VocalEssence – Philip Brunelle, artistic director

The purpose for this award is to uphold high standards of excellence in repertoire selection, to acknowledge and reward creativity in performing choral performance, and to affirm the importance of quality secondary and undergraduate choral training throughout the State of Minnesota.

The Award for Creative Programming is presented annually in November by Philip Brunelle or a representative of VocalEssence to a non-professional choral organization in the state of Minnesota. Award selection will be made by a review committee determined by Mr. Brunelle. The decisions of the review committee will be final and the committee reserves the right not to make an award.

The winner receives a framed certificate and a $500 cash prize. The award alternates between two categories. In even years, college and university/community choruses, may apply; and in odd years, middle/junior high school and high school chorus may apply.

Recipients to date:

2006: Michael Culloton, Rochester Choral Arts Ensemble
2004: Michael Tamte-Horan, St. Cloud State University
2003: Matthew Culloton, Hopkins High School
2002: Patricia Kazarow, Gustavus Adolphus College
2000: Thomas Paulson, Edina Chorale
1999: Al Hawkins, New Ulm High School
1997: Robert Sieving, St. Cloud Apollo High School
1996: David Mennicke, Concordia University

For more information or to apply for the award, please see the ACDA-MN website.