As members of the Augustana Choir and Symphonic Band, we were disheartened by the school's decision to discontinue the tradition of choir and band individual performances at the commencement. This tradition, cherished by many for several generations, is an integral part of our graduation ceremony. The performances are not just mere entertainment but they represent the culmination of years of dedication to art, the joy of shared song, and most importantly, the unity that arises from making music together. 

At Augustana College, 1 in 5 students are involved in a music ensemble. With that said, every year the traditions of the music department are cut or restricted. The reason for the 2025 decision was to cut down on the time. In 2024, the Augustana Choir performed a piece lasting just six minutes during the Commencement ceremony. After several speeches, the reading of names began about an hour and a half into the event. As the years pass, the length commencement has increased but the performance length of the choir and band has remained constant. Beyond being a cherished tradition and a tribute to many student musicians, these performances also serve as valuable networking opportunities for future students. According to a research made by the National Association for Music Education, participation in music education, like choir and band performances, can drastically improve academic performance and societal engagement (NAfME, 2014). The commencement performance tradition doubles as an important platform where these attributes are showcased.

The eradication of commencement performances by our choir and band feels like an erosion of our culture. We believe our school should value its traditions and preserve the rich musical heritage it has been known for. We, therefore, respectfully request that the decision to cut choir and band performances from the commencement be overturned.

Please sign and share this petition to help restore the tradition that has united us all for years. Let us keep the music alive.