MOUNT PLEASANT — One Big Rapids woman was the center of attention as she was honored for her passion, dedication and love of all things musically-related.
American Choral Directors Association-Michigan recently hosted its annual conference at Central Michigan University. Each year, ACDA-Michigan is responsible for honoring one member for outstanding work in the field of choral music, their work with ACDA, and their work within Michigan. The award is named after Maynard Klein from the University of Michigan.
“As current ACDA-Michigan president, I was so pleased and honored to present the 2021 Maynard Klein Award to my friend and colleague, Virginia Kerwin,” Erin Colwitz, ACDA-Michigan president, said.
Virginia Kerwin is the founding artistic director and conductor of Voca Lyrica, an adult treble choir based in Big Rapids.
She taught elementary general music for seven years in Michigan and New Jersey; secondary vocal music for 15 years at Big Rapids Public Schools; and served as adjunct professor at Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University.
“When Erin called to congratulate me on being chosen as this year’s Maynard Klein Award winner, I was very surprised,” Kerwin said. “While I am humbled and deeply honored by this award, I don’t really think of myself as anyone out of the ordinary.
“For over 50 years in the profession, I have just bopped along, paying attention to my surroundings, finding laughter in the art of play, sharing huge hugs with my loved ones, accepting inspiration and spiritual guidance when blessed, listening to the world around me and helping others find eternal meaning in the art of choral music,” she added.
Kerwin also served as teacher/conductor for institutions such as Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Michigan Ambassadors of Music, MSVMA Honors Choirs, and the University of Michigan All-State Camp at Interlochen — with presentation and performance honors from ACDA Michigan and Central Division Conferences, Michigan Youth Arts Festival and the Midwest Music Conference.
“Those of us on the board were all in agreement that Virginia is the embodiment of this award, and we are so grateful to have her here in Michigan,” Colwitz said. “Congratulations to Virginia, and thanks to her husband (her Prince Charming, as she called him), her children, her colleagues and friends for supporting her while she performed and continues to perform outstanding work for choral music in the state of Michigan.”
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.
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October 27, 2021 at 04:07PM
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