KMEA Hall of Fame
Kenneth Forsyth
Inducted in 2010
Kenneth A. Forsyth received degrees from Southwestern College (BME), Wichita State University (MME), and post-graduate work at universities from Fort Hays to Vienna prepared him for his 43 year tenure in Kansas education. He taught vocal music at Leon, Howard, Columbus, Marion, Salina, Wichita North, and Washburn Rural public schools, with college and university stints at Friends University, McPherson College, and Southwestern College. Appearances by Ken's choirs were regular features of both the KMEA and the KCDA conventions. In addition to his teaching career, Ken directed and continues to direct numerous church and community choirs. He has had an active singing career in choirs, professional choral ensembles, and as a tenor soloist. Forsyth is often called upon to guest conduct school honor choirs and choirs associated with the American Baptist Musicians National Conference. Now in retirement he directs the Countryside United Methodist Church choir and the Shawnee Choral Society Community Chorus. One of his proudest accomplishments is the legacy he has spawned through supervising and mentoring hundreds of music educators in Kansas. Honors include KMEA Outstanding Choral Director of the Year, KCDA's Harry Robert Wilson Award, Southwestern College's Educators Hall of Fame, and Washburn Rural High School's Hall of Fame. No mention of Ken's career can be made without acknowledging his wife, Joanne. She lovingly supported him both musically and personally until her death and served as his accompanist in nearly every music endeavor.