Sara Corry (DMA ’17)

Sara Corry is the first woman in U.S. Armed Forces history to serve as a staff arranger and composer for the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Based in Washington, D.C., she writes and arranges music for high-profile events including White House state dinners, the National Christmas Tree Lighting and ceremonies honoring foreign dignitaries.

Her work has reached global audiences. She wrote music for the Army’s 2025 Rose Parade float, viewed by more than 75 million people, and composed the opening and closing music for the 75th NATO Summit at the president’s request. She also arranged music for the Kansas City Chiefs’ White House visit after their Super Bowl win, completing the project in less than 24 hours.

Her newest piece, “Answering the Call,” will debut at the Congressional Medal of Honor Ceremony in 2025 honoring the “Hello Girls” of World War I. Another work, “Journey Home,” which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Soldier’s burial, is under consideration as a national Memorial Day song.

Corry was nominated for a regional New York Emmy and composed more than 65 works for the Army in 2024.