Who was Harry Robert Wilson?
Born in Salina, KS on May 18, 1901. (Co-founder of the American Choral Directors Association and approved its original ten purposes. Pictured from left to right: ACDA Steering Committee members J. Clark Rhodes, Elwood Keister, Curt Hansen, Harry Robert Wilson, R. Wayne Hugoboom, and Archie Jones.)
Harry Robert Wilson Award Nominations
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 boardCurrent 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.
Brian Stranghoner, 2026 Award Winner
A graduate of Friends University and member of the Singing Quakers, conducted by Dr. Cecil Riney and a graduate of Wichita State University and member of the WSU Madrigals, conducted by Dr. Harrison Boughton. Brian was blessed to “get the best of both sides of town!”. After 34 years teaching Vocal Music and Music Education, Brian has stepped away from the classroom. Brian taught 30 years in 6-12 Schools in South Central Kansas and for the last four years served as Assistant Professor of Music Education and Private Voice at Tabor College. Brian’s ensembles were consistently awarded the highest ratings at Regional and State Festivals. Along with having three ensembles selected to perform at the Kansas Music Educators Association’s In-Services. One while at Douglass High School, and two at Rose Hill High School. Along with a busy schedule teaching Brian has sung professionally across the Region. Performing Brahms “Requiem” with Lawrence Community Chorus and Ft Hays State University; Verdi’s “Requiem”, Beethoven’s “9th Symphony” and Handel “Messiah” at Missouri Southern State University; Chorus Master for Wichita Grand Opera; Handel’s “Messiah” with Reno Choral Society and Wichita Choral Society. Brian has also been selected to perform for Manhattan Concert Productions, soloing for Handel’s “Messiah” at Lincoln Center David Geffen Hall and Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” at Carnegie Hall, NYC. Brian and Maggie are blessed to celebrate 30 years next May! Two stepdaughters, Erica and Kara, two children, Logan and Ben, and five grandchildren- and one silly boxer “Louie” keep things hopping at home!
Previous Award Winners:
2026: Brian Stranghoner
2025: Scott Hay
2024: Dwayne Dunn
2023: Gretchen Harrison
2022: Greg Bontrager
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