Andrew Larson, DMA, associate dean and professor in Stetson’s School of Music, received the 2019 Florida American Choral Directors Association’s highest conducting and service honor, the R. Wayne Hugoboom Distinguished Service Award. 

The ACDA was founded in 1959 by a small group of American choral conductors including Huguboom, who had a stellar career as a choral conductor in Florida.  The award was established over 35 years ago in his honor and is annually given to a successful choral conductor and leader from the state of Florida. The award was announced on Oct. 25 at the 2019 Florida ACDA Conference held in Orlando. 

The citation was presented by Timothy Peter, DMA, a lifelong member of ACDA and dean of the School of Music, along with two former Stetson students who studied under Larson: Shane Thomas ‘12 and Sandra Shafer ‘12.

Larson joined the Stetson faculty in 2002 and has conducted all of the Stetson School of Music Choral ensembles.  He is currently the associate dean for the School of Music and conducts the Stetson University Women’s Chorale. His contributions of service as a choral music educator, coupled with his commitment to the Florida American Choral Directors Association, afforded him this deserving commemoration and distinction.

“Andrew Larson is one of the finest choral colleagues one could ever imagine working with daily here at Stetson,” said Peter. “I can think of no better or more deserving Florida choral director and servant leader. He is respected throughout the nation and is beloved here in Florida.  Once again, the Stetson University School of Music has gained further recognition, known for its top-notch faculty, such as Dr. Larson and his recent accolades.”