Hillsdale College Orchestra Director Recognized For Excellence In Conducting
James Holleman honored with Special Judges’ Citation in The American Prize
Hillsdale, Mich. — Hillsdale College congratulates professor James Holleman, music department chairman and director of orchestras and choirs, on receiving a Special Judges’ Citation for Artistic Success in Exceptional Repertoire from the 2017-2018 American Prize in Conducting for his work conducting the Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra.
“I am excited about this recognition for our orchestra, music department and Hillsdale College,” Holleman said. “I share this recognition of artistic success with the orchestra students, present and past. Without their dedication and hard work, it would not have been possible.”
Professor Holleman is the chair of Hillsdale College’s John E.N. & Dede Howard Department of Music, where he has served as director of orchestras and choirs since 1997. He previously served as assistant conductor of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra and Jackson Chorale. Holleman currently serves on the College Orchestra Directors’ Association executive committee of the National Board of Directors as the national chair of membership. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in French horn performance and a master’s in orchestral conducting. Professor Holleman was the recipient of Hillsdale College’s 1998 Emily Daugherty Award for Teaching Excellence.
The American Prize began in 2009 to honor excellence in the performing arts across a range of levels. Each year, individuals and ensembles from colleges and universities, community groups, churches and professional performance groups across the country submit recorded performances for evaluation by an accomplished panel of judges led by Maestro David Katz. Winners receive a cash prize and an award certificate. For more information on The American Prize, visit theamericanprize.org.