Wisconsin Music Educators Association

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Richard G. Gaarder Award

For 25 years, Richard Gaarder provided leadership to music education in Wisconsin.  Upon his retirement, the Wisconsin Music Educators Association established an award in his name to commemorate his outstanding service.

Purpose of the Award:

This award is presented to an undergraduate music education student who has shown exceptional leadership, musical excellence and service to campus and community.  The award is a credit to the student and also recognizes the college or university for helping to foster the growth of our future music education leaders.

Who is Eligible:

  • Nominees music be seniors during the fall of 2024 in music education at a Wisconsin college or university and must be current members of the Collegiate NAfME Chapter on their campus.

  • Nominators must be college or university music department faculty members.

Criteria:

Selection will be based on evidence of leadership, service and accomplishments in campus and community music, related activities, academic excellence and musical excellence.

Deadline:

All materials must be submitted by July 1

 


Previous Award Recipients

YearRecipient(s)
2024Mark Buchmann, UW-River Falls
Bridget Koser, UW-Milwaukee
2023Cassidy DeWitt, UW-River Falls
Adam LuMaye, UW-Milwaukee
2022Lauren Heinen, UW-Milwaukee
Robin Pfeifer, UW-River Falls
2021Kathryn Schneider, UW-Milwaukee
2020Marissa Altendorfer - UW-River Falls
2019Antonio Kitchens, UW-Milwaukee
Ryan Schultz, UW-Whitewater
2018Sarah Schaefer, UW-Milwaukee
2017Clara McGowan, UW-Whiterwater
Anna Van Nuland, UW-Milwaukee
2016Justin Steger, UW-Whitewater
2015Eric Ash, UW-Milwaukee
2014Dominic Gischia, UW-Whitewater
2013Deanne Carloni, UW-Whitewater
2012Kimberly Forsythe, UW-Milwaukee
2011Abigail Martin, UW-Whitewater
Andrew Buck, UW-Milwaukee
2010Abigail Pulvermacher, UW-Whitewater
2009Anthony Kading, UW-Whitewater
2008Kristen Mary Baus, UW-Whitewater
Jacki Thering, UW-Oshkosh
2007Aimee Schmidt, Edgewood University
2006Lauren Lubinski, UW-Whitewater
2005Kristopher Kulsrud, UW-River Falls
Katie Plovanich, UW-Whitewater
2004Laurel Meuth, UW-Whitewater
2003Abigail Kreisa, UW-Stevens Point
2002Megan Rew, UW-Stevens Point
2001Megan Halinski, UW-Whitewater
2000Rebecca Nadler, UW-Oshkosh
Anne Terneus, UW-Whitewater
1999Shari Swiecichowski,UW-Whitewater
Gina Anderson, UW-Stevens Point
1998Jennifer Schwingle, UW-Whitewater
1997Deborah Ruckwardt, UW-Stevens Point
1996Ann Basten, UW-Whitewater
1995Meghan Marshall, Lawrence University
1994Michael Ross, UW-Madison
1993Jodi Voss, Lakeland College
1992Lisa C. Smith, UW-Madison
1991Kenneth Daniels, Lawrence University
1990John W. Scheib, UW-Whitewater
1989Ray Ostwald, Lawrence University
1989Robin L. Davis, UW-Whitewater
Richard G. Gaarder was executive director of WSMA from July 1, 1964 to June 30, 1988. He was an icon for music education in Wisconsin and a leader in "laying the groundwork" for music programs throughout the state.

Congratulations to the 2020 Award Recipient

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53597

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