Dordt Wind Symphony places third for Wind Band Performance in American Prize for Performing Arts

The Dordt University Wind Symphony placed third in the College Wind Band Division for Wind Band Performance in the American Prize for the Performing Arts.

The Dordt Wind Symphony is a select group of approximately 55 instrumentalists who perform wind and percussion masterworks and premiere new compositions and arrangements. The band is comprised of students studying in a variety of majors.

“By ranking third, and the top two above us being large state schools where the ensembles are primarily all music majors and comparing that to Dordt where 90 percent of our musicians are not music majors, illustrates that due to our Christian focus and God’s blessings because of that, and the incredibly hard-working students we have, we are far exceeding the expectation of a university our size,” says Dr. Onsby Rose, director of instrumental activities at Dordt and principal conductor of the ensemble.

At Dordt University, 21 percent of full-time students on campus participate in music. Dordt offers choral, band, orchestra, and worship ensembles, as well as offering private lessons to students.

“You can play music at Dordt as a music major or non-music major and have the same experience that you would get at a large school of music,” says Rose. “We play the same type of music, at the same or higher level, and do it with students of all majors.”

Rose appreciates his colleagues and students who all seek to live out Dordt’s mission and pursue excellence as they glorify God through all that they do.

“Each day I get to lead an ensemble of not only great musicians, but students that are truly seeking Christ in their lives,” says Rose. “I firmly believe this is what makes Dordt what it is, and what makes the Wind Symphony what we are. I love being surrounded by a group of people that place God and their fellow humans, before themselves.”

Dordt’s Music Department will kick off their ensemble performances on September 16 at 7 p.m., with their Pops Concert.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.