During the summer of 2023, Onsby Rose (DMA 2019), associate professor of music at Dordt University, was approached by Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Nowlin about a commission for “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band in honor of the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Excited for the opportunity, Rose began working on Symphony No. 2, “The Sacred Cloth.” Pictured: Onsby Rose joins the band on stage after the world premiere of his new work, Symphony No. 2, “The Sacred Cloth.” Photo by U.S. Marine Band Public Affairs — released.

The 40-minute symphony in four movements was composed for the modern American wind band, featuring traditional instruments alongside contrabass clarinet, contrabassoon, and a wide array of percussion. The Marine Band gave the world premiere of the work on March 23, 2025 at The Music Center at Strathmore outside Washington, DC under the baton of their director and Commanding Officer, LtCol. Ryan Nowlin. They also have recorded the work, which will be the centerpiece of their 2025 album to be released in December of 2025.

Onsby Rose, 2019 alumnus of The Ohio State University, with Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Nowlin following the premiere of his new symphony by “The President’s Own,” U.S. Marine Band. Photo by Onsby Rose.

Rose's history with the Marine Corps led him to this unique opportunity. As a former active-duty Marine from 1997–2007, Rose has maintained a connection to the Marine Corps as well as “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band. The ensemble has played much of Rose’s first symphony over the past years. The first Symphony was written during Dr. Rose’s last year as a doctoral student at The Ohio State University. While the work was not part of his degree requirements, he says he was deeply influenced in his writing by his studies with Russel C. Mikkelson, Ohio State Director of Bands, as well as his study and writing on the music of David Maslanka, Rose’s mentor in music composition.

“To have been given the opportunity to write for “The President’s Own” is a lifetime achievement and an honor unlike any other,” says Rose. “Even beyond that, to be able to write music that will be performed by my fellow U.S. Marine musician brothers and sisters, is truly the height of my career as a composer.”

While the work was created for “The President’s Own” to perform, the hope is that is not the sole use for the piece. “The work was commissioned to celebrate the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps, but also to create a work that will hopefully be played by many professional, college, and high-level wind bands throughout the world,” says Rose.

Inspired by the symbolism of the Marine Corps dress blue uniform, which represents excellence and honor, Rose believes the themes in "The Sacred Cloth" reach beyond the military, connecting to all walks of life. “Every profession from every walk of life can connect with these words in some way," says Rose. “I pray that the work is meaningful to all listeners as they think deeply about what it is they contribute to God’s world in the way of their work.”

Hear the world premiere of Rose's Symphony No. 2 on YouTube.

Onsby Rose accepts applause following the world premiere of his work Symphony No. 2, “The Sacred Cloth” by “The President’s Own,” U.S. Marine Band on March 23, 2025 at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD. Photo by U.S. Marine Band Public Affairs — released.