Erik Ault is thrilled to be starting his first year as the Pit Orchestra Director at Trollwood for the Mainstage Musical. Erik is the High School Band Director at Hawley High School, where he teaches students in grades 8–12 across concert bands, jazz band, pep band, individual lessons, and their pit orchestra. Erik is an educator dedicated to creating meaningful musical experiences for students, pushing them to be life-long musicians.
Erik has contributed to over sixteen theatrical productions throughout the Fargo–Moorhead area. He has served as the Percussion Mentor at Trollwood Performing Arts School for the past three Mainstage shows, rehearsing and leading musicians in the summer productions. His collaborative approach centers on building a team through music, community in the ensemble, and stylistic versatility across genres. Erik is a graduate of Concordia College where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education. He has directed collegiate ensembles including the Concordia Echo Band, Concordia Symphonia Orchestra, and Concordia Percussion Ensemble. Erik teaches private lessons for local students and has also instructed various music classes for students from elementary through high school. His performance background includes work with wind ensembles, orchestras, percussion ensembles, and jazz groups. Erik is passionate about helping students grow as confident, empathetic young people—both in the pit and beyond!