Spotlight: Roger Cichy

Roger Cichy
Composer and Conductor

Since the appearance of his first published work in 1985, Roger Cichy has been a prolific composer whose works often paint experiences and emotions on a canvas of sound. The composer’s works contain a number of signature elements, among them is his unique use of rhythm and pronounced use of percussion. In many of his works, Cichy employs what he calls “compelling rhythms,” whose repetition drive his melodies forward. His appreciation for percussion’s unlimited sounds and timbres is also notable. Cichy’s work is further defined by his fondness for jazz rhythms, liberal use of strong countermelodies, and thick harmonic texture.

Roger Cichy brings his background as a music educator to his work as a composer. Roger holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Music Education degree from The Ohio State University, but also did extensive study in composition with Edward Montgomery, Marshall Barnes and Joseph Levey at Ohio State. He has directed concert bands and marching bands at the elementary, high school and college levels, serving as Director of Bands at both the University of Rhode Island and Iowa State University.

Today, Roger is a freelance composer and arranger, writing for high school, university and professional bands, professional orchestras, and the commercial music industry. His works range from small ensembles literature to compositions and arrangements for marching band, concert band, and symphonic orchestra. He has over 300 compositions and arrangements to his name, including those published by Daehn Publications, C. Alan Publications, and Ludwig Masters Publications. Cichy’s music has been recorded by premier ensembles such as the North Texas Wind Symphony, the United States Air Force Academy Band and the University of Georgia Wind Symphony. He has received numerous composition awards from The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) for serious music.

Composing music for a wide variety of genres including orchestras, choruses, wind bands, small ensembles and music for film, Cichy is widely sought for commissions. The music of Roger Cichy is continually being performed throughout the United State and abroad.

His works have been performed at many prestigious conventions including the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinics, CBDNA National and Regional Conventions, ASBDA Conventions, MENC National and Regional Conventions, several All-State Festivals and appear on many contest lists throughout the country. In 2008, Mark Masters released a CD recording of Cichy’s music titled Sounds Sketches and Ideas, which received Grammy listings in three categories. His film score for the PBS documentary The American St. Nick earned him an Emmy.