Honoring the late Dr. Daniel Culver

The walls of Bergendoff Hall hold the legacy of Dr. Daniel Culver, professor emeritus of music at Augustana College. He never liked the word "professor" — he always called himself a teacher. And that was his goal: to educate and empower student musicians to become better. He demanded work; he demanded engagement; and he demanded excellence, not just in music but in the musical habits and curiosity of his students.

Since Daniel joined the Department of Music faculty in 1974, he impacted the landscape of learning at Augustana College. He conducted the Augustana Symphony Orchestra for 42 years, he was the assistant conductor of the Quad City Symphony under James Dixon, and he conducted the Quad City Youth Symphony, integrating the campus and community. He co-founded the Music of the 20th Century series and annual Bach concerts at Augustana. He taught music theory, music history, conducting and (briefly) bassoon, and acted — or "acted up" as he liked to say — as Chair of the Department for three years. He retired in 2016.

Dr. Culver carried with him a fervent passion for the betterment of music, humanity and intellectual exchange. He was always prepared with the perfect anecdote or story that fit the lesson or the situation. His plethora of musical jokes and quips will never leave these halls — or our hearts.

Everyone has a story or quote that honors Dr. Culver and his way of teaching us to make music. According to former students, he taught everyone "to be on time, to be present, to give your very best EVERY TIME, to count, to keep the beat by walking, and to make good trouble. He filled the rehearsal room with laughter, high expectations, and beautiful music. He was wise and caring, but never afraid to give a much needed dose of tough love and his influence and inspiration lives on in all of his students."

When I began teaching at Augustana, Daniel reminded me that it is easy to get lost in our work, and encouraged a balance of work and life. He modeled this in his great love of travel and the outdoors, and was equally at home in a cafe in Vienna or a canoe in Ely, Minnesota.

The impact that one individual can have on generations of students is easily seen in Daniel Culver. He will be remembered by the many lives he touched. He was a cherished teacher, colleague and friend.

On behalf of the Department of Music, I am forever grateful.

Margaret Ellis
Assistant Professor of Music 
Augustana College Class of 1993