--- title: Dordt University expands instrumental music opportunities with inaugural symphonic band date: 2026-09-24T09:58:00-05:00 author: Jennifer Vermeer canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-expands-instrumental-music-opportunities-with-inaugural-symphonic-band" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Music](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=music) Sep 24, 2026 # Dordt University expands instrumental music opportunities with inaugural symphonic band In response to growing demand among instrumental music students, Dordt University has introduced a symphonic band. ![A conductor leads a seated orchestra on stage; musicians hold instruments and read sheet music during a performance in a concert hall.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/windsymphony2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=2ea82f77&v=d107209f32f4477905c83699a06c73f0f08b16891d3c939cac750ba2431ce949) ![]()In response to growing demand among students in the instrumental music department, Dordt has introduced a symphonic band this semester. The ensemble, which includes 40 students, will make its debut on October 16 during [Defender Days](https://www.dordt.edu/events/defender-days-2026). Dordt’s music program has grown beyond the capacity of the existing bands currently available, and rather than turning students away, this new band ensures that students receive proper practice time and performance experience. “We had more students who wanted to participate than those ensembles could appropriately serve. Establishing the Symphonic Band allows us to provide more students with a meaningful musical experience while giving each ensemble the instrumentation, rehearsal environment, and educational focus it needs.” Dr. [Onsby Rose](https://www.dordt.edu/people/onsby-rose), director of instrumental activities at Dordt says. The mission of this ensemble is to sharpen musicianship, technique, and ensemble awareness, preparing student musicians for the premier concert band, Wind Symphony. “I hope students experience meaningful musical growth, develop greater confidence, and deepen their love of music and performing. I also want them to build musical skills and relationships that will encourage them to remain active musicians long after they graduate from Dordt.” Rose says. For concert details and updates on the music department's upcoming performance schedule, visit [www.dordt.edu/live-events](http://www.dordt.edu/live-events). --- **About Dordt University** As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation's leading Christian universities by *U.S. News & World Report*, *Niche*, and other national publications. --- [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-JPmNkcn-X3.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=d5f99e18&v=f480acf9fa754831ae1b7f40a6b3ea7aea4a75875a7f6de1920d12d18c610a0c) Research and Scholarship Sep 24, 2026 ## Dordt educator introduces JONAH framework for supporting proactive learning environments and student success Dr. Kathleen VanTol, professor of education and director of the Master of Special Education program at Dordt, has created JONAH, a free, open educational resource designed to help educators create positive, proactive learning environments and respond effectively when students struggle with behavior. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-educator-introduces-jonah-framework-for-supporting-proactive-learning-environments-and-student-success) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Sep 24 General #### [Praise & Worship ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/praise-worship-2026-09-24) Sep 25 Campus Visit Days #### [Campus Visit Days ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/campus-visit-days-2026-09-25) Sep 25 Athletics Men's Cross Country #### [9/25 10:15 AM Dordt University Men's Cross Country at Augustana Invitational - Yankton Trails Park ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/9-25-1015-am-dordt-university-mens-cross-country-at-augustana-invitational-yankton-trails-park) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>