David Holdhusen

Dr. David Holdhusen is the Director of Choral Activities and the Douglas and Susan Tuve Distinguished Professor of Choral Music at the University of South Dakota. His responsibilities include serving as conductor for the Chamber Singers and teaching courses in conducting. In addition to his teaching duties, Holdhusen is currently the Chair of the Department of Music and Director of the university’s annual Choral Directors Institute as well as the USD Summer Music Camp. He is also the co-founder and Executive Director of the Vermillion Children’s Chorus.

Holdhusen received his Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University. He holds a M.M. from Northwestern University in Choral Conducting and a B.A. in Music with education certification from Gustavus Adolphus College. While at Gustavus, Holdhusen was elected to Pi Kappa Lambda and awarded the Presser Foundation Scholarship.

In demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, Holdhusen was the recipient of the SD-ACDA Encore Award for excellence and achievement in the field of choral music, the President’s Legacy Award, and the prestigious Belbas-Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching — the highest honor USD bestows on its educators. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the College Music Society, the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO), and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Holdhusen has had research published in national journals, presented clinics and interest sessions throughout the country, and his book, Commitment to Musical Excellence is published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. He has been elected to leadership positions in various organizations, including a term as President for the South Dakota Chapter of ACDA. Choirs under his direction have been invited to perform at state and regional conferences, have won first place and grand champion awards in music festivals throughout the country, and have been honored with the American Prize in Choral Performance.