The Maynard Klein Award for Distinguished Service to Choral Music in Michigan

ByNykkoa Lurie

The Maynard Klein Award for Distinguished Service to Choral Music in Michigan is presented by ACDA-Michigan in recognition of artistic excellence and a lifetime of leadership in the field of choral music. This prestigious award is named in honor of Maynard Klein, whose musical achievements established a model of choral artistry and scholarship acclaimed within our state and nation and nominations for a director are based upon the following criteria:

  • They have excellent knowledge of their field.
  • They are considered by peers to be experts in the field.
  • They set high standards for themselves.
  • They enjoy and are enthusiastic about their field.
  • Their work demonstrates superior achievement and earned respect from colleagues.
  • They listen to and communicate effectively with others.
  • They recognize excellence in others and encourage it.
  • They are committed to supporting and interacting with their colleagues.
  • They demonstrate a commitment to ACDA-Michigan.
  • They demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in the state of Michigan.
  • They have significant impact on the ACDA-Michigan Board of Directors.
  • They are crucial in developing the activities and philosophies of ACDA-Michigan.

First of all, we would like to invite the ACDA-MI membership to vote in the near future for our next recipient. This is an additional opportunity for our membership to become involved in the organization.  Please watch your email for the upcoming ballot and “vote.”

Secondly, we would like to extend an invitation for you to be a part in thanking our 2026 recipient at the ACDA-MI 2026 Fall Conference held at the Alma College Chapel, October 9, 2026. The Maynard Klein Award will be handed out at the beginning of the Friday evening concert.

Previous Maynard Klein Award Recipients

Gabriela Hristova (University of Michigan-Flint)
Mike Mitchell (Oakland University)
Bruce Snyder (Orchard Lake Community Church)
Les Rowsey (Cornerstone University)
Virginia Kerwin (Voca Lyrica, MSVMA)
Sandra Snow (Michigan State University)
Richard Ingram (Ann Arbor Huron High School)
Cathy Brodie (Monroe Community College)
Ellen Pool (Grand Valley State University)
Karen Nevins (Lincoln High School, Carillon Women’s Chorale)
Joe Miller (Western Michigan University, Westminster Choir College)
Pearl Shangkuan (Calvin College)
Nina Nash-Robertson (Central Michigan University)
Donald Scott (Valley Christian High School/The King’s Choraliers)
Milton Olsson (Michigan Technical University)
Susan Matych-Hager (Fruitport High School/Sienna Heights University)
Mark Puchala (NW Michigan College)
John Tyner (Monroe High School/John Tyner Chorale)
Leonard Riccinto (Eastern Michigan University)
Jerry Blackstone (University of Michigan)
Duane Davis (Grand Rapids Community College)
Patricia Terri-Ross (Cass Tech High School)
Thomas Hillbish (University of Michigan)
Charles Smith (Michigan State University)
Mary Alice Stollak (Haslett High School/Michigan State Children’s Chorus)
Calvin Paul Langejans (West Ottawa Public Schools/Holland Chorale)
Howard Rizner (b.1927-d.2012) (Hillsdale Community Schools)
Albert P. Smith (Grand Rapids Junior College)
Malcolm MacLean Johns (Wayne State University)
Marilyn Jones (Cass Tech High School)
Carolyn Mawby (University of Michigan – Flint)
Mel Sherlock Larimer (b.11/1930-d.3/2008) (Albion College)
Roger Dehn (MSVMA/South Haven)
Brazeal Dennard (Northwestern High School/Brazeal Dennard Chorale)
Alfred “Giff” Richards (Battle Creek High School)
1990 David Strickler (Albion College)
Harry M Langsford (Wayne State University/Langsford Singers)
Kenneth Jewell (Interlochen Arts Academy)

Our Maynard Klein Award information is permanently available on our website by clicking this link!

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