Harry Robert Wilson Award

​Steve Miller, 2021 Award Winner

Steve was born in Goessel, KS, but spent most of his formative years in Nebraska and California.  He graduated from Bethel College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, and received a Master’s in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He began his teaching career at Minneapolis, KS, followed by four years at Osawatomie High School, six years at Haven High School, and spent his final 22 years at Hesston High School.  After retiring from teaching Steve was the Choral Music Manager at Senseney Music in Wichita.  He presently works in the BioMed department of Newton Medical Center.  During his teaching tenure he had numerous students selected for District and State Honor Choirs and his choral groups and ensembles received consistent “I” ratings at contest.   While at Hesston High School, of the 66 large choral groups that he took to State Choral Festival, 65 groups received “I” ratings from all three judges. Steve has served as South Central District Choral Chair, KMEA State Choral Chair, and for the past 13 years has been Treasurer for the Kansas Choral Directors Association.  He credits much of his success to a wonderful wife who picked up all the pieces at home during the many years of evening rehearsals, but also was an incredible costume designer, decorator and organizer for musicals, variety shows and madrigal dinners, and a much appreciated chaperone on choir trips.  He is very thankful to have had his three children in his choral groups and has enjoyed following his daughter, Julia, as she continues in the   
choral music field.
​

Nomination Criteria and Procedures
Nominations are due May 30, annually.

Nominee Criteria: 

• Excellence in choral music training, performance and scholarship
• Commitment and contributions to choral music in the state of Kansas
• Positive and supportive collegial interaction 
• Active participation, leadership and service to KCDA 
• Must have a minimum of 20 years in the Choral Music Profession

Selection Procedure:

• Nominations will be solicited from the general membership of KCDA
• Nominees must be current members of KCDA (posthumous nominations accepted)
• Nominators must submit biographical information, a letter of nomination and may be asked to submit additional letters of support from KCDA members and/or colleagues, students and family
  The KCDA Executive Board will select the most qualified nominees which will be presented to the current full board 
• Current members of the KCDA Full board will vote to determine the HRW Award Winner 
• Current members of the KCDA Executive Board are ineligible for nomination

The Harry Robert Wilson Award is presented at the Kansas Choral Directors Association Convention in Topeka, Kansas.