Joshua Morano
Graduation year: 2018
Majors: Music (pre-music therapy), psychology
Minor: Music composition
Activities: Augustana Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and Low Brass Choir; national fraternity of music Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia; Campus Ministries Student Leadership Team; Board of Trustees Fellow
Post-grad plans: Grad school for music therapy at either Colorado State University or Western Michigan University
Why Augustana?
I truly felt welcomed and like the people here wanted me to come every time I visited. Augie was also the best at making college an affordable option while still allowing me to pursue a variety of interests.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
Absolutely no way! There have been some crazy twists and turns, but I can honestly say I am way better off now because of them, as scary as they were in the moment.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
The good friends I have made (my now girlfriend included) and a number of professors have all pushed me way out of my comfort zone and ultimately taught me to fight for what I believe in and am passionate about.
Peak experience?
I would say the process of writing and completing my Senior Inquiry paper was a peak experience for me because of all the time and effort it took to research, write and present on it. It is one of the things I am most proud of doing with my time here.
What surprised you?
I learned that being honest with myself no matter how hard it can be is always best in the end, and that was an extremely valuable lesson I did not even realize I had to learn until it happened.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to go to Spain with the Augustana Symphonic Band, where we played several concerts and got to know the culture and the people there very well.
What will you miss the most?
What I will definitely miss most is getting to play in the Symphonic Band. We are such a unique and tight-knit little family, and it has been an honor to get to know and perform with every person who has been in the ensemble in the last four years.
Advice for the Class of 2022?
Your time here will probably change you a lot, and it's okay! Learn to roll with changes and no matter what, speak your mind.
“I have had the pleasure of watching Joshua succeed as a fine musician in both the Jazz Ensemble and the Symphonic Band. Joshua committed himself to pursue jazz improvisational studies with me. He is a natural hard worker, which is reflected in every task he has taken on. By pushing himself in the areas that challenged him instead of staying in his comfort zone, he has grown tremendously as a musician. It has been a pleasure to watch him blossom as a musician and quality student.”