Augustana College Choir records

Collection

Identifier: MSS 234

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Augustana College Choir records, 1914-2013 and undated, primarily includes programs from Augustana Choir performances, clippings and information about various Augustana Choir tours, audio recordings, film footage, photographs, correspondence, advertisements and promotional materials, and other papers, including materials from a reception for Henry Veld, a guest book from the Augustana Choir's Fiftieth Anniversary, and an autographed score.

Dates

Creation: 1914-2013 and undated

Creator

Augustana College (Rock Island, Ill.). Choir (Organization)

Language of Materials

English and Swedish

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Historical Note

The Augustana Choir was formed in 1931 under the direction of Henry Veld, who merged Augustana College's two choral groups, the Wennerberg Chorus and the Orioles, into one group. The choir made its first appearance 18 March 1931 during a concert at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and became an immediate success. Since its debut, the choir has performed throughout the United States and has made appearances in Canada, Europe, and China. The group has made numerous recordings and has performed on both radio and television programs. The choir has been directed by Henry Veld (1931-1966), Donald Morrison (1966-1993); Roger Wesby (1993-1996); Jon Hurty (1996-present).

Membership to the 70-voice choir is limited to the undergraduate students at Augustana College. Members also participate in the Handel Oratorio Society, which presents Handel's Messiah and other major choral works each year.

Extent

6.3 Cubic Feet (/ 8 boxes, 6 AV boxes, and 1 oversize folder)

Additional Description

Abstract

The Augustana Choir was formed in 1931 under the direction of Henry Veld, who merged Augustana College's two choral groups, the Wennerberg Chorus and the Orioles, into one group. The choir made its first appearance 18 March 1931 during a concert at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and became an immediate success. Since its debut, the Choir has performed all over the United States and has made appearances in Canada, Europe, and China. The Choir has made numerous recordings and has performed on both radio and television programs. The Augustana College Choir records, 1914-2013 and undated, primarily includes programs from Augustana Choir performances, clippings and information about various Augustana Choir tours, recordings, photographs, correspondence, advertisements and promotional materials, and other papers.

Arrangement

This collection has been arranged chronologically.

Custodial History

This collection has been assembled from several donations and small collections including scrapbooks compiled by Gilbert Dierkes (Assistant Director of Admissions) and Frank Telleen (Director of Information Services); programs and advertisements of the Choir performance at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln center donated by Rita Gustafson (Cultural Events); an autographed score donated by John C. Reed, by way of Jon Hurty (Choir Director); and programs, tour information, posters, and photograph negatives by Donald Morrison (former professor of music and choral director). Other items in the collection may have been transferred to Special Collections from the Department of Music.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Received from various sources. Portions of this collection were assembled by Special Collections staff.

Related Materials

MSS 30 Collection on Henry Veld MSS 231 Handel Oratorio Society records MSS 232 Wennerberg Chorus records MSS 233 Oriole Chorus records

Processing Information

Processed by Emily Hughes Dominick, 2007. Updated by Kelsey O'Connell, 2010, Julia G. Westblade, 2013, Caroline McPherson, January 2015, and Atticus Garrison, June 2015. Revised by Atticus Garrison, January 2016.