Augustana’s School of Music and South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Formalize Artistic Partnership

Augustana University’s School of Music (SoM) announced today that it is the proud artistic partner of the largest arts organization in the state — the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO).

“I think the main thing is that we want to support Augustana’s new School of Music. It’s a significant step forward for the university and its commitment to the arts in general, and music, in particular,” said Delta David Gier, SDSO’s music director since 2004.

As part of the formal agreement, SDSO musicians have the opportunity to be an integral part of the instrumental faculty at the Augustana SoM — working together to not only recruit talented musicians, but great teachers. The university will also be given the opportunity to establish an artistic hub for creativity on campus as the SDSO will have access to Augustana facilities to rehearse and perform, as well as the shared use of equipment.

The partnership places great emphasis on the next generation of musicians, enhancing students’ education through engaged, experiential learning. The agreement provides opportunities for guest composers and artists of the SDSO to be integrated into SoM programming, which will enhance the impact of the arts and the learning opportunities within our community.

“A major symphony orchestra and a school of music typically have synergies, intersections, partnerships. You have the New York Philharmonic and (The) Juilliard (School); you have the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Curtis Institute; now, you have the South Dakota Symphony and the Augustana School of Music,” said Dr. Peter Folliard, dean of Augustana’s School of Music. “We both want excellence, and the South Dakota Symphony really is a world-class organization. They’re doing things that are innovative and different from your traditional symphony with their programming and initiatives. That’s the mindset we have, too.”

The two organizations have a rich history together. The SDSO was formed in 1922 in conjunction with Augustana College as the Augustana Symphony Orchestra, with students and community members playing side by side, and changed to Augustana Town and Gown Symphony Orchestra in 1952. The SDSO was incorporated in 1965 as the Sioux Falls Symphony and declared the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra in 1977. Throughout the years, many Augustana faculty members have been a part of the SDSO, but the collaborations have lived through individual efforts. (Pictured: The Augustana Town and Gown Symphony Orchestra via The Edda in 1960.)

SDSO Executive Director Jennifer Teisinger said, “It makes a lot of sense that we would deepen our relationship now — now that Augustana has elevated its music department to the School of Music and we’re celebrating our centennial season next year.”

For more information on Augustana’s School of Music, visit augie.edu/music.

For more information on the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, visit sdsymphony.org.

About South Dakota Symphony Orchestra

The mission of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO) is: “To celebrate the tradition of live orchestral music and enrich the lives of people throughout our region.” The SDSO accomplishes this through classical and pops concerts at its home of the Washington Pavilion, touring throughout South Dakota, and performing chamber music in area churches.

A breadth of SDSO education programs reach over 15,000 preschool through high school students annually, and award-winning community engagement programs connect to audiences from throughout the region. SDSO education programs serve students through Young People’s Concerts, in-school performances throughout the region, master classes, Symphony Storytime, Music Composition Academies and the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra.

The SDSO will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2022 as a community and state-wide arts leader and collaborator.

Augustana’s School of Music and South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Formalize Artistic Partnership

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