Augustana understands the value and impact that military members have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. In the "At AU" series, the university aims to showcase these exceptional people so we can all hear their voices in an effort to foster positivity and create awareness of their experiences on campus.
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, observed in the U.S. and dedicated to people who are currently in the military or have resigned from duty, Augustana is featuring Matthew Erickson. Erickson is the manager of operations for the Augustana School of Music, trombone and euphonium instructor, and conductor of the Augustana Brass Choir and Augustana Trombone Choir. Erickson is originally from Marcus, Iowa, but has lived in Omaha, Nebraska; Boston, Massachusetts; San Antonio, Texas; and most recently, Ramstein, Germany. He was deployed twice, to the Middle East in 2009 and 2017, and he has spent a quarter of his career serving overseas as a member of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Band.
Q
: What do your job duties at Augustana entail?
A: I plan, manage and organize all performances, events, tours and productions for the School of Music, oversee a large work-study staff to support all School of Music activities, and work with university and community partners to maximize the reach of the School of Music.
Q: What is/are the reason(s) you chose to come to Augustana?
A: My position at Augustana was advertised when I was looking for a career after the Air Force. After a “series of very fortunate events,” I was thrilled to retire from the Air Force and join Augustana. My wife, three kids and I are happy to be back in Sioux Falls and near our family after traveling the world. Augustana enables me to continue to be involved with music, serve the community and reconnect with my family.
Q: Do you have any other connections to Augustana?
A: I have my Bachelor of Music Education degree from USD (University of South Dakota) and studied privately with Mr. Vance Shoemaker, former trombone instructor at Augie. I attended or participated in many concerts at Augustana during my college career.
Q: Is there anything you’re passionate about and/or activities you’re involved in outside of AU?
A: I am active in Parish Ministries at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls. My wife, Abby, and I love supporting our three kids in music activities and Sioux Falls Swim Team events. Abby and I also enjoy cooking and traveling. Additionally, I am a substitute trombonist with the South Dakota Symphony and enjoy training for and running marathons in my free time.
Q: What is/are the reason(s) you chose to join the military? What branch and why?
A: I won a USAF trombone audition as I was finishing my bachelor’s degree. These auditions are extremely competitive and I wanted a career in music performance. I was excited to serve my country doing what I love: playing music. I enjoyed the people I worked with, the places I traveled and performed, as well as the worldview I was able to provide my family.
Q: When did you join the military? And, are you still involved?
A: I joined the Air Force 10 days after graduating with my undergraduate degree in May 2000. I officially retired from active duty on Oct. 31, 2022, with more than 22 years and five months of service. I don’t like to sit still, so I started at Augustana in August of 2022, just 15 days after departing Germany.
Q: What does your experience in the military entail?
A: Over the course of 22 years, I performed in more than 1,800 events for audiences, including five U.S. presidents and dozens of world leaders ranging from the president of Afghanistan to, most recently, the president of Ukraine. In addition to performing, I directed operations for three USAF Bands in Texas, Germany and Qatar, leading international and regional travel, performances and public affairs messaging. I had extensive leadership opportunities as a music director and drum major. I was honored to be chosen by the Ukraine Ministry of Defense as the lead drum major for a 125-member multi-national band in 2021, for the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
Q: What do/did you like most about being in the military?
A: The military provided me with opportunities I don’t think I would have enjoyed if I did not serve. I truly loved the people I served alongside and the musical mission of the Air Force Bands.
Q: What is it like to be a former/current member of the military for you at AU?
A: Transitioning to Augustana has been very smooth overall. Several military veterans on campus have supported me to help smooth the “sharp edges” of military service as I settle in. It has been comforting to have a common thread that binds all of the veterans together. Additionally, I am able to use my musical and organizational strengths to add value to several areas around campus. I am grateful for my colleagues in the School of Music and humanities for welcoming me and working alongside me. I could not ask for better teammates.
Q: Is there anything about the military or your experience within it that you’d like people to know?
A: I am extremely proud of my service and I am honored to bring my experiences to Augustana. Working with students, faculty and staff on multiple projects is very rewarding, strangely similar to what I experienced in the Air Force.
Q: Have you been involved with any military and/or veteran-centered initiatives? If so, which ones and why?
A: I am still mentoring current military members for career progression and transition advice. I am humbled that they still seek my advice. I am a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. I am invited to speak for a Memorial Day event in Gettysburg, South Dakota. I am honored to share how innovative and dedicated our service members are with our local communities.
Q: Are there any members of the military and/or veterans in particular who inspire you?
A: I have several “favorite veterans.” My San Antonio, Texas, neighbor and close friend, Army First Sergeant (retired) Calvin Wineglass taught me so much about service, leadership and family. I owe so much of my success in the military to Calvin.
Dean of the School of Music Dr. Peter Folliard is an Air Force veteran. He and I have the unique ability to communicate with each other without saying a word (military members know what this means). I am sure it drives our colleagues crazy when we converse in acronyms as well. Pete inspires me daily with his drive toward excellence, values and musical mind.
To learn more about the "At AU Series," visit augie.edu/AtAU.