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The Ambassadors'

 

THE WILLIAM ROCHE’ AWARDWilliam Roche'

 

The William Roche’ award was named after the late William S. Roche’, a former member of the Ambassadors’ Concert Choir.  The Roche’ Award is a cash grant given annually to a young person who exhibits love of God, dedication to the community, and committed involvement in the performance, promotion, and educational enhancement of the listening audience in any venue related to the world of music. 

 

William was a native of Louisville, Kentucky.  After four-year term in the US Air Force he studied x-ray technology at the University of Kentucky.  He reenlisted in the Air Force and was assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  While there he attended the University of Oklahoma, furthering his studies in the medical arena. He rose quickly in rank and command.  His overseas assignments gave him the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and Africa.

 

Upon his discharge Roche lived briefly in Lexington, Kentucky, then established a permanent residence in Oklahoma City.  He became a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where he was an active member of the Administrative Board, an adult Sunday school teacher, and a member of the Sanctuary Choir.  Mr. Roche’ spent many years as a voice and piano instructor. 

 

During a performance at a wedding it was discovered that Roche’ possessed a voice that, with proper training, would indeed be an instrument of rare beauty.  With that thought in mind a new career was born.  Roche’ studied in the U.S. and Europe with many of the world’s most renowned voice coaches, including O.U. voice professor Mr. Thomas Carey. 

 

Mr. Roche’ was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, past president of the Baton and Keyboard Club, member of the Master Chorale, member of the Board of Directors of the Ambassadors’ Concert Choir, and a member of the National Association of Music Teachers.  In 1984 the Oklahoma City Set Club voted him one of the city’s Outstanding Civic Leaders.

William Roche’s dedication to the Ambassadors’ Concert Choir lives on in the award that bears his name, and in his legacy of dedication and service.

The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.  ~ Johann Sebastian Bach

 

The Ambassadors' Concert Choir
 1500 NE 4th Street, Suite 207, Oklahoma City, OK 73117-3003
 Phone: 405.478.3344 ~ Email: Contact Us