The purpose for this award is to uphold high standards of excellence in repertoire selection, to acknowledge and reward creativity in performing choral performance, and to affirm the importance of quality secondary and undergraduate choral training throughout the State of Minnesota.

The Award for Creative Programming is presented annually in November by Philip Brunelle or a representative of VocalEssence to a non-professional choral organization in the state of Minnesota. Award selection will be made by a review committee determined by Mr. Brunelle. The decisions of the review committee will be final and the committee reserves the right not to make an award.

The award alternates between two categories. In even years, college and university/community choruses, may apply; and in odd years, middle/junior high school and high school chorus may apply.
 

Photo	Year	Recipient	Institution
	2011	André Heywood	St. John's Boy's Choir
	2010	Jane Ramseyer Miller	One Voice Mixed Chorus
	2009	Joshua Shank	Prior Lake High School
	2006	Michael Culloton	Rochester Choral Arts Ensemble
	2004	Michael Tamte-Horan	St. Cloud State University
	2003	Matthew Culloton	Hopkins High School
	2002	Patricia Kazarow	Gustavus Adolphus College
	2000	Thomas Paulson	Edina Chorale
	1999	Al Hawkins	New Ulm High School
	1997	Robert Sieving	St. Cloud Apollo High School
	1996	David Mennicke	Concordia University