DARA OS is an electronic ensemble made up of college students that are part of the Digital Audio Recording Arts program at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL. DARA stands for Digital Audio Recording Arts and OS stands for Original Saints, short is DARA OS.
The students compose original songs, mash-ups, remixes, experimental pieces, and perform them using music technology. Ableton Live is utilized as the DAW, the PUSH is the MIDI Controller, Aerodrums, Mac Laptops, DMXis light show, and Vizzable projection are the tools. Up to 8 computers are synchronized together using MIDI Beat clock. This allows one master computer to control the time-line of the other computers providing a continuous flow of creative options and computing power that will synchronize music, lights, and video.
The DARA OS goes on the road every spring semester to local high schools performing at assemblies and sharing their sounds and knowledge.
If interested in booking the DARA OS please contact Alby Odum at aodum@stfrancis.edu or 815-529-1088.
Dom Fiore currently works Brickstone brewery and the restaurant side. He works as much as he can while also attending the University of St. Francis. Currently working to finish his Bachelors Degree in audio engineering.
Dom graduated from KCC with my associates prior to attending the Unversity of St. Francis. His main goal after graduation is to enter the music industry, either working in live sound production or a studio.
Evan Heise is a singer, songwriter, and music producer from the Chicagoland area.
He has worked as WCSF’s Radio Production Director, where he won the WCSF Halberg Award for excellence in radio.
Evan is grateful to be a part of the DARA family, where he helped create the DARA Music Club. Evan predominantly produces pop music but loves working on hip-hop, country, EDM, rock, etc.
Every song is a unique challenge; crafting the best piece possible is the most critical thing to Evan. His biggest influences would be all of the members of the DARA family and the constant incredible work they do, which pushes him to be better and continue to evolve in turn.
Lucas Wessel is a senior at the University of St. Francis. He is a triple threat with notable skills as an Engineer, Musician and Producer as well as having an extremely well rounded musical range. Lucas takes pride in being able work in nearly any genre, but specializes in: Country, Metal, Pop punk, Jazz and Hip-Hop.
Lucas also acts as the frontman of DARA OS and is a pivotal part of the team as a whole. He is an extremely hard worker and makes sure to put the time in when needed, but don’t let that make you think he doesn’t know how to have fun or take a joke.
Lucas plans on opening up a studio after college and working as a full time engineer/producer.
Silas Odum is a biology major with a minor in Psychology and will attend NIU next year for a doctorate in physical therapy.
Music has always been a large part of his life as he can play the French horn and the guitar. Much of the music he enjoys listening to and creating is heavy rock, metal, and classical Spanish guitar. Some of his inspirations are Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Herman Li. Silas goal is to DJ and create music on the side of his Physical Therapy career.
He is currently taking guitar lessons and creating songs including guitar leads to be played in the DARA ensemble.
Stacy “Kip” Norris is from Homewood, IL. She is currently a junior in the DARA program. Her musical background is as a drummer, but she also plays the vibraphone in UFS’s Jazz ensemble.
Her musical influences include Clyde Stubblefield, Herbie Hancock, Gil Scott-Heron, and AWB. Stacy has an affinity for the blues and is a founding member of two bands, which are “The Instinct” and “A Patch of Blues” that play throughout the U.S. and in Canada.
In addition to being a performer and producing, Stacy has experience in theater sound design. She is adding Foley work to an upcoming production by the Drama Group in Chicago Heights.
In the future, she would like to open her own recording studio and start a non-profit that provides community youth a safe inclusive place to create and learn about their music heritage, record, learn music technology skills…and of course jam!
Wren Jaskowiak is a senior at the University of St. Francis. They’re a well versed engineer, producer, and musician. With roosts in Midwest emo, Jazz, and symphonic band, they’re able to cover a wide sonic field in every song they create.
In OS, you’ll find a lot of Wren’s love of old school video games from their youth in their music. Wren brings amazing vibes wherever they are. Whether it’s in the studio or on the road. Their hard work ethic makes them vital in the industry.
Wren is currently finishing up a record with their band, “otto otto” and will be releasing solo music under “Wrendering”.