An Indianapolis native and resident, Daniel Dorsett, is an active composer, percussionist, and music educator. With over a decade of teaching experience, including seven years as the band director at Harshman Middle School, Daniel’s dedication to music education earned him the WISH-TV Golden Apple Teacher Award in 2021 and he was selected as a semi-finalist for the Country Music Association's Music Teacher of Excellence in 2026. As a composer, Daniel crafts music that is expressive yet approachable for performers and directors and has been performed across the United States and Europe.
Embedded Files
Highlights include:
Cotton Candy Sky, premiered by Kelsey DeMange and the Cincinnati Youth Choir as part of their Summer Celebration (2026)
Forever Golden, commissioned by Natalie Humble and the Henryville High School Concert Band, honoring Inez Hardee, a 1950 graduate and devoted supporter of the school for over seven decades (2024)
First Flight, commissioned by Dr. Joseph Scagnoli and the Indiana Ambassadors of Music Band, toured internationally in London, Paris, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria (2023)
Suttons Bay and Mischief, featured at the 2023 Indiana Music Education Association Professional Conference by the Franklin Central High School Wind Ensemble and the University of Indianapolis Symphonic Wind Ensemble, respectively.
Daniel holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from the University of Indianapolis, where he studied percussion with Paul Berns of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he studied composition with Dr. John Berners at the University of Indianapolis and Dr. Frank Felice, Associate Professor of Composition at Butler University. He also performs as a percussionist with the Indianapolis Symphonic Band.
Stories & Inspiration
Stories & Inspiration
Many of Daniel’s pieces grow out of specific places, people, and shared experiences — moments of teaching, collaboration, travel, and community that shape the music long before the first note is written.
Let’s connect
Let’s connect
If you’re interested in commissioning a new work, collaborating on a project, or simply starting a conversation, Daniel would love to hear from you.
He typically responds within 48 hours.
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