Sigma Alpha Iota

12 Winter 2026 • sai-national.org BAND continued from page 11 The band was comprised of about half students, half retired military musicians. When the two groups arrived on Saturday for the dress rehearsal, they clicked right away. Dr. Dorsey gives these retired musicians the majority of the credit for making the event happen at all. Not only did they immediately reach out when the original event was canceled, but were also great working alongside the students. They became mentors during rehearsal, offering advice when they could. The band recorded for 60 Minutes that Saturday afternoon, performing Dmitri Shostakovich's "Galop" to be later televised on CBS. The students also attended a Baltimore Symphony concert that evening, followed by a Q&A with the musicians. The performance that Sunday was similar to their original plan with the United States Marine Band, even if it was on a slightly smaller scale. "It was literally one of the most meaningful things I've been a part of," Dr. Dorsey says. Though the concert was not what they'd originally planned, what resulted became more significant for everyone involved. For the students, they still had a chance to play alongside military musicians, a chance that was almost lost. For the veterans, it was like a homecoming, reconnecting with old colleagues or with other military musicians they had never met. For Dr. Dorsey, he had the opportunity to direct them all together, which could be considered almost miraculous after only a week's planning. The band was featured on 60 Minutes on March 15, 2025, where they are called "A band that looks like America," and the full Sunday performance is available on Paramount+. Due to the success of this concert, Equity Arc held a similar performance at their conference in Chicago alongside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. They want to continue expanding the program, and several colleges have expressed interest in working with them. Dr. Rodney Dorsey is Professor of Music at Florida State University and an SAI National Arts Associate. He conducts the FSU Wind Orchestra and guides the graduate wind conducting program. Dr. Dorsey has led performances at the American Bandmasters Association Convention, College Band Directors National Conference North/Northwest Regional Conference, and the Bands of America National Festival. He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, and has performed internationally in Hungary, Canada, and Bulgaria. He is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Indiana Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma (honorary), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. ASPIRE, VOL. 2: "THE PRESIDENT'S OWN" AT 225 Zhao Tian, Joel Puckett, Jacob Bancks United States Marine Chamber Orchestra, Mimi Stillman, Nicholas Phan, Ricardo Morales, Col. Jason K. Feig, Conductor Released December 19, 2023 In 1798, following its brief disbandment after the American Revolution, then-President John Adams signed an Act of Congress to reestablish the United States Marine Corps. The act further called for thirty-two fifers and drummers, as well as a Fife and Drum Major. Thus, the United States Marine Band was born. However, string musicians have been key players in its history, culminating in the formation of the Marine Chamber Orchestra. Over two centuries later, both ensembles are still performing music at the highest of levels for a variety of audiences. While Aspire is technically a double album, the focus here is on Volume 2, a celebration of the Marine Chamber Orchestra. The Marines are joined on this record by three very special guests. Flutist and SAI Honorary Member Mimi Stillman opens the album with a world premiere recording of Zhou Tian's Concerto for Flute and Orchestra. (Indeed, all three works featured in Aspire are world premiere recordings.) Her tone is crisp and clean, her style bright and flighty like a bird. She works together with the orchestra to paint nostalgic, natural pictures; the music conjures the essence of works like Bambi, or "the flower scene" in Jerry Rees's adaptation of The Brave Little Toaster (Millennials and Gen X, if you know, you know). In There Was A Child Went Forth, Joel Puckett's musical interpretation of the work of Walt Whitman, tenor soloist Nicholas Phan narrates the poem's story as it unfolds in the music. The strings swell as the "brood of the barnyard," then flow like water as we journey to the "pond-side." Jacob Bancks's work has been referred to as "caffeinated" (which I absolutely love), and it is obvious why. Brought to life by clarinetist Ricardo Morales, the movements of Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra are aptly named. "Unruly" is constantly changing styles. One minute you're relaxing in your backyard; next thing you know, you are being chased like a character in a cartoon. For over two centuries, the Marine Band—and Chamber Orchestra—have been entertaining diplomats and civilians alike. It is a great accomplishment to perform in and with such talented ensembles and musicians. Join them, and our sister Mimi, in this celebration. Aspire, Vol. 2 is available for streaming on major platforms, and can be downloaded on the Marine Band's official website, www.marineband.marines.mil. By Rebekah Strain (see page 27 for bio) Musicians In Action SAI Honorary Member SAI Honorary Member Mimi Stillman Mimi Stillman at the premiere with at the premiere with "The President's Own" "The President's Own" Marine Chamber Orchestra Marine Chamber Orchestra

• Cover