The Augustana College Band, has performed in the finest concert halls in this country, has appeared before national, regional and state music educator gatherings, hosts the annual November Augustana Band Festival, and performs in many area concerts and at special events. The first international tour for the Augustana Band was a 24-day tour of Asia in January of 1999, the second tour to China was in January of 2003. The band will be again traveling to China in January of 2007. Dr. Bruce Ammann enters his 19th year as conductor and always maintains exciting and challenging concert series during the academic year.
The Northlanders Jazz Band was started in 1954 with Earl Colgan as its first student director. It continued as a student-run organization until Dr. Harold Krueger assumed its leadership in 1965. Since then, the Jazz Band has performed for many campus and community events as well as being featured with numerous guest soloists in the annual Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival. The director of the Northlanders Jazz Band is Dr. Paul Schilf. He is in his seventh year as director of the ensemble.
The Brass Choir is directed by Dr. Paul Schilf and rehearses twice a week for 50 minutes. The Augustana Brass Choir began as a fully organized ensemble of the Music Department in 1965 under the direction of Dr. Harold Krueger. The ensemble actively contributes to the campus and community in a musical sense and as assistance for religious activities.
The College-Community Band was established by Dr. Bruce Ammann to support the growing number of students in the Augustana Music program and to offer members of the Sioux Falls community band performance opportunities. Also, music education students are encouraged to perform on their secondary instrument. The College-Community Band, comprising about 40 students and 70 community members, performs two concerts each semester.The College-Community Band (Fall 2007) is directed by Dr. Bruce Ammann.
Pep bands for football and basketball home games are directed by Dr. Paul R. Schilf. Membership is determined during the fall band auditions.
The Clarinet Choir meets for 50 minutes each week and performs on recitals, at community events in the Sioux Falls area, daily chapel services, and at regional symposiums.
The Trombone Choir is directed by Vance Shoemaker. The ensemble meets for 55 minutes each week and performs on recitals, at community events in the area, and at the Siouxland Trombone Festival.
This group meets for one hour each Wednesday evening and performs on recitals, community events, and the annual South Dakota Day of Percussion.
If you want to “play music” again, please
check out www.newhorizonsmusic.org.
The New Horizons Band of Sioux Falls is a member of New Horizons International
Musical Association whose goal is to encourage people over 50 (pre-seniors also
welcome) to play an instrument. We are actively seeking new members from Sioux
Falls and the surrounding area. Research indicates playing music makes a positive
difference in the health and well-being of seniors. What could be better—playing
music with friends and enjoying a healthier, longer life? Dust off your horn
and your skills and join us on Fridays from 10:00 am to 12 Noon at the Augustana
College Humanities Building, Lillehaug Rehearsal Hall for practice. The band
is often invited to play concerts in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. There
are no charges for concerts; however, donations are graciously accepted and
used to buy music for the band. For more information, please contact us at nhbsxflls@yahoo.com