Instrumental Studies

Instrumental ensembles at Augustana University include the Augustana Orchestra, Augustana Band, Blue & Gold Band, Northlanders Jazz Band and Viking Marching Band (VMB). Auditions are held for all major ensembles at the start of the academic year and re-auditions take place prior to the start of each semester.

Ensemble and seating placements for The Augustana Band for the 2025 Fall Semester need to be submitted electronically. Please complete the Audition Questionnaire/Recording Form by Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 11:59 p.m. Wind instrument and percussion players for the Augustana Orchestra are required to submit the form. The Augustana Band excerpts are used for placement within the orchestra.

The Augustana Orchestra consists of both community and student members with the goal of producing high quality musical performances of orchestral music. The orchestra acts as a training ground for talented students to learn the great orchestral repertoire, as well as the excitement of premiering new works. It also gives talented community members of all ages an ensemble in which they can continue to develop and enjoy their musical skills. Its repertoire consists of major works and overtures, as well as traditional, contemporary and popular literature for the orchestra. Talented music majors and non-majors alike play an active role in the orchestra program while pursuing music as a major or in other academic disciplines. The orchestra is often featured in Recital Hour, chapel services and to promote interest in Augustana’s music program by playing with high school orchestras throughout the region.

The Augustana Orchestra is let by Dr. Chris Unger.

The Augustana Band is an auditioned wind ensemble — recognized as one of the finest concert organizations in the Midwest. The band performs in the finest concert halls and has appeared before state, regional and national music educators' gatherings. If you are interested in becoming part of the joy and excitement that is Augustana music, we invite your audition for an instrumental ensembles!

The Augustana Band is led by Dr. Chris Unger.

The Blue & Gold Band is an innovative collaboration between Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls (USF) in which forces are combined to serve the local musical community. The USF Community Band rehearses and performs in the fall (September - December) and the Augustana Blue & Gold Band rehearses and performs in the spring (February - May) on their respective campus'. This allows community musicians the opportunity to participate in both ensembles.

The Augustana Blue & Gold Band is led by Kiley Coyne.

Founded in 1953, the Northlanders Jazz Band performs for many campus and community events, as well in the annual Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival.

Students are trained in both the performance practice and pedagogical components of jazz music. The repertoire consists of jazz music from a wide variety of style periods including Dixieland, Big Band Swing, Bebop, Hard-bop, Modal, Fusion, Rock, Funk and Contemporary jazz literature. In addition, this group has commissioned new works in the jazz idiom and given regional premiers of others.

The Northlanders Jazz Band is led by Dr. Brian Hanegan.

The Augustana University Viking Marching Band (VMB) is the sound of Viking Football and the heartbeat of K.O. Stadium. The VMB presents pregame and halftime shows at all home football games each season. Comprised of students from nearly every major, this time-honored organization combines quality musicianship, Viking spirit, pride and dedication to create renowned grid-iron excitement. Students participating in the marching band are offered an annual scholarship.

The Viking Marching Band is led by Dr. Boyd Perkins.