Mike & Carol Smith Music Scholarship

The Michael and Carol Smith Vocal Music scholarship is awarded to a student who is planning to pursue a degree in Vocal Music Instruction.
God, Family, and Music make up the strong and guiding influences in Michael Smith’s life. From early childhood to the present he has felt and responded to God’s presence in his life, enjoyed the unconditional love and support of family, and reveled in the joy of making music as a singer and as a conductor.
In 1989, Smith was named Brainerd Teacher of the Year, and was one of nine finalists for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. In 1990 he was honored to receive the Minnesota Music Educators Association Choral Director of the Year Award, and in 1999 he was named the Minnesota American Choral Directors Association Choral Director the year. In 2005, the National Federation of State High School Associations named him Outstanding Music Educator of the Year.
Smith has served on the Board of Minnesota Music Educators Association and was president of Minnesota American Choral Directors Association. He continues to be very active as a choral clinician and voice teacher. He likes to think of his choirs as large voice classes where individuals can learn how to properly use their voices as they sing great literature. He is an active member of NAfME, MMEA, and ACDA.