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.