FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 30, 2018
Rodney Dorsey
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Rodney Dorsey as professor of music in bands, effective Aug. 1, 2018, pending approval of the Trustees of Indiana University.
“Professor Dorsey is nationally recognized as a leader in our field, admired as a pedagogue, emulated as an artist and venerated as a communicator,” said Gwyn Richards, David Henry Jacobs Bicentennial Dean. “He connects and engages with students, faculty and the public alike. Through his passion, vision and personality, he draws people to him, creating supportive, collaborative environments in which growth and artistic accomplishment can be attained.”
Dorsey is currently director of bands and conductor of the Wind Ensemble at the University of Oregon. Prior to that, he was associate director of bands at the University of Michigan, where he conducted the Concert Band and the Michigan Youth Band and taught undergraduate conducting. He served previously on the faculties of DePaul and Northwestern universities.
“I am happy to welcome Rodney Dorsey to the faculty of the Jacobs Department of Bands,” said Stephen Pratt, chair of the department. “With his strong experience as a member of the faculties of several universities, and public-school work in Florida and Georgia, he will bring much insight and musical leadership to share with the gifted students here. I have had the pleasure of knowing him for quite some time and am excited that he has been chosen to join Jacobs’ superlative faculty.”
Dorsey studied conducting with James Croft, John P. Paynter and Mallory Thompson. He was a clarinet student of Fred Ormand and 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 College Band Directors National Association Regional Conference and the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival. He is active as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator in the United States and has welcomed engagements in Bulgaria, Hungary and Canada.
Dorsey holds professional memberships that include the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Oregon Music Educators Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. He is also member of the Midwest Clinic board of directors and the American Bandmasters Association.
“I am very excited to join the Jacobs School of Music faculty,” said Dorsey. “I was so impressed with the students and band faculty I met while on campus, and I look forward to contributing to the rich history of the Indiana University band program.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Linda Cajigas
Assistant Director of Communications
IU Jacobs School of Music
812-856-3882 | lcajigas@indiana.edu