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Stephen A. Paparo, professor of music education, has been named a 2026 inductee to the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association’s (MICCA) Paul Smith Hall of Fame. The honor, limited to just two conductors per year, is presented annually to Massachusetts music conductors who are a musical and personal inspiration to students, the community and other professional conductors.

Paparo will receive his award on Friday, March 20, as part of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference at the DCU Center in Worcester and will be honored on campus on Sunday, April 26, during the department’s presentation of Verdi’s “Requiem,” which will include the University Chorale, under Paparo’s direction. 

“I was flabbergasted when I received the call,” Paparo says. “MICCA is such a respected organization that provides tremendous music education opportunities for students and professional development for teachers. It has been a pleasure to work with so many colleagues, teachers, and students over the years. I am honored to be this year’s recipient!"

Paparo’s selection places him among some of the most respected and beloved professors from the UMass Amherst Department of Music and Dance, including Walter Chesnut, George Parks and Malcolm Rowell. Each of them was chosen for the Hall of Fame by MICCA as an educator who best represented the high personal, musical and professional teaching standards of the late Paul Smith, Sr., former director of music in the Abington Public School System.

Other criteria for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame includes a minimum of 10 years as a Massachusetts conductor, a variety of conducting experience, a recognition of the importance of regular professional growth in the music field, and an active interest in promoting the values of music education both in the local community and throughout the state.

“Stephen was nominated by several colleagues, music teachers in Massachusetts and alumni. We know he is an incredibly deserving candidate and role model music educator,” MICCA stated in their announcement of the award.

Paparo holds degrees from Michigan State University, Syracuse University, and Ithaca College, and is a Guild Certified Practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method of somatic education. Active as a guest conductor, he has conducted all-state and honor choirs at all levels in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. He has presented at international, national, and state conferences, including the International Symposium on Performance Science in Kyoto, Japan; the Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and at the American Choral Directors Association’s National and Eastern Division Conferences. 

A former public school teacher, he taught junior and senior high school choral music for 10 years in New Hartford, New York, and earned National Board Certification in 2002.

More information about the MICCA Hall of Fame and Paparo’s induction can be found on the MICCA and the Department of Music and Dance websites.