Harmonizing the World: The Ann Gooch Award

Additional funds for an international award

Since 2001, Sweet Adelines International has presented the Ann Gooch Award to a member who “significantly contributed to and is or has been a driving force in the development and growth of Sweet Adelines beyond the borders of North America.” The award’s legendary namesake recently contributed additional funds to award, helping to ensure continuing appreciation of members whose efforts help us truly harmonize the world.

To say Ann Gooch has been instrumental in helping Sweet Adelines spread barbershop music around the world would be a huge understatement. Sweet Adelines International recognized her many contributions in 2012 when Ann received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from then-President Renée Porzel. Ann, who has a master’s degree in education from Florida State University, joined Sweet Adelines in 1960, immediately becoming a director. Though she never sang in a chorus, she has sung in many quartets and served Sweet Adelines International in many capacities, including as a coach, Certified Music Judge, and member of the International Board. She served as International President from 1975 to 1977.

During her time as president, Ann focused much of her time on helping singers around the world form chapters, traveling to England, Holland, Sweden, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, Singapore and Australia to meet with interested singers.

In this issue of The Pitch Pipe, Lisbet Duponte calls Ann a “role model” as she describes how Ann inspired and assisted the first Swedish chapters. In the January 2020 issue of The Pitch Pipe (“Bringing Barbershop to New Zealand,” p. 32), Bella a Cappella Chorus director Patti Cooke, recipient of that year’s Ann Gooch Award, describes how Ann helped establish Sweet Adelines chapters in New Zealand.

“As a young bride, I really had no idea what New Zealand had in store for me but I am filled with gratitude that Ann Gooch made a whole world open up not only for me, but for about 700 sisters in song here in New Zealand,” said Patti. “I couldn't be more delighted to receive the award named after her.”

In a January 2013 article for The Pitch Pipe (“Passion, Singing, and Harmonizing the World,” p. 29) International Past President Renée Porzel described Ann’s influence.

“She searched out leadership everywhere she went in order to keep the program going and got in contact with any woman who expressed interest in learning more about us,” Renée wrote. “We are truly an international organization because of her absolute belief that this music must be sung by women all over the world. We are all reaping the benefits of her work today.”

Ann’s recent contribution will increase the amount of the monetary award recipients receive for their chorus or region, helping them continue Ann’s legacy of giving singers around the world the opportunity to perform, enjoy, and ensure the future of barbershop music.