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History of Dorian Mirth
The inspiration for Dorian Mirth originated in spring of 1999 when sisters Kierstin and Rachel took a recorder class together at Utah State University as an elective for their music degrees. Although previously having basic knowledge and skill in the instrument, the class began to bring to light the possibilities of ensemble playing. Plus, it was loads of fun!
A year later, their older brother announced he would be getting married in May 2000. When it was mentioned it would be an outdoor wedding, it was apparent that Kierstin's organ skills would likely not be needed. Such are the woes when one plays the most immobile instrument in the world! Wanting to offer their skills as musicians, but refusing to resort to a cheesy synthesizer keyboard, Kierstin and Rachel thought back on their recorder ensemble idea from the previous year.
They recruited a small group of friends -- including current members Gina, Melonie, and Janette -- that had all had prior music experience, but little to no acquaintance with the recorder. After hastily acquiring instruments, throwing together some music, assembling costumes, and holding several whirlwind practices, they were ready for their first gig. Kierstin and Rachel's brother insisted they come up with a name and, after putting it off for a long while, Gina casually suggested "Vis Sit Tecum" - a rough Latin translation of "May The Force Be With You". Thusly, the group was named Vis Sit Tecum Musicorum (VSTM).
In August 2000, the group played for the Greenshow of the Salt Lake Community College/Salt Lake City Arts Council production of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. It was an especially exciting event, as it was the commemorative 10-year anniversary performance of the musical. Additionally, Melonie designed and constructed the costumes for the play.
After a succession of family weddings, it became apparent that the group was becoming a permanent establishment. Though Janette took a sabbatical for a religious mission beginning in June 2001, VSTM continued to play together.
The first of The Lord of the Rings movies was released in December 2001, and the local Salt Lake City Line party had the distinction of being the largest organized midnight premiere of The Fellowship of the Ring in the world for the films. VSTM was the official entertainment of the evening, playing music for the fans whilst they eagerly awaited the showing of the film. Long time friend and vocalist extraordinaire Tami agreed to join the group, and the Fellowship line party was her first gig with us.
In winter of 2001 another musical friend, Jeffrey, returned to Utah after spending three years in Brazil and Florida. He took position as VSTM’s percussionist.
In the summer of 2002, it was announced that a suite of compiled music from The Fellowship of the Ring would be premiering at the historic Hollywood Bowl. Being rabid fans of both the film and the music for it, all members of the ensemble planned on attending. When it was discovered that a picnic (lovingly dubbed “Bowlmoot”) for fans of The Lord of the Rings would be held in conjuncture with the concert, VSTM contacted the organizers and became the official entertainment for the event. (Link to full report)
Janette returned from sabbatical in December 2002 and once again picked up her guitar as a member of VSTM.
The second of the Lord of the Rings films, The Two Towers was released in December 2002. Again, the Salt Lake City Line Party was the largest line party in the world and again, VSTM played for it. This time, the screening was at the historic Villa Theatre, a huge glorious theatre harkening back to the golden days of the silver screen. (No longer able to compete with modern surround-sound theatres, the Villa closed its doors forever only a few months afterward.)
Making Hollywood connections at the Bowlmoot picnic opened the next door for VSTM, and they were invited back to Hollywood as performers at “Two Towers - One Party,” a celebration organized by theonering.net on Oscar night at the Hollywood Athletic Club. VSTM played as over 1,000 fans checked in for an evening full of costumes, food, and fun! (Link to full report)
When the group was first formed, there was no notion of the permanence or the wide-reaching experiences it would have. It had become apparent that the name Vis Sit Tecum Musicorum was quite unwieldy, being difficult to pronounce and remember. Additionally, it required a lot of explanation and produced many a confused look from inquiring folks. After a lengthy months-long process of deliberation, the ensemble was named Dorian Mirth (DM) in May 2003.
The demands of school and life made it increasingly difficult for Jeffrey to continue devoting time to DM, and he left the ensemble in the summer of 2003. Later in the season, Frank picked up percussion in his place, with future plans to lend his musical talent in the area of arranging music.
For the third year in a row, DM played for the Salt Lake midnight premiere of The Lord of the Rings, the biggest and most exciting line party yet! The Villa theatre, even if it had still been in commission, was much too small this time to contain the ever-growing crowd of die-hard fans who wanted to experience Return of the King with the biggest and most enthusiastic crowd of fans in the world. After playing in the tiny lobby, DM traveled from theatre to theatre (seven screens in all) at the Ritz Hollywood Connection movie megaplex in order for everyone to hear them play!
“Two Towers - One Party” was such a success that DM was invited back to participate in “Return of the One Party,” this time at the Hollywood American Legion, located a block from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. (Link to Full Report) Premiering at the party was DM’s debut CD, Pluck, Rattle and Blow. (Link to CD page) Joining them as a fill-in for the event was friend and fellow costumer/musician Liz, who played so well that she was afterwards asked to become a permanent member of DM!
To see what the future holds for Dorian Mirth, and where you can hear them play, click here.
March 2004