Equity Arc Wind Symphony
The Equity Arc Wind Symphony brings together talented young musicians from historically underrepresented cultural backgrounds for a multi-day music intensive.
Extending Support
The Equity Arc Wind Symphony brings together talented pre-college and college musicians from historically underrepresented cultural backgrounds for a tuition-free multi-day training residency. Musicians selected through a competitive audition process will learn from professional wind band musicians and network with peers from similar backgrounds. This experience culminates with a side-by-side performance.
Audition Eligibility & Requirements
Please note that eligibility in the Wind Symphony is open to pre-college and college age musicians from cultural backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in classical music. Eligible students must be 21 years old or younger as of January 1, 2026.
Dates, Location and Travel:
- The Equity Arc Wind Symphony will be held in the Washington, D.C. metro area from April 30 – May 3, 2026. It will be in residence concurrently with the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra.
- The Equity Arc Wind Symphony is tuition-free, and Equity Arc covers travel and hotel expenses for accepted musicians.
Audition Timeline:
- Priority applications are due by 11:59 pm ET on October 15, 2025.
- Hard application deadline is 11:59 pm ET on November 1, 2025.
The Audition:
- Solo Work: The solo should be 3-5 minutes of any work of your choice and may be performed with or without accompaniment.
- Excerpts: A lyrical and technical excerpt are required drawn from the 2026 Equity Arc Wind Symphony Excerpt List
You are encouraged to pick a piece with your private instructor that best demonstrates your musical abilities. Professional recording equipment is not required.
Questions? Watch the virtual Wind Symphony info session, or send an email to mark@equityarc.org.
2026 Equity Arc Wind Symphony Music Director
Rodney Dorsey
Dr. Rodney Dorsey is Professor of Music at the Florida State University College of Music where he conducts the FSU Wind Orchestra and guides the graduate wind conducting program. Prior to joining FSU, Dorsey served on the faculties of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, University of Oregon, University of Michigan, DePaul University and Northwestern University.
During his conducting career, Dorsey has led performances at several prominent events including 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 in the United States. International engagements include Hungary, Canada, and Bulgaria.
Dorsey’s commitment to community has been demonstrated by his participation on the board of directors for Music for All and the Midwest Clinic. He currently serves as the president of the Midwest Clinic. Dorsey is also an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association. Most recently Dorsey was named a Yamaha Master Educator.
2025 Equity Arc Wind Symphony
Get Involved
The inaugural Wind Symphony, which was planned for May 1-4, 2025 in collaboration with The President’s Own U.S. Marine Band, was cancelled in mid-February due to the recent Presidential Executive Order entitled “Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing.” Read the Washington Post article here.
In wake of that cancellation, we reached out to retired members of the premier military and military academy bands to recreate both the mentoring and performing experiences for the students. The Equity Arc Wind Symphony performed at The Music Center at Strathmore on March 9, 2025 under the music direction of Rodney Dorsey.
Program:
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine by John Philip Sousa
Bravado by Gala Flagello
American Hymnsong Suite by Dwayne Milburn
Prelude on Wondrous Love
Ballad on Balm in Gilead
Nettleton (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing)
March on Wilson (When We All Get to Heaven)
One Life Beautiful by Julie Giroux
Lincolnshire Posy by Percy Grainger
Dublin Bay (Lisbon)
Horkstow Grange
Rufford Park Poachers
The Brisk Young Sailor
Lord Melbourne
The Lost Lady Found
Galop by Dmitri Shostakovich, transcribed by D. Hunsberger
