Conductor: Tony Oliver
Rehearsals: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
The Augustana Percussion Ensemble is a chamber group that performs music specifically written for the percussion ensemble from 1930 to the present. The ensemble also performs various transcriptions and arrangements of music never imagined for percussion (but that we think sound pretty good).
The ensemble’s crowd-pleasing concerts present a diverse mix of musical styles—from light to serious to “out there”—and participants play traditional and non-traditional percussion instruments of all kinds. The group serves as a place of additional training for the percussionists in Augustana’s larger ensembles, and as a percussive outlet to anyone on campus interested in percussion or percussion music.
The large percussion ensemble is open to any student without audition. Auditioned groups are selected from the larger group to play advanced literature as their desires or abilities allow.
The large group rehearses on average one hour per week, and performs two major concerts per year. In addition, the ensemble sometimes presents small outreach concerts to the community.
Augustana's Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Michael Zemek, will embark on a performance tour March 20-23, 2026. The tour will kick off in Chicago, Ill., and then they will continue on to perform in Seattle, Wash., and Portland, Ore.
The Augustana Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jon Hurty, will perform concerts in Norway and Sweden May 30-June 7, 2026.
Fish, insects, elephants and the Augustana Choir all have their place in the natural world of sound, as explored by journalist Amy Martin ‘95.
The Augustana Jazz Ensemble will perform, directed by Dr. Joel Linscheid.
The Augustana Percussion Ensemble will perform, directed by Dr. Tony Oliver.
The Augustana Symphony Orchestra will perform.
