Dr. Onsby Rose, associate professor of music at Ƶ, was commissioned by "The President’s Own" U.S. Marine Band to compose a symphony in honor of the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary.
During the summer of 2023, Dr. Onsby Rose, associate professor of music at Ƶ, was approached by then U.S. Marine Band Associate Director, Ryan Nowlin, about a commission for “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band in honor of the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Inspired by the opportunity, Rose began working on “The Sacred Cloth.”
The 40-minute symphony in four movements was composed for the modern American wind band, featuring traditional instruments alongside contrabass clarinet, contrabassoon, and a wide array of percussion. The Marine Band will premiere and record the piece in March 2025, with the world premiere taking place at The Strathmore outside Washington DC on March 23, as part of their 2025 album release.
Rose's history with the Marine Corps led him to this unique opportunity. As a former active-duty Marine from 1997 to 2007, Rose has maintained a connection to the Marine Corps as well as “The President’s Own.” He has also composed music that the group has performed, including movements from his first symphony on their national tour.
“To have been given the opportunity to write for them is a lifetime achievement and an honor unlike any other,” says Rose. “Even beyond that, to be able to write music that will be performed by my fellow US Marine musician brothers and sisters, is truly the height of my career as a composer.”
While the work was created for “The President’s Own” to perform, the hope is that is not the sole use for the piece. “The work was commissioned to celebrate the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps, but also to create a work that will hopefully be played by many professional, college, and high-level wind bands throughout the world,” says Rose.
Inspired by the symbolism of the Marine Corps dress blue uniform, which represents excellence and honor, Rose believes the themes in "The Sacred Cloth" reach beyond the military, connecting to all walks of life. “Every profession from every walk of life can connect with these words in some way," says Rose. “I pray that the work is meaningful to all listeners as they think deeply about what it is they contribute to God’s world in the way of their work.”
About Ƶ
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Ƶ equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Dordt, located in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Dr. Valorie Zonnefeld, professor of mathematics at Ƶ, created the Faith Contexts for Math website to equip educators with resources for teaching math from a Christian perspective, incorporating insights from teachers, students, and colleagues to highlight the beauty of mathematics as part of God's creation.
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