ROCKPORT- On May 16, Camden Hills Regional High School Chorus Director Kimberly Murphy, was a co-recipient of the 2019 Maine Music Educator of the Year, awarded by the Maine Music Educator’s Association. In addition, she was awarded the 2019 Cox-Russell Maine Distinguished Choir Director by the American Choral Directors Association.

Recipients of the Maine Music Educator of the Year must demonstrate effectiveness in teaching young people through music and the ability to inspire positive attitudes among students, school and community. They must develop and maintain an effective and balanced program in music education; demonstrate interest in, and application of educational innovation. In addition, the educator must recognize the necessity for continued professional growth and demonstrate a concern for music education by active involvement in MMEA-NafME.   

The Cox-Russell award is given to a choral educator who exhibits outstanding participation, exemplary performance, continued promotion and dedicated support of choral music in Maine.

Letters written in support of Murphy’s nomination included statements about her “willingness to go above and beyond and give of herself for the betterment of the profession, her innate ability to find the inner talent in her students; her commitment to her craft and her students as well as her ability to bring out the best in her students regardless of their abilities through positive energy, encouragement, enthusiasm and passion for music education.”

Kimberly Murphy holds degrees from Duquesne University.  

She received her National Board certification in 2009. Mrs. Murphy has served as the Choral Vice-President for the Maine Music Educators Assciation, as past president of the Maine Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and in a variety of positions within the District III Music Educators Association. 

Other awards include the District III Music Educator of the year in 2007 as well as a nomination for the 2006 Maine Teacher of the Year (now called Knox County Teacher of the Year).  Her ensembles have consistently received superior and gold ratings at both the state and national level.

Mrs. Murphy is completing her 31st year of teaching, 22 of which have been in the Five Town CSD school system.