A Few Questions for the National Intercollegiate Band’s Conductor and Commissioned Composer

Tony Falcone National Vice President for Professional Relations – KKΨ

I recently had a chance to catch up with 2023 NIB Conductor, Dr. Rodney Dorsey and Commissioned Composer Dr. Michael Daugherty and got them to answer a few questions about the upcoming event, July 9-11 at the Caribe Royale Hotel, Orlando, FL. Here’s what they had to say:

Dorsey

Q: What is your general approach to these kinds of auditioned Bands and especially one drawn from collegiate musicians nationwide?

A: I want the program to have enough variety and tonal contrast, so the musicians and the audience never feel like they are playing and/or listening to the same piece for 40 minutes. I try to pick a program that has enough difficulty to challenge the group enough to sustain their interest, but not stretch them so much that we cannot address musical issues. I also believe it’s important to select music composed by a diverse group of composers.

Q: Can you give us a ‘sneak peek’ of what you’re thinking about for the program?

A: I haven’t talked with Michael about the specifics of his piece, but I want to select a program that supports the commission. I will program at least one work that is slow and lyrical that displays the beauty of the ensemble sound. The percussion section will also be considered in selecting the program. I want all musicians to feel like they have a significant contribution to the program.

Q: I know you’ve been on faculty with our Commissioned Composer, Michael Daugherty before. What are some thoughts about working with him?

A: I was excited to learn that Michael Daugherty is the Commissioned Composer for the 2023 NIB. His music is influenced by jazz and popular music and that really resonates with musicians and audiences. Many of his works are also influenced by American stories so I look forward to what he has written for the ensemble. I know the students will enjoy the process of premiering a new work by Michael Daugherty!

Q: What is your general approach to these kinds of auditioned Bands and especially one drawn from collegiate musicians nationwide?

A: The music I will compose for this commission will be playable by musicians who possess a wide spectrum of musical abilities.

Q: Can you give us a ‘sneak peek’ of what you’re thinking about for the commissioned piece?

A: I am think ing about composing a work for wind ensemble inspired by Jesse Owens who achieved international fame at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, by winning four gold medals: 100 meters, long jump, 200 meters, and 4 × 100-meter relay. He was the most successful athlete at the 1936 Olympic Games and, as a black American man, was credited with single-handedly crushing Hitler’s myth of Aryan supremacy.

Q: I know you’ve been on faculty with our Conductor, Rodney Dorsey, before. What are some thoughts about working with him?

A: I have known Rodney since he was one of the band conductors years ago at the University of Michigan. His conducting inspires all who are lucky to work with him. I look forward to working with Rodney on this project!