Keeping the music alive
A celebration of Augustana musicians
(Generosity Matters is a series of spotlight stories about alumni who give back to Augustana College.)
As the Augustana Symphonic Band (ASB) community continues to reminisce about the 150th anniversary of the ASB, reflections from students, alumni and families illustrate how deeply the ASB resonates across generations. Life-changing mentorships, unforgettable performances, philanthropic support and proud parenthood are just a few key components of Augustana’s music program. This is more than an academic offering — it’s a community, a home and a lifelong source of inspiration.
A student's journey rooted in community and leadership
For Santi Miranda ’25, music was a gateway to growth and belonging at Augustana. Involved in the Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Concert Band, Clarinet Choir, and numerous student organizations including Latinx Unidos and the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity, Miranda says his college experience was profoundly shaped by the people in these ensembles.
“Being surrounded by talent, work ethic and kindness inspired me to be like the upperclassmen at the time. They cultivated an environment where I was able to express who I am, with room for me to grow into a leader,” he said. “Symphonic Band is a home to many people. I’m just a drop of water in a lake full of people positively affected by this experience.”
A deeply moving moment for Miranda during the sesquicentennial celebration was performing "Places We Can No Longer Go" by John Mackey, a piece reflecting on dementia: “My grandmother has Alzheimer’s, so the piece really hit a tender spot in my heart.”
Now preparing to teach K-12 music in a rural Illinois school, Miranda credits faculty like Dr. Janina Erlich and Dr. Randall Hall for encouraging him to explore with curiosity and resilience. He is also deeply thankful to donors whose generosity made his education possible.
“The financial support I have received from scholarships established by generous alumni have given me hope, an opportunity, and a chance to have a life where I get to enjoy and prosper in my career.”
An alumnus reflects on a life of music
Mitch Carter '14 echoed the positive student experience from Santi, calling music the center of his Augustana education.
“It was my home away from home, my social life and my outlet for creativity and enjoyment. It didn’t just shape my college experience; it was the bulk of my college experience,” Carter said.
With involvement in the Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble and various national music associations, Mitch found the campus music culture both rich and formative. Now a professional educator and musician in the Quad Cities who has taught and performed across a wide range of settings since graduation, Carter attributes much of his success to his time at Augustana.
“[The program] gave me a great foundation to build the life I have, with music being a cornerstone of both my professional life and my free time.”
Though unable to attend the Sesquicentennial celebration, Carter chose to give back in hopes of preserving the music program’s excellence.
“My hope is that my giving will ensure that these incredible opportunities are available for students for many years to come," said Carter.
If he could return for one more performance, he admits he’d love to tackle any piece by David Maslanka: “I would love to take another crack at some of those xylophone/marimba runs in any Maslanka piece!”
A legacy continued across generations
For Bob Pritchard '70, music at Augustana was a family affair, one now spanning generations. A member of the Augustana Band and Orchestra, Pritchard fondly remembers band trips from Colorado to New York and participation in the pep band. His most cherished recent moment was performing in the alumni band alongside his granddaughter, Elyse Pritchard '28, during the Sesquicentennial.
Pritchard's musical legacy has extended to his children and grandchildren, all of whom play brass instruments and have stayed active in band programs.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to perform a solo with the orchestra my senior year,” he said, crediting former director George Opheim for his guidance. His contributions to Augustana’s Sesquicentennial fund aim to “help provide the same experiences that I enjoyed.”
Parents who found a home through their son’s passion
Jennifer and Tom Boyd, parents of Joseph Boyd '27, a percussionist in the Symphonic Band, also offered a powerful perspective — this time through the lens of family support. Though not musicians themselves in college, their family’s connection to music runs deep. Joseph, a music education major, is involved in nearly every ensemble on campus, from Symphonic Band and Orchestra to Percussion Ensemble, as well as Augustana’s music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
“Our proudest moments are those spent watching our son perform,” said Jennifer and Tom. “When he visited Augustana College, he immediately said it felt like home. Now completing his sophomore year, he continues to absolutely love Augustana — and so do we!”
The Boyds support the Sesquicentennial Endowed Fund and Friends of Music, driven by a desire to help current and future students flourish.
“With our family still deeply rooted in the music business, we are acutely aware of the significant costs associated with musical instruments, their maintenance and eventual replacement. It’s important to us that Joseph and his fellow musicians have every opportunity to thrive, focusing on their craft without the distraction of equipment challenges. We hope our contributions will help ensure that all Augie musicians are well-equipped to perform at their very best.”
They expressed immense gratitude to faculty like James “Doc” Lambrecht, Tony Oliver and Hisham Bravo Groover, whose mentorship has elevated Joseph’s college experience. For them, the recent faculty recital during the Sesquicentennial celebration was a standout.
“As parents of a current student, this recital deeply resonated with us, reaffirming that our son is learning from highly experienced, exceptionally talented professionals who are deeply passionate about their craft.”
A note that carries forward
The Band Sesquicentennial Endowed Fund, established in 2022, has a principal value of $149,473.15 and market value of $167,074.96 as of March 31, 2025. In 2026, $1,430 will be available to spend from the fund, and this amount will increase significantly over the next few years as the fund grows. Faculty and staff in the music department will be able to use these earnings to continue enhancing the student experience in the Symphonic Band. Thanks to the generosity of donors to this fund, a few you have just heard from, this gift will be available for student-musicians every year, forever.
From first-year students to seasoned alumni, from proud parents to beloved faculty, the Augustana music program continues to serve as a transformative force in the lives of many. The Sesquicentennial celebration marked not just a historic milestone, but a vibrant continuation of a legacy built on passion, generosity and the power of performance.
As Santi Miranda so eloquently put it, “I’m just one drop in a lake full of people positively affected by this experience.”
Thanks to donors, faculty mentors and families, that lake continues to ripple outward—for the next 150 years and beyond.