Newell selected as Augustana College’s director of choral activities

Augustana College has appointed Eric Newell as director of choral activities beginning fall 2026. Newell’s duties will include conducting the Augustana Choir, succeeding longtime conductor Dr. Jon Hurty, who is retiring in June 2026.

“Eric Newell is a high-caliber musician, a thoughtful leader and a generous teacher," said Dr. Jacob Bancks, co-chair of Augustana’s mepartment. “The members of the Department of Music are thrilled to welcome Eric as our new director of choral activities, conductor of the Augustana Choir and assistant professor of music.”

The Augustana Choir, a mixed ensemble of 50-60 students, performs a variety of music in major concerts, special events and on tour. Since its founding by Dr. Henry Veld in 1931, the Augustana Choir has enjoyed a legacy of outstanding leadership, most recently under the direction of Dr. Jon Hurty.

Newell said he is looking forward to this new chapter of his life at Augustana.

“I’m thrilled to be immersed in the beautiful community of singers and alumni at Augustana and throughout Illinois,” he said.

Newell will receive his doctorate in choral conducting in May 2026 from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied with J.D. Burnett. There, he directed the University Treble Chorus, acted as assistant conductor to the flagship Concert Chorale and assisted in teaching the undergraduate conducting sequence.

Also during this time, he served as director of sacred music and led four ensembles at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church in Austin, leading Advent and Lenten concerts as well as an international choral tour.

Newell has sung professionally with Volti and the American Bach Soloists, as well as with the Atlanta Master Chorale.

He received his Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.