Abigail Butler Receives KSC Music Department Distinguished Alumni Award

KEENE, N.H., 03/25/09 - Dr. Abigail Butler is the recipient of the Keene State College Music Department’s 2008-09 Distinguished Alumni Award. She will be receiving the award on May 2, during the KSC Concert Choir and Monadnock Chorus performance at 8:00 p.m. in the Main Theatre of the Redfern Arts Center on Brickyard Pond. Advance tickets are available at the Toadstool bookstores - $17 for adults, $10 for children - and online. Tickets will be available at the door for $20 and $13 the evening of the performance.

Butler completed her undergraduate degree in vocal performance from Keene State in 1980, studying under music faculty member Carroll J. Lehman. She received her master of music degree from Midwestern State University in Texas and a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Arizona.

Butler taught vocal and classroom music to grades K-12 for 13 years in New Hampshire public schools. She is a member of the National Music Honor Society, Pi Kappa Lambda; the Music Educators National Conference; and the American Choral Directors Association.

Butler served as guest conductor for state and regional junior high music festivals, in addition to adjudicating for the New Hampshire All-State Chorus and the New England Music Festival Association. She has appeared as soprano soloist with the Keene Chorale, the Monadnock Chorus, and various churches in New Hampshire and Texas. In addition to receiving her award, Butler will also present workshops for Keene State music students while visiting the campus. Butler is a native of Keene, N.H., and currently resides in Eastpointe, Mich., with her husband.