Dan McCain
Dan McCain is a recent graduate of University of the Arts, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance with his principal instrument, bass. Dan has been a co-op student with The Philly POPS four years and has both worked in the POPS offices and performed at POPS events. Dan was a three-year participant in the All-City Jazz program, and performed in the All City Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Artistic Director for Jazz Terell Stafford. This fall, Dan will continue his musical education at Temple University. Learn more about Dan’s journey with POPS in Schools below!
SHOWTIME!
Dan made his debut performance with the POPS on July 4, 2018, during the Celebration of Freedom playing with The Philly POPS BIG Band, alongside his future University of the Arts professors! In January of 2019, Dan had the performance opportunity of a lifetime when he got to play alongside his hero, Christian McBride, for JAZZED! Dan played a three bass arrangement of “Blue Monk,” with Christian and his University of the Arts professor Steve Beskrone.
Dan also performed in A Musical Celebration of West Philadelphia in Malcolm X Park and for Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Since joining the POPS as a co-op student, Dan’s experiences in the office have helped him both as a musician, an administrator, and an educator.
A LIFELONG LOVE OF MUSIC
After graduating, Dan plans to get a M.M. degree in Music Education to give back to the music community and its upcoming musicians. He credits the work that he did with POPS in Schools while a co-op for helping him find his path after college.