The Augustana University School of Music (SoM) is excited to announce that the Augustana Northlanders Jazz Band, along with 800 middle and high school students from three states, will perform during the 50th Annual Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival on Monday, March 3, and Tuesday, March 4.
On Monday, March 3, competitive middle school bands will perform on campus in Hamre Recital Hall in the Fryxell Humanities Center, along with high school bands receiving ratings and comments. Competitive high school bands will perform on Tuesday, March 4, in both Hamre Recital Hall and Augustana’s Lillehaug Instrumental Room.
“For half a century, the Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival has celebrated jazz music, hosting talented student musicians, passionate audiences and internationally-touring guest artists. We are excited to collaborate with everyone on campus again this year. As we look forward to the future of jazz music, I’m excited to make this milestone event a celebration to remember!” said Augustana Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies Dr. Brian Hanegan.
This year’s Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival will feature the U.S. Air Force Academy Band “The Falconaires.” As part of its Advancing Innovation through Music (AIM) Program, the Falconaires conduct various in-person and virtual educational outreach initiatives worldwide. Through a wide range of programming, the band helps foster positive relationships with academic communities of all ages.
As part of its tour, the entire band will travel to Augustana to provide masterclass opportunities for students and perform a show each day at the jazz festival. The band will also serve as the concert headliner alongside Augustana’s Northlanders Jazz Band on the evening of Tuesday, March 4, at the Washington Pavilion.
“We are absolutely thrilled to host the U.S. Air Force Academy Band “The Falconaires” and welcome them to our community. Their talents and artistry are truly inspiring — collaborating with them for our 50th anniversary will be incredibly special. We feel unbelievably fortunate to share this moment with them and the community of Sioux Falls,” said Hanegan.
To learn more about the 2025 Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival, including the full schedule of events and concert tickets, visit augie.edu/JazzFestival.