A Nebraska Wesleyan University choir director has been recognized by the Nebraska Choral Directors Association for his commitment to singers and choirs in the state.
Dr. William Wyman, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, has been honored with the Cornell Runestad Award. The award honors professionals who have a commitment to singers and choirs in Nebraska and whose inspiration of their artistry has touched many lives.
Wyman is in his 38th year at Nebraska Wesleyan and conducts both the University Choir and the Chamber Singers. He also conducts the St. Paul United Methodist Church Chancel Choir and is the conductor and music director of the Lincoln Choral Artists.
“I have come to deeply respect how diligently Dr. Wyman works to create a wealth of quality products and overall experiences for every ensemble and organization which he is involved,” said NWU alum Wes Hansmeyer (’96) who nominated Wyman for the award. “Dr. Wyman has always believed every performance, no matter how small or how grand, deserves the best work of himself and his choir.”
Wyman has served as a clinician or guest conductor throughout the country. In 1996, the Nebraska Choral Directors Association selected Wyman as the “Outstanding Choral Director of the Year.” He received a Fulbright Scholar appointment at Seoul National University in Korea. In 2004, he was inducted into the Nebraska Music Educators Association Hall of Fame and in 2009 he made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut and returned there in May where he directed eight choirs for a performance.
The award caps a big year for Wyman. The 2012-2013 academic year included a national choir tour to Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska; an invited performance with the Munich Symphony Orchestra, the Omaha Symphony Orchestra, and an invited performance at the American Choral Directors Association Conference.
Wyman is the ninth recipient of the Runestad Award and the first recipient to earn the award while working full-time.