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Augustana Percussion Ensemble

percussion ensemble

Conductor: Tony Oliver

Rehearsals: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 

The Augustana Percussion Ensemble is a chamber group that performs music specifically written for the percussion ensemble from 1930 to the present. The ensemble also performs various transcriptions and arrangements of music never imagined for percussion (but that we think sound pretty good).

tony oliver
Dr. Tony Oliver directs the Percussion Ensemble.

The ensemble’s crowd-pleasing concerts present a diverse mix of musical styles—from light to serious to “out there”—and participants play traditional and non-traditional percussion instruments of all kinds. The group serves as a place of additional training for the percussionists in Augustana’s larger ensembles, and as a percussive outlet to anyone on campus interested in percussion or percussion music.

The large percussion ensemble is open to any student without audition. Auditioned groups are selected from the larger group to play advanced literature as their desires or abilities allow.

The large group rehearses on average one hour per week, and performs two major concerts per year. In addition, the ensemble sometimes presents small outreach concerts to the community.

Students pose before departing on tour

Augustana Symphonic Band to celebrate 150 years in November

The Augustana Symphonic Band (formerly the Augustana Concert Band) will celebrate its 150th anniversary during a weekend-long celebration Nov. 22-24, 2024.

John Flannery and Abriana Tereza

Flannery, Tereza collaborate and win MTNA award

Pianist John Flannery '24 received a $2,500 award from the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) after performing his composition titled "My Body Turns Toward Thee Again" with vocalist Abriana Tereza '24 at the annual MTNA conference. 

Nina Ehrlich

Alumnus premieres cello piece in honor of Dr. Ehrlich's 45 years

Grant Estes '21, commemorating Dr. Janina Ehrlich's 45 years of service at Augustana, premiered "The Quarrel Between Winter and Summer," composed by faculty member Dr. Jacob Bancks, on April 14.

Christmas at Augustana presented by Quad City Bank & Trust

The Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, Augustana Concert Chorale  and Augustana Bell Choir join together in a celebration of the holiday season.

The performance is 90 minutes with no intermission.

Christmas at Augustana presented by Quad City Bank & Trust

The Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, Augustana Concert Chorale and Augustana Bell Choir join together in a celebration of the holiday season.

The performance is 90 minutes with no intermission.