Augustana Symphonic Band Sesquicentennial Celebration

Mark your calendar for the Augustana Symphonic Band's sesquicentennial celebration: Nov. 22-24, 2024.

Established in 1874 as the Augustana Silver Cornet Band, the Augustana College band program has grown to include several ensembles. In 2024, the Augustana Symphonic Band (formerly the Augustana Concert Band) will mark its 150th anniversary on Nov. 22-24. Preliminary plans include a weekend sesquicentennial celebration featuring:

• A celebration concert with a premiere of a commission by American composer Kevin Walczyk
• Alumni band performance
• Receptions and dinners

An Augustana Symphonic Band national tour, with the potential for alumni to travel on an intersecting tour, is planned.

If you have been a part of the Augustana band history, be a part of strengthening its future. Celebrate with us by giving a gift in honor of the Augustana band’s sesquicentennial.

Strengthen the future of the Symphonic Band

If you have been a part of the Augustana band history, be a part of strengthening its future. Celebrate with us by giving a gift in honor of the Augustana band's sesquicentennial.

Proceeds will fund a band program endowment that will support tours, equipment and music. The endowment also will fund the commission by composer Kevin Walczyk.

Augustana is seeking donors to lead this initiative by offering pledges of support or one-time gifts. Pledges can be given during a period of up to five years.

Support the Band Sesquicentennial Endowed Fund

• Make a multi-year commitment to the Band Sesquicentennial Endowed Fund
• Make a one-time gift to the Band Sesquicentennial Endowed Fund

Giving levels for the celebration include:

Conductor Level: $5,000 and up

Invitation to a reception and dinner before the celebration concert with Kevin Walczyk and Dr. James Lambrecht, conductor of the Augustana Symphonic Band.

Framed and signed cover page of Kevin Walczyk’s commission

Gold Level: $2,500

Invitation to dress rehearsal, a digital recording of the celebration concert and commemorative Augustana Symphonic Band poster.

Founders Level $1,874

Digital recording of the celebration concert and commemorative Augustana Symphonic Band poster.

Celebration Level: $500

Commemorative Augustana Symphonic Band poster.

Band Sesquicentennial Celebration Planning Committee

Mitchell Carter '14
Amy Jackson '78
Jerry Johansen '68
Jonathon Kirk '97
Randy Micheletti '98
Allessandra West '20
Bob Wujek '98

Event overview

Friday, Nov. 22, 2024

• Dress rehearsal for donors giving $2,500 and up
• Dinner with Kevin Walczyk and donors giving $5,000 and up
• Opening recital featuring Augustana alumni and music faculty
• Alumni reception

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024

• Campus tour with Kai Swanson '86
• Presentation on the history of wind bands at Augustana, presented by Dr. James Lambrecht
• Seminar featuring alumni in the music industry
• Presentation of the music department at Augustana College
• Alumni band rehearsal
• Sesquicentennial concert with tentative alumni band performance
• Post-concert reception
• Catered dinner

Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024

• Breakfast in the ensemble rehearsal room

Hotel information

Axis Hotel Moline
Rate: $129-$149
Group name: Augustana Band
Call 309-640-0060 to make a reservation
Deadline to reserve: Oct. 23, 2024

Element Moline
Rate: $115-$124
Use code: Augustana Band
Deadline to reserve: Oct. 21, 2024