Augustana’s music ensembles invite all students to participate, whether they are a music major or not. (Auditions are held for all major ensembles.) And, the community is invited to attend our many music performances.

Major Ensembles

• The Augustana Band — This 80-piece concert ensemble under the direction of Dr. Bruce Ammann performs in many area venues and at special events, and it tours internationally every four years.
• The Augustana Choir — Its 72 singers bring sacred choral music of the highest caliber to people around the region, nation and world under the direction of guest conductor Weston Noble.
• The Augustana Orchestra — Under the direction of Dr. Christopher Stanichar, the Orchestra is a valuable training ground for orchestral musicians while producing high quality and exciting musical performances. Their repertoire consists of major works and overtures, as well as traditional, contemporary, and popular literature for the orchestra.
• The Augustana College and Community Orchestra — Student musicians led by the professional Augustana String Quartet join with community members and perform several concerts per year under the direction of Dr. Christopher Stanichar.
• College/Community Band — Over 40 student musicians and 70 community members rehearse weekly to perform several concerts during the year and tour every two years, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Ammann and Dr. Paul Schilf.
• Angelus — This all-female choir performs joint concerts with the Collegiate Chorale, participates in Christmas Vespers and sings for daily chapel.
• Collegiate Chorale — The 60 voices in this choir present a major concert each semester directed by Russell Svenningsen.

Chamber Ensembles

• Chamber Choir — This choir includes selected voices of the Augustana Choir.
• Opera Theatre Workshop — Scenes from operas are highlighted during this course offered each spring.
• Northlanders Jazz Band — The jazz band performs for many campus and community events, as well in the annual Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival.
• Augustana Jazz Combo — Selected jazz musicians make up this tight combo that performs on and off campus.
• Jazz Lab — For less experienced jazz musicians, this group introduces students to improvisation and jazz repertoire.
• Brass Choir — This group actively contributes to the campus and community in musical performances and at religious events.

Other Instrumental Programs and Ensembles

• Keyboard Programs
• Clarinet Choir
• College Trombone Choir
• Percussion Ensemble
• Flute Choir
• String Quartet
• String Chamber Ensemble
• Saxophone Quartet
• Horn Choir
• Guitar

Many of our students have the opportunity to travel nationally and even internationally as part of performance tours, and selected recordings of their performances are available for purchase.

View the Music Department Handbook to learn graduation requirements for Music majors and requirements for non-Music majors participating in ensembles and studying applied music.