (now since rebranded as the ‘Legacy Scoring Orchestra’) which records the works of composers all over the world. 

While conducting was initially a means to an end to run these ambitious recording sessions, this turned into a desire to really refine the craft so as to be able to communicate more closely with musicians both inside these recording sessions but also in a concert setting as well. This eventually led to a love of conducting, which resulted in several different smaller ensembles requesting him to lead their various musical groups. Today Todd conducts multiple ensembles, orchestras and musicians around the NE Ohio area.  

For 35 years, from 1990 - 2025, Joseph  Pellegrini was conductor of YACCB.  Our members know that Joe is a quiet guy – very easy going, and very private.  At times he shares a little about his family, but mostly not.  So here is some information about him that we are sending out with his permission.
 

Joe was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, on November 30, 1950 and he is an only child with a stepbrother Jeff.  He started to play the saxophone at age 10.  He was a proud member of the Butler HighSchool Band, along with their jazz ensemble.  He also participated in the high school’s Broadway shows as a member of the pit orchestra.  

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S Army, attended the Naval School of Music and was a member of the 327th Army band, Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland.  He served as the marching band’s drum major for one and a half years.  

Joe enrolled at the Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University  after completing his military service.  He was a 4-year member of both  the wind ensemble and the jazz ensemble.  He served as the first  president of the YSU jazz ensemble during his senior year.  

After YSU, Joe took the job as music teacher/band director in Austintown,  Ohio.  During his 34 years he taught K-5 elementary, 5th grade band,  high school bands, jazz ensemble and music appreciation.  He retired in  2009 and was asked by a close friend to be his marching band assistant  at Champion High School, Warren, Ohio.  He served in that position until  2012.  He works part-time at The Music Gallery in Canfield, Ohio and continues to teach the saxophone.  When he is not working, Joe enjoys photography, and cooking.  

Joe married his wife Peggy in 1983.  Their son Michael lives in Chicago and Joe’s daughter Jill lives in Kauai, Hawaii.
 

Joe  started conducting YACCB in September 1990 and wants to continue as  their conductor for many years to come. His desire is to help this band  become bigger and better.  One of his projects is to have the band  perform a “concert series” in one or more of the many outstanding  concert halls in the city of Youngstown. 

Recently the band has teamed  up with a community choir, the Stambaugh Chorus, to perform an annual  Christmas concert to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.  The concert  is held at one of America’s finest concert halls, Stambaugh Auditorium.
 

Joe’s message: “I want all members, past, present and future, to know how proud I am to stand in front of the YACCB and make music together”.   Thanks, Joe.  We hope to keep you proud of us and we appreciate your  leadership to help us play quality entertaining music for our audiences.