ROCK ISLAND, IL (02/08/2016)-- The Augustana College Symphonic Band will perform throughout the Midwest and Colorado as part of the band's 2016 tour, beginning in the Chicago suburbs and continuing west to Kansas City, Hays, Kansas and Denver. The band will return for a home concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, in Augustana's Centennial Hall (3703 7th Avenue). Admission for all concerts is free, and a freewill offering will be accepted.
Their performance program is by contemporary artists with different styles and messages. The reverent tone of Kevin M. Walczyk's "Eloi, Eloi" is intended to mimic the act of prayer; the piece was composed in remembrance of the tragic earthquake in Japan in 2011. "Firefly," composed by Ryan George, is an enchanting piece illustrating a child's imagination. The concert will close with a symphony based on the ancient story of Odysseus, by John Mackey.
The ensemble's annual tour has become a beloved tradition for students. Senior Dena Baity of New Lenox, Illinois, reflects, "Going on tour every year like this has really made an impact on my life. I've been to places I never would have been to otherwise, such as Japan. Performing in completely unfamiliar places where people still love listening to us play is a real rush, and very humbling."
The Augustana Symphonic Band is the college's oldest ensemble, established in 1874 as the Silver Cornet Band. Currently under the direction of Dr. James Lambrecht, the band is composed of more than 60 student musicians with academic majors across the liberal arts. As the college's premier touring band, the ensemble has toured in 37 states, the United Kingdom, Italy, and most recently to Japan in 2014.
For more information, contact Lauren Reid, manager of performance tours and arts promotion, at 309-794-7323 or laurenreid@augustana.edu. See below for a full listing of the Augustana Symphonic Band 2016 concert tour of the Midwest and Colorado.
Students from your area include:
Caitlin Thom of Bettendorf (52722)
Alexis Aguilar of Leclaire (52753)
Lizandra Gomez-Ramirez of Rock Island (61201)
Bailey Driscoll of Davenport (52803)
Shelby Burroughs of Milan (61264)
Benjamin McKay of Rock Island (61201)
Erik Whitcomb of Rock Island (61201)
Bobby Holmquist of East Moline (61244)
Sergio Tekeli of Bettendorf (52722)
Andrew Bainter of Coal Valley (61240)
Cole Neder of Rock Island (61201)
Performance Schedule
February 19, 2016 - Plainfield, Illinois - Plainfield South High School
February 20, 2016 - Sycamore, Illinois - Sycamore High School
February 21, 2016 - New Lenox, Illinois - Lincoln-Way West High School
February 22, 2016 - Springfield, Illinois - St. John's Lutheran Church
February 23, 2016 - Kansas City, Missouri - University Academy
February 24, 2016 - Hays, Kansas - Hays High School
February 25, 2016 - Denver, Colorado - Denver School of the Arts
March 12, 2016 - Rock Island, Illinois - Centennial Hall, Augustana College
Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 160 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.
