Zander Ulam

High school: Geneseo High School

Hometown: Geneseo, Ill.

Major: K-12 instrumental music education

Minors: Percussion performance, jazz studies

Activities: Augustana Symphonic Band, Augustana Jazz Ensemble, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Augustana Jazz Lab Band, Augustana Jazz Combos, Augustana Percussion Ensemble, S.M.I.L.E. and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia

Internships: Student teaching at John Deere Middle School in Moline, Ill., and Grant Wood Elementary School in Bettendorf, Iowa 

Post-grad plans: Teach middle school band in the Northern Illinois area and perform with a number of local music ensembles so I can continue to learn and grow as both a teacher and musician.

Why Augustana?

For me, Augustana had always been on my radar as a school with a strong and supportive community, especially in terms of the music department. As a transfer student in the spring of my freshman year, I was looking for that place I could call home, and from the very start, Augustana has felt like home. Seeing the level of commitment to excellence from both the students and professors was inspiring to me, and I instantly fell in love with the work ethic of the college community.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

Transferring into Augustana, I honestly had more questions than answers. I questioned what I really wanted to do in music and wasn't sure if music education was still what I wanted to pursue. But thanks to the amazing professors and support of my peers I was reminded why I wanted to become a music educator in the first place and found greater success and more opportunities as a result. Augustana is a place where you can craft your college journey however you see fit.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

Throughout my whole time here, Dr. Dawn Farmer has helped foster my love for music education and pushed me to develop the skills necessary to be successful in student teaching and beyond. 

This was possible with opportunities like Augustana College Music Educators (ACME), which helped me engage with other professional educators and clinicians who have an abundance of knowledge for everything music education; S.M.I.L.E (Secondary Musical Instrument Lab Ensemble), which gave me the opportunity to develop my chops on secondary instruments; and the many music education classes that gave me a variety of perspectives on school and society.

Peak experience?

My peak experience has got to be the spring 2025 Augustana Symphonic Band East Coast tour. During that tour, we performed in a variety of locations from Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania to Maryland as well as visit cool tourist spots like Annapolis, Hershey Park, the D.C. monuments and Gettysburg. 

This tour was a cool opportunity to perform, explore and make deeper connections with my fellow band members. This also was my first time flying!

What surprised you?

The abundance of opportunities available here. I knew there was a lot you could pursue outside of your own major like different minors, clubs/organizations and classes, but the actual number of opportunities was simply astounding to me!

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to help cover rent, food and other living expenses during my student teaching.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the wonderful community, connections and musical opportunities that I have gotten to have and make while at Augustana. I will definitely keep in touch with the many wonderful people I have met here, even after I graduate.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Take advantage of as many opportunities while here at Augustana! It is worth trying out new things and letting these opportunities be a teacher in and of themselves for you. Who knows ... you may even find something new that you like and find a new passion!