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.

Sofia Hailu

Flute

Sofia Hailu is an artist, coach, and educator. Formerly a military band flutist, she’s currently a free-lance musician, journalist, and leadership coach supporting a diverse clientele from early-stage artists to cultural executives. She holds an MM in Flute Performance (Indiana Univ.), an MA in Arts Management (American Univ.), and a Certificate in Executive Leadership Coaching (Georgetown Univ.). 

Jihoon Chang

Clarinet

In 2010-2015, Jihoon Chang was Professor of Clarinet at Howard University and is currently Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA.  He is also currently Principal Clarinet with the Washington Chamber Orchestra.

Mark Christianson 

Oboe

Mark received a degree in oboe performance from the University of Minnesota, where he was senior oboe soloist, studying with Richard Killmer. He went on to receive a Master of Music, in oboe performance from Northwestern University, studying with Ray Still, Principal of the Chicago Symphony. Mark was the English horn player in the State of Mexico Symphony, then Hong Kong Philharmonic, before joining “the President’s Own,” U.S. Marine Band. He’s played for many dignitaries and under notable musicians, such as John Williams and many others. Mark continues to play with many leading local orchestras and opera companies.

Jeremy Koch

Saxophone

Jeremy Koch is lecturer of saxophone at George Washington University, co-founder of the Atlantic Reed Consort, and a Selmer Paris artist. Former principal saxophonist of the U.S. Air Force Band, he has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, appeared at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and was recently an invited international guest artist in Mexico and Argentina.

Eddie Sanders III

Bassoon

 After undergraduate studies at Towson University, Eddie Sanders won a position with the United States Air Force Band in 2000 and was appointed principal bassoon in 2002. He has also performed with the Maryland Symphony, The Annapolis Symphony, Richmond Symphony, Opera Delaware, Post Classical and the National Cathedral Choral Society Orchestra. He is currently the principal bassoonist of the Apollo Orchestra.

Jennifer Marotta

Trumpet

Jennifer Marotta is a Los Angeles based musician who teaches trumpet at the University of Southern California. She performs with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and LA Opera. Jennifer was a member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band from 2001 to 2005.

Julian R. Ayers, Sr

Trombone

Julian Ayers is an Army veteran who served 26 years as a military musician with The U.S. Army Band. He was senior Drum Major, leading major ceremonies including Inaugural Parades and honors at Arlington National Cemetery. He holds a Master’s in Trombone Performance & is now a freelance trombonist in the Baltimore/Washington area.

Dr. Brian L. Bowman

Euphonium

Dr. Brian L. Bowman enjoys a distinguished career as a soloist, clinician, recording artist, educator and administrator. A Retired Regents Professor of Music Emeritus at The University of North Texas, Dr. Bowman was the principal euphonium soloist position, in each of the bands he has been associated with.. He has performed as a soloist in all 50 states and Internationally.

Willie Clark

Tuba

Willie Clark is the Principal Tuba of the National Philharmic Orchestra and a retired member of the United States Air Force “Ceremonial Brass” in Washington D.C. and a founding member of the Barclay Brass. Currently Mr. Clark is the Tuba Lecturer at the University of Maryland School of Music and Howard University.

James Leonardo Smith

String Bass

Leo Smith is a working musician who performs on bass guitar and upright bass, in all styles and situations. He was the bassist on the 1st National Tour of the Broadway show “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations”. For 20 years he was a member of the US Air Force bands, presenting shows world-wide with concert bands, jazz bands, and several pop-rock groups.

Glenn Paulson

Percussion

Glenn Paulson is the former timpanist of the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and recently soloed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, National Symphony, American Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus, and Broadway shows including The King and I and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber. Has given numerous master classes at PASIC and has composed many pieces for percussion published by Bachovic Publications.

Julie Angelis Boehler

Timpani

Julie retired as Timpanist of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Whether it’s The Brass Band of Battle Creek, Pittsburgh Opera, Blossom Festival Band or various orchestras, performing with Pavarotti, Usher, the rock band KANSAS or U.S. Presidents, she offers this advice: “Do everything with the same amount of passion since you never know who might be listening. ” She attended UMASS and Rice U.