Composer · Conductor · Clinician
Wind Band · Symphony Orchestra
"I write music that reflects our world around us and how we and all of humanity experience life."
Biography
Dr. Onsby C. Rose is Director of Instrumental Activities and Professor of Music at Dordt University, where he conducts the Wind Symphony, Campus-Community Band and directs the Defender Band, Dordt's first athletic pep-band. In addition he oversees all six instrumental ensembles and the Instrumental Music Education program. He also serves as Principal Conductor of the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra.
A former U.S. Marine Corps musician with eleven years of service, Dr. Rose performed and conducted with bands in Albany GA, New Orleans LA, and Norfolk VA. He also served two years as a baritone bugler with "The Commandant's Own" U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Rose earned his B.MEd from East Tennessee State University, his M.M. in Conducting from Appalachian State University, and his D.M.A. in Conducting from The Ohio State University, where he studied with Dr. Russel C. Mikkelson. He also studied composition with the late Dr. David Maslanka and credits Maslanka for his help in finding his way to composition.
His compositions have been performed by premier military bands in Washington D.C., college and high school bands across the United States, and internationally in Australia, Japan, Guam, and Germany. Most recently he completed his second symphony "The Sacred Cloth" for LtCol. Ryan Nowlin and "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band. He is currently commissioned by the United States Naval Academy Band to compose his third symphony "Annapolis" to be premiered in the fall of 2027.
Published Works
Browse Dr. Rose's complete catalog. Each listing includes a perusal score download and audio preview where available. Add directly to cart for digital or printed delivery.
Purchase Directly
Order directly from Dr. Rose — no middleman, no waiting. Both digital and physical editions available for every work.
Score and individual parts sent directly to your email as high-resolution PDFs, ready to print. Delivered within 2 business days of confirmed payment.
Professionally printed and bound parts shipped directly to your door. Domestic and international shipping available. Contact Dr. Rose for shipping inquiries.
All payments processed securely through PayPal. All major credit and debit cards accepted — no PayPal account required.
Dr. Rose regularly ships to ensembles in Japan, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond. Digital delivery is instant worldwide — no shipping delays or customs fees. For printed sets, international shipping rates are quoted on request. Wire transfer and international payment options available. Contact onsby.rose@gmail.com to arrange international fulfillment.
New Works
Dr. Rose accepts a limited number of commissions each year for wind band, brass ensemble, and symphony orchestra. His compositions are rooted in the human experience — honoring service, celebrating place, and reflecting the full arc of life.
Recent commissions include a second symphony for "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band, to be premiered by LtCol. Ryan Nowlin. His works have been performed internationally by premiere military bands, collegiate ensembles, and regional orchestras.
Commission Pricing
The Process
What Directors Say
Director testimonials will appear here.
After your next performance or clinic, contact Dr. Rose to share your feedback — or email a quote to onsby.rose@gmail.com.
Work With Your Ensemble
Dr. Rose visits ensembles across the United States and internationally as a guest conductor, clinician, and composer-in-residence.
Geography is no longer a barrier. Dr. Rose offers full-featured virtual clinics via Zoom or Google Meet — including score study, rehearsal coaching, and composer Q&A — for ensembles anywhere in the world. A virtual session is indistinguishable in impact from an in-person visit for most rehearsal goals, and significantly more affordable for international groups.
Book a Virtual Clinic →Multi-day visits during which Dr. Rose works directly with your ensemble on his compositions — from interpretive nuance to historical context and musical intent. Ideal for premieres, conferences, and festivals.
Available for concerts, honor bands, and invitational events. Dr. Rose has served as guest conductor for "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band and leads ensembles at all levels with authority and warmth.
Half- or full-day clinics focused on ensemble preparation, score study, musical expression, and performance readiness. Suitable for middle school, high school, and collegiate ensembles performing any repertoire.
Educational sessions on conducting, wind band repertoire, composition for wind ensemble, and the creative process. Dr. Rose has presented clinics domestically and abroad, including international honor band events.
"The Dordt University Wind Symphony was chosen to perform at the 2024 Iowa Bandmasters Association conference — Dr. Rose brings that same standard of excellence to every ensemble he visits."— Director's Note, Iowa Bandmasters Association 2024
Get In Touch
Dr. Rose responds personally to all messages within 2–3 business days.
Dr. Rose actively seeks commissions and residency engagements from ensembles outside the United States. Virtual clinics are available worldwide. Wire transfer and international payment options available.