Episode 50 - Rodney Dorsey

Everything Band Podcast

I made it to 50! Joining me is Rodney Dorsey, the current head of bands at the University of Oregon and who was just announced as a new professor of music in bands at Indiana University beginning in Fall 2018.

Topics:

• Rodney’s background growing up in Florida including having Robert Sheldon as his band director.
• Key lessons learned from his teachers including James Croft, John Paynter, and Mallory Thompson.
• The band program at the University of Oregon and Rodney’s new gig at Indiana University.
• Increasing diversity in the band world and the need to commission and perform more music by under-represented composers.

Links:

• University of Oregon
• Indiana University
• Andrea Reinkemeyer: The Thaw
• Kristin Kuster
• Wagner: Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral
• Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium
• University of Oregon Conducting Workshop

Biography:

Dr. Rodney Dorsey comes to SOMD from a position as the associate director of bands at the University of Michigan where he conducted the Concert Band, taught undergraduate conducting, and conducted the Michigan Youth Band. Dorsey will be taking on the director of bands, conducting, and conductor of the UO Wind Ensemble starting Fall of 2013.

Prior to this appointment at UM, Dorsey served on the faculties of DePaul and Northwestern Universities. Dorsey studied conducting with Dr. James Croft, Mr. John P. Paynter, and Dr. Mallory Thompson. He was a clarinet student of Mr. Fred Ormand and Dr. Frank Kowalsky. He gained extensive experience teaching in the public schools of Florida and Georgia. Ensembles under Dorsey's direction have performed at several state and national events including the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival. He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in the United States. Recent presentations include sessions at the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Intercollegiate Band (guest conductor), Georgia Music Educators District Band Festival (adjudicator), and Kentucky Music Educators Association State In-Service Conference (presenter). Dorsey holds a number of professional memberships that include the College Band Directors National Association, Music Educators National Conference, Illinois Music Educators Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Dorsey is also a member of the Midwest Clinic Board of Directors.