The NIU Wind Ensemble will present the collegiate world premiere of a piece commissioned by the US Marine Band to commemorate a significant anniversary.
“Last spring, the US Marine Band commissioned a lengthy piece for the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and it was written by a colleague and friend, Dr. Onsby Rose,” said Tom Bough, professor of music and conductor of the NIU Wind Ensemble. “In correspondence with Dr. Rose I learned that we will be giving the collegiate premiere of the piece, the first band other than the USMC Band to play it. We obtained a full set of parts and started work on it as soon as the fall semester started. This is a significant honor for NIU.”
The 38-minute piece will be part of the NIU Wind Ensemble’s concert, Tuesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. in Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. Tickets are available online, and NIU students are admitted free of charge with a reserved ticket.
Symphony No. 2, “The Sacred Cloth” had its world premiere, March 23, 2025. The work was a commission for “The President’s Own” US Marine Band.
Onsby Rose serves as associate professor of music and director on instrumental activities at Dordt University. He teaches courses such as Basic and Advanced Conducting, Instrumental Music Education Techniques, and Orchestration. Additionally, he conducts the Wind Symphony, Campus Band, Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra, and Defender Pep Band.
