After graduating from Augsburg in 1971 with a degree in music education, Robert Stacke wanted to share his love for music with the next generation so he became a music teacher at Jefferson Junior High school for three years before moving on to the Minneapolis Edison High School where he taught for six years. It was that love for music that took him to Venezuela for a year to play in the Maracaibo Symphony before returning to Minnesota to play in the band at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, where he entertained the guests for 13 years. During this time he also taught at Hopkins High School and the University of St Cloud.
In 1990, he returned to Augsburg as a member of the faculty in the Music Department, and since 1998 he has served as the department chair, as well as the director of the Augsburg Concert Band, and the Augsburg Jazz, Instrumental, and Vocal Ensembles (JIVE). Stacke and his classmates developed the Jazz Band when he was a student and he was thrilled to re-energize the group when he returned to Augsburg in a new capacity. Click here to see a video about Augsburg’s JIVE.
“I am very proud of the number of students who have a chance to be involved in Augsburg’s music program. Today, more than 400 Augsburg students participate in the music program in some way. One of the benefits of attending a liberal arts college is having the opportunity to perform even if you are not a music major. All of our students have the chance to benefit from the program,” said Stacke.
The Augsburg community has the opportunity to benefit from the program as well. Stacke’s students perform at commencement, Vespers, and tours around the Twin Cities and beyond. The Augsburg Concert Band travels internationally every four years and recently returned from a trip to Turkey (read blog from trip).
Stacke’s passion for music extends beyond the classroom as well. As a guest conductor, clinician, and percussion soloist, he has traveled extensively, performing and conducting in Ireland, Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, Mexico, Jamaica, China and Europe. Since 2001, Stacke has been volunteering at a music camp in Haiti every summer, bringing the joy of music to children who otherwise would not be able to experience it.
This fall, Stacke will be developing and directing the Augsburg Alumni Jazz Band. “It is exciting to bring our alumni Jazzers together again, many whom have gone on to graduate school and continue to play at a very high level,” said Stacke. He hopes that the band can play for the Augsburg community and alumni events such as Homecoming. If you are interested in playing in the Alumni Jazz Band and want further information, contact Bob at stacke@augsburg.edu.