The Helen Kemp Award

The Helen Kemp Award, initiated in 2010 and named in honor of its first awardee, honors an individual who, through teaching, performing, and sharing, exhibits a lifelong passion and commitment to the choral art. Learn more about this award and submit a nomination.

The Jamie Spillane Award

The Jamie Spillane Award, created in 2026, honors an individual whose sustained service and leadership have significantly advanced the mission, vision, and vitality of the American Choral Directors Association. The award recipient demonstrates a long-standing commitment to ACDA at the local, state, regional, and/or national levels through volunteer leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and professional excellence. In addition, they exemplify strong character and integrity through the creation of new ACDA offerings, initiatives and events, serve as a dedicated champion for the choral arts, and embody innovation, mentorship, and a commitment to artistic growth. This award is named for its first recipient. Dr. Jamie Spillane is a past- President and Collegiate Chair for Connecticut ACDA and President- Elect for ACDA East. He is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Connecticut. In every capacity he serves, Jamie brings a philosophy of “cheerful flexibility” and “easy joy” as he ensures that all choral stakeholders feel a sense of belonging within the organization, and that they can benefit from ACDA.

Lannom Award

The Lannom Endowment Trust’s purpose is to advocate for the choral art by providing funding for the mentorship of choral conductors (29 years old and younger) that will enhance their musical understanding and artistry in conducting.

Kegerreis Collegiate Scholarship

Dick Kegerreis (1928-2002) contributed enormously to ACDA through his service as editor of the Eastern Region’s Troubadour, as national coordinator of newsletter editors, and as editor of New York’s state newsletter Choral Cues. To honor these contributions, as well as his life as a dedicated choral conductor and mentor, the Board of the Eastern Division in 2002 established the Richard I. Kegerreis ACDA Eastern Region Conference Scholarships. Scholarships are available to students studying choral music at the collegiate level to attend ACDA East Region conferences. Scholarship details (deadlines, application process, and award amounts) are published in connection with the East Region’s biennial conferences.

Funding for the Richard Kegerreis Scholarships comes from ACDA Eastern Region funds, supplemented by donations by any persons wishing to honor Richard Kegerreis. Donations are tax-deductible, and Mrs. Kegerreis will be informed of those donating to this fund as a memorial to her husband.