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 June 17, 2022.

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. 

​

Past Harry Robert Wilson Award Winners

​2021: Steve Miller
2020: Johnny Matlock
2019: Cindy Anthony
2018: Dr. Brad Vogel
2017: Jane Vanderhoff
2016: Dr. Tom Wine
2015: Mary Bodney
2014: John Albertson
2013: Eugene Butler
2012: Patrice Sollenberger
2011: Billie Hegge-DuVal
2010: Verne Zielke
2009: John Buehler
2008: Elvera Voth
2007: Terry Barham
2006: Pam Bushouse
2005: Cathy Crispino
2004: Steve Eubank
2003: Marie Lerner-Sexton
2002: Ken Forsyth
2001: Marles Preheim
2000: Texanna Ollenberger
1999: Janeal Krehbiel

​1998: Jack Ballard
1997: Jim Pauls
1996: Vaughn Lippoldt
1995: Carol Anderson
1994: RodWalker
1993: Ross Hearn
1992: Not Awarded
1991: Marilyn Killian
1990: Jeff Anderson
1989: Elmer Copley
1988: Paul Wohlgemuth
1987: Harold Decker
1986: Cecil Riney
1985: Harrison Boughton
1984: Dan Zollars
1983: Ken Shaheen
1982: Wayne Holmstrom
Elbert Fly
Vernon Nicholson
Bob Senner
Forrest Davidson