Dr. Jon Hurty honored for excellence in choral music

Take a bow, Dr. Hurty!

Augustana's Dr. Jon Hurty has been honored with the Harold A. Decker Award by the Illinois Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to choral music.

“This award holds immense significance for me, as it not only acknowledges my contributions to choral music in Illinois but also underscores the robust program and tradition of choral music at Augustana,” said Dr. Hurty, director of choral activities and the Henry Veld Professor of Music.

“The talented and dedicated students of the Augustana Choir have gifted me with extraordinary opportunities for memorable performances that we have had the privilege of sharing with one another and our audiences.”

The sentiment is shared. In a special series called “More Than I Imagined,” students through the years have expressed gratitude for the ways Dr. Hurty has influenced their lives, both musically and personally.

“Dr. Hurty and the Augustana Choir made a significant impact on my life, as I have been able to embrace my passion for music,” said Abriana Tereza  ’24.

“Dr. Hurty taught me how to truly love what I do,” said Ben Grafe  ’23.

“I found a special home in the Augustana Choir these last three years,” said Anna Triska  ’22. “Thank you Jon Hurty for challenging me musically and providing a safe space for students outside of the music department.”

“Dr. Hurty brightened dark days,” said Claire Herdegen  ’18.

Dr. Hurty has been at Augustana since 1996. In addition to the Augustana Choir, he directs the Augustana Chamber Singers, serves as the conductor of the Handel Oratorio Society and teaches conducting. He is also co-director of music for Augustana Campus Ministries. 

He has conducted Augustana choirs in concerts throughout the United States as well as Austria, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Spain and Sweden. (Enjoy an impromptu performance by the Augustana Choir at the Monument to the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig during a 2022 tour to Germany and the Czech Republic.)

In addition to the students with whom he has shared his love of music, Dr. Hurty credits the support of Augustana’s music department and administration as pivotal to receiving the Harold A. Decker Award.