MusiCon: Where music, community and fun come together at Augusta University

The Department of Music at Augusta University hosted its inaugural MusiCon event Oct. 20 the Maxwell Theater portico on the Summerville Campus.

This unique festival showcased the diverse talents of the university’s student ensembles while offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of music studies and participation at Augusta University.

Behind the scenes, the entire music department faculty rallied to bring MusiCon to life. The organizing committee, comprised of Marcel Ramalho, DA, director of choral activities, Diana Thompson-Brewer, DMA, interim opera director, Isaac Brinberg, DMA, director of the wind ensemble, Martin David Jones, DMA, professor of piano and composition, and Robert Foster, DART, professor of saxophone, flute and jazz studies, worked diligently to ensure the festival’s success.

MusiCon’s journey began with a simple realization within the Department of Music. While the department hosts numerous concerts and performances throughout the year, there was no single event that brought all of the large and small student ensembles together.

“We felt that MusiCon would be a fantastic way to highlight our many student ensembles, showcase the addition of several new faculty members and share information about our different music majors and minors, such as the creation of our Music Industry program,” Brinberg explained.

The heart of MusiCon lies in its performers. All of the ensembles of the music department took center stage, including the University Singers, Opera Ensemble, University Orchestra, AU Jazz Band, AU Wind Ensemble, AU Brass Ensemble and the AU Faculty Brass Quintet. Each ensemble offers a unique musical experience, ensuring something for everyone.

One of the primary goals of MusiCon is to educate and entertain. Ramalho said he hoped that “by listening to great music, students and the community will gain more knowledge about our music program and share that information with friends and family.”

MusiCon’s diversity shines through its repertoire, featuring dramatic pieces from the Western classical music canon, opera, jazz and more.

It’s not just about the music; the festival also emphasizes community engagement. Singers from Grovetown High School joined the stage, and other high schools in the area attended the event.

When asked about the possibility of MusiCon expanding beyond the Summerville Campus, Ramalho expressed optimism, saying, “We hope so! This opens the door to the potential growth and outreach of MusiCon in the future.”