Introducing the 2026 MacPherson Prize Winner: Dr. Kristina Caswell MacMullen
The MacPherson Prize
Scott MacPherson, our founding Artistic Director, built a legacy of choral conducting in South Texas during his nine year tenure with the San Antonio Chamber Choir. To honor his legacy, we have created The MacPherson Prize. The MacPherson Prize recognizes excellence in choral conducting by an educator or professional choral conductor in Texas who exemplifies Scott MacPherson’s passion for choral music and dedication to the craft of choral conducting. Candidates are considered based on artistic merit as demonstrated by their abilities, cumulative body of work, and contribution to the art form in Texas.
Dr. Kristina Caswell MacMullen
Kristina Caswell MacMullen serves as the Mary Gibbs Jones Chair of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University. She conducts the Baylor A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers, and leads the graduate program in choral conducting. Prior to her appointment at BU, MacMullen served on the faculties of the University of North Texas and The Ohio State University. Her interdisciplinary work earned her the Sir William Osler Award at OSU and the President’s Special Recognition Award at UNT. MacMullen has also been recognized by TCDA for her innovation in programming.
MacMullen has conducted All-State and honors choirs throughout the United States. She has presented and co-presented interest sessions at state, regional, national and international conferences. Her teaching and conducting is featured on the recording Conducting-Teaching: Real World Strategies for Success published by GIA (2009).
Earning both the Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music degrees from Michigan State University, MacMullen completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Texas Tech University. She has enjoyed a diverse career as a public-school teacher, interacting with students in rural, suburban, and urban settings, elementary through high school. She also sings with the professional ensemble Mirabai.
Previous Prize Winners
2023 – Dr. Lynne Gackle, Baylor University
2019 – Dr. Christopher Aspaas, Texas Christian University
2017 – Dr. Steven Holcomb, Dallas Baptist University