DGLevatEd™
Bridging the Gap Between Classrooms and Legends
Founded by Dr. John Horgeshimer (artist, composer, educator, and producer), DGLevatEd™ exists to make sure world-class musicians aren’t out of reach for the schools and communities that need them most.
This isn’t charity; it’s connection.
We bring living legends into classrooms, auditoriums, and community spaces — not just to perform, but to inspire, mentor, and ignite the next generation of musicians.
Built from the ground up by a teacher who lived it, DGLevatEd™ eliminates the financial barriers that keep great music locked behind closed doors.
How It Works
Choose an Artist or Program
From masterclasses to residencies, DGLevatEd™ connects schools and communities with world-class talent.
Launch a Community Campaign — We handle your branded fundraising page, sponsorship packages, and marketing support.
Engage the Town — Parents, alumni, and local businesses rally behind the campaign to bring the artist in.
Host the Experience — Performances for students, the school, and the public. Everyone wins.
Celebrate the Legacy — We document the impact, share results with donors, and help you build momentum for the next event.
Why Use DGLevatEd™?
The music world is changing fast, and the giants who built it won’t be here forever.
DGLevatEd™ exists to make sure their legacy doesn’t fade.
Every visit, every clinic, every concert is a living bridge between eras by connecting young artists with those who defined what greatness sounds like.
This is how we keep the art alive.
Built by an Educator. Powered by a Community.
Before founding DGLevatEd™, John served six years as Director of Bands at Herron High School, Indianapolis (2011–2017).
During his tenure, he built the jazz program from one jazz band to three, added multiple small ensembles and coursework, and booked performances with notable guests. Herron students under his direction performed for the Indiana Governor and the Mayor of Indianapolis. The school even hosted American Pianists Association finalist Christian Sands in a residency and concert — a milestone for a downtown high school.
Through those seasons, many of his former students went on to become music educators, professional performers, and leaders in their fields. That legacy of mentorship is the foundation for DGLevatEd’s mission: creating generational access to excellence in music.
ADVISORY BOARD & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Ellefson
Founding Member & Former Bassist, Megadeth
A Grammy-winning musician, author, and producer whose career helped define American metal, Ellefson brings global industry perspective to DGLevatEd™. His commitment to education and mentorship bridges metal and jazz audiences alike.
Robert Hurst
Bassist / Composer / Educator
A jazz icon and tenured Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, Hurst’s playing has defined modern jazz bass. His presence ensures DGLevatEd™ maintains elite artistry and educational depth.
Mike Vax
Director, Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra
With over 3,000 clinics and masterclasses worldwide, Vax is among the most prolific jazz educators alive. His dedication to outreach and performance is core to DGLevatEd’s mission.
Dr. Dina Preston & Don Ortiz
The Dina Preston Band
International touring artists and cultural ambassadors, Dr. Preston and Don Ortiz have performed in over 40 countries. Their commitment to cross-cultural musical exchange strengthens DGLevatEd’s global vision.
Dr. Del Lyren
Founding Owner, DGL Artists™ / Board of Directors
Del Lyren founded DGL Artists in 2017 and spent seven years building its foundation through artist representation and educational outreach. He was instrumental in forming early relationships with key performers like Mike Vax, Robert Hurst, and Vinnie Ciesielski, booking masterclasses and clinics that kept those connections alive across the country.
Now serving on the Board of Directors, Dr. Lyren continues to offer institutional insight and mentorship as DGL Artists expands its reach through DGLevatEd™ — a new phase of fundraising innovation and community impact under John Horgeshimer’s leadership.
Ty Oldham
Director, Board of Directors
Operations and logistics authority whose leadership keeps DGLevatEd™ campaigns grounded, efficient, and accountable.
Dr. John Horgeshimer
Founder & Executive Director
Educator, composer, producer, and lifelong advocate for music access. As the architect behind DGLevatEd™, John bridges classroom experience, artist management, and legacy building.
DGLevatEd™ is governed by a three-member Board of Directors (Dr. John Horgeshimer, Dr. Del Lyren, Ty Oldham) and supported by a national Advisory Board of leading artists and educators.
Presented by DGL Artists™ — Elevating Artists, Engaging Audiences™
Powered by DGLevatEd™ — Fund the Music. Fund the Moment.
GET INVOLVED
Whether you’re a teacher ready to bring a world-class artist into your classroom, a parent or alumnus who wants to give back, or a business looking to sponsor a performance — we make it easy to join the movement.
DGLevatEd™ — Keeping Music Alive, One Generation at a Time.
© 2025 DGL Artists™ | A program founded by Dr. John Horgeshimer | Hermantown, Minnesota