Accolades





PRESS / MEDIA                                                                                                                            



FAN MAIL                                                                                                                                     

July 6, 2010

Dear Maestra McGuire,

I am pleased to inform you that you are one of only six conductors nationwide to have been awarded a special citation in 2010 from The American Prize for Excellence in Music Education, for your work with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. It is a recognition of distinction, noting you as among America’s finest teachers of the art of music. 

As your work demonstrates, excellence in music education is not confined to the classroom or to the applied music studio. Conductors, whether leading school ensembles, community or professional organizations, have a major role in education, not only of the performers they lead with such diligence, but also of audiences of all ages, boards, donors, media, parents, and the community at large. In fact, everyone who comes in contact with an ensemble and its musical leadership benefits from the teaching and learning the conductor directs. As we witness more and more school music programs in peril, as the study of (and the knowledge of) music becomes more and more of an afterthought, the conductor assumes a greater role than ever before in bringing the value of this great art to the attention of American society.

We congratulate you for your efforts and wish you continued success and fulfillment in broadening your community’s appreciation of the arts.

Sincerely,

David Katz, chief judge
The American Prize
WEBSITE: www.theamericanprize.org


  • I want to thank you for ALL you have done in San Francisco and beyond with the SFGMC. Your presence in this city has been remarkable, concerts inspiring, and your fundraising efforts, unparalleled. - conductor colleague, December 2010 


  •  I have had the esteemed privilege of singing with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus under Kathleen's artistic direction and leadership. She is an amazing conductor, very intelligent and personable. She is a great teacher and mentor! She is a true philanthropist and humanitarian and I would love to work with her in the future. I truly recommend Kathleen due to her outstanding qualities both personally and professionally. - choir member, August 2010


  •  Thank you for everything you've done over the past 10 years, and more personally, for the last seven plus years I have been in the chorus. I made friends who have become the best friends I've ever had. I believe a large reason why this has happened is because of your leadership in creating a welcoming and friendly choral environment. When I first joined, I barely knew how to read music. Over the years, I have learned so much from you musically. Thank you. I truly love to sing and I owe most of my music education to you. I have also learned how to be a better teacher from you. The way you interact with us at rehearsals is amazing. You're prepared, strict, funny, engaging, clear, and respectful. Everything a great teacher should be. Many times I have used your techniques of teaching us a song when I teach my students some concept. Your influence in my life is something I will forever cherish. I wish you the absolute best, as you deserve nothing less. - chorus member, December 2010 


  • I want you to know what a positive impact you have had on my life. Becoming a part of SFGMC in 2005 and working under your direction has been a great experience. - chorus member, December 2010


  • Kathleen, I finished reading the BAR article and my eyes welled with tears. I am so very proud of you and couldn't begin to tell you how wonderful that you are going to SOS. You truly are an inspiration and I could not think of a more talented and giving individual to head up this incredible task. I have a feeling a lot of these unfortunate people have incredible voices and we know how healing singing can be to the heart and the soul! - former choir member, December 2010  


  • It was because of the ongoing rehearsals and vocal training that came out of my time with you that I have had some very successful roles here in the Midwest with musical theatre. I wanted to thank you because you gave the me the opportunity by auditioning me and welcoming me into the Chorus. And I always respected you as a leader. You impacted my life more than you could know. - former choir member, December 2010   


  • I am so grateful to have had the chance to sing under Dr. Kathleen McGuire's baton for two years. Incredibly talented, deeply passionate, and just plain fun to be around. Congrats Kathleen! - former choir member, December 2010 


  • Kathleen, I meant to come and find you after rehearsal. I had such a GREAT time last night! You're truly an inspiration. Thank you for the fun, the joy, and the amazing music-making you have brought into my life. - choir member, September 2010

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