Russell-Cox
​Distinguished Choral Director of the Year

Named for Dr. Robert Russell (Professor Emeritus, University of Southern Maine) and Dr. Dennis Cox (Professor Emeritus, University of Maine) for their contributions to choral music in the state, this honor is awarded each year at the ACDA Spring Luncheon to a colleague who exhibits the qualities below. 

The selection process begins with open nominations, which are then vetted for the criteria below by a committee of past presidents. Finalists are then sent out to be voted on by the full membership. The recipient must be an active member of Maine ACDA. 

Virgil Bozeman, 2024 Russell-Cox award winner, stands with President Ashley Albert (left) and Dr. Bob Russell (right)

Nominate an esteemed choral director by clicking here.
Note: Anyone can nominate a choral director for the Russell-Cox Award.

Criteria for Nominees:
1. Current membership in ACDA
2. Commitment to performance excellence and appropriate repertory standards
3. Advocacy for choral music in the community
4. Active participation in ACDA functions and statewide activities
5. Contributions to ACDA through work in district, state, regional or national conventions, committees, etc.

Russell-Cox Distinguished Choral Director of the Year Award 
 
2024  Virgil Bozeman
​2023  Heidi Corliss
2022  Ashley Albert
2019  Kim Murphy
2018  Rebecca DeWan
2018  Peter Stickney
2017  Pam Rhein
2016  Wendy Northrup
2015  Rick Dustin
2014  Nora Krainis
2013  Matthew Murray
2012  Rob Westerberg
2011  Cathy Murray
2011  Kevin Rhein
2010  Beth Preston
2009  Darrell Morrow
2008  David Stevenson
2007  Erin Lowell
2007  Richard Nickerson
2006  Gary Marcet
2005  Denise Parkhurst
2004  Jaye Churchill
2003  Lise Dunn
2002  Jay Nelson
2001  Heidi Corliss
2000  Anthony Antolini
1999  Daniel Ladner
1998  Betsey Lavway
1997  The Management (Barbershop Quartet)
           Larry Bean, Michael Martin, Christopher Peterson, Kirk Young
1996  Gerard Chamberlin
1995  Barbara Franklin
1994  None Awarded
1993  Dennis Cox
           Robert Russell
1992  Janice Smith
1991  Margaret “Peggy” LaForge